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Every month we choose someone special in our area, be it a local business, artist, non-profit group, place of interest or service provider, and they are featured in in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading about them and consider them for a future service!
March 2013 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month’s Spotlight On features Brishen Thomas, owner of Roberts Hardwood Floors. He offers custom designs, installs, refinishes, hand scraping, and re-coating (maintenance) of wood floors. When it comes to wood floors Brishen is atrue expert. He has 14 years experience in the industry. Whatever your wood floor needs, he can help. He says, “We work with you to select only the highest quality materials and take pride in our craftsmanship and your finished product."
We guarantee our workmanship and provide you, our customer, with the correct technical information so you can make informed decisions about the best wood and finish for your hardwood flooring project.” In 2005 Brishen became the owner of Roberts Hardwood Floors. Brishen states that “Craftsmanship is the hallmark of our business”, and he has excelled in a down market since he took over at Roberts Hardwood Floors. Brishen attributes this to his hard work ethic, and offering high quality at an affordable price. “My business and client base has grown thanks to Eugene's close-knit community and to my attention to detail and dedication to quality craftsmanship.” Adding, “The floor finishes that I use are natural oil and water based finish low in VOC's and compliant with indoor air quality standards. I provide prompt and friendly service.”
Whether you have a repair, a refinish, or you want to install new wood or laminate flooring, Brishen at Roberts Hardwood Floors can help you. Contact Brishen at Roberts Hardwood Floors, Call Direct: 541-729-4019, e-mail: rhwfloors@yahoo.com Online: robertshardwoodfloors.com.
Estimates are free, and Brishen has generously offered a 5% discount to our readers for mentioning the newsletter.
February 2013 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month’s feature shines on Peggy Johnston, Licensed Acupuncturist. Many ask, “What does acupuncture treat?” The range of possibilities is large. A typical day in the clinic involves treating someone who is in some kind of pain, whether it’s a headache or foot pain, or something in between. Some of the more common issues include sports injuries, women’s health issues, and digestive symptoms, to name a few. This ancient Eastern practice has a huge range of helpful treatments. Peggy began her practice in 1996 upon receiving a Masters degree in Oriental Medicine from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland. Her path to this unusual medicine started earlier after attending the U of O. Peggy says, “After graduating I moved to Hawaii and learned more about alternative care. and began being treated with acupuncture. I was hooked. It was then that knew I wanted to practice acupuncture as my career and pursued a degree.”
Peggy utilizes a variety of techniques to promote client wellness. Acupuncture needles, which are extremely thin, can be used for a wide range of symptoms and to improve general health. Cupping treatments use suction to help release tension or blockage. Micro-current is especially helpful in quickly releasing tight muscles and tendons in both acute and chronic pain conditions. Herbal formulas treat issues like sinusitis, bronchitis, or a simple cold, as well as helping ease more ongoing conditions. With clients, it is sometimes hard to get to the heart of the matter. Peggy says, “I spend a good deal of time with people who come in the clinic because I want to understand exactly what it is that they need and what they want help with… I pride myself on my ability to listen.” Hannah has been suffering from some neck and shoulder issues. She found Peggy’s treatments to be extremely helpful in overcoming her issues.
For many years Peggy worked at the Chiropractic Healing Center in Eugene. Then in 2010 she opened her own clinic downtown, called the Big Yellow House. (BYH, because it is just that, a house, big and yellow!) Her wonderful assistant Sherri Wyatt makes it all happen in the front office. Naturopathy, counseling and massage are also offered at BYH.
If you are interested in acupuncture or wonder if it might be beneficial to you, call 541-505-7708, or visit acupeggy.com . BYH is located at 1397 Willamette St. Check it out, both Hannah and Peggy promise, you will be glad you did!
January 2013 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month our Spotlight shines on Ben Mooney, owner of Ridgeline Painting LLC. Ben has made a living as a professional painter for 18 years. In 2010 he opened Ridgeline painting. Ben has succeeded in growing a young business during a challenging economic time. He says, “Ridgeline Painting was a one man show for the first two years, hiring only temporary labor when needed. Last spring a full time employee was hired and a painting van purchased.”
Ridgeline Painting works closely with home owners helping them protect and beatify one of their largest investments. Ben is very experienced and knowledgeable. Ridgeline can fix any type of existing paint problems you may have, and they are certified to work on homes containing lead paint. Ridgeline Painting also does carpentry, so they can repair rotten or damaged areas. They do it all, from exterior pressure washing and painting a small commercial building, to multi-color interiors with color wash accent walls. Ridgeline will even install fresh new trim or baseboards in your home if desired. With all that experience they can also help choose colors you will love.
Ben's work ethic is to provide courteous, clean and high quality paint jobs at a very reasonable price. Of course, a selection of no and low VOC paints are available. Billy and Hannah have recommended Ridegline painting to clients and have received great feedback. We are confident you will feel at ease leaving your home painting needs in the hands of Ben Mooney and Ridgeline Painting.
You can contact Ben for a consultation at 541-954.3239 or by email: ben@ridgelinepainting.com.
December 2012 Spotlight On…
This month’s spotlight shines on the Springfield Eugene Habitat for Humanity ReStore. We had a chance to talk to the new ReStore Director Scott Morris. He is very excited about what is happening at this non-profit agency. Habitat for Humanity opened the ReStore two years ago. ReStore sells new and used quality building and home improvement materials at very affordable prices. Scott pointed out, “All money generated at Restore stays in our local community aiding Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing. This is accomplished by building safe, simple, decent, affordable houses for people in need.”
The ReStore inventory is donated by individuals and businesses that care about making a difference. Since the products are donated, stock and inventory change on a daily basis. Billy has been to ReStore on many occasions working on home improvement and rental repairs. He says “It is always fun to shop at ReStore. There is nearly every type of building material and supply you can imagine also you commonly find furniture, art, home décor, power tools, seasonal holiday décor, even spray paint. All of it is priced very inexpensively.”
ReStore doubled its revenue in the second year of operation. They have three full time employees, and a number of workers who are funded by various training and/or job placement agencies. Scott feels, “What really makes the store special is the fact that we have incredible and truly dedicated volunteers. Without the help of our volunteers we would not be able to keep our store running.”
If you have not shopped at Restore, you are in for a treat. The staff is really happy and helpful, the products are clean, well organized, indoors, and if you make purchases you know you are helping Habitat provide housing for people in need. ReStore is located at 1210 Oak Patch (just off W. 11th) and open from 10:00-6:00 Tuesday-Saturday. Check it out, we think you will like it. There are several other ways to help ReStore and Habitat for Humanity.
Call 541-344-4809 for free pick up of large saleable items you want to donate. At the store you can drop usable donations, they accept financial donations, you can volunteer to work there, or schedule to help with an actual build (pretty cool, no experience necessary!).
November 2012 SPOTLIGHT On...
This month’s Spotlight On features Chinook Properties, Inc., a full services property management company. Keith Nelson and Greg Young, co-owners, have been business partners for 25 years. In 2001 they opened Chinook Properties. Chinook specializes in single family residential homes. Keith explains, “Our purpose is to maximize the owner’s return on their real estate investment by keeping the rental property maintained and fully occupied. We are knowledgeable of current prices and trends in the rental market. We prepare the house for the rental market, advertise its availability, process the applications and choose the eligible tenant. We collect rents and handle maintenance issues. Each month we provide our owners with a statement outlining all financial activity.”
When they began they managed one rental home, and now take care of over 600 homes. Currently a company of 4 people Greg says, “We maintain the growth of our company by selecting the kinds of properties that are the best mutual fit for us and our clients. We do not want to be the biggest rental agency in town, we consider ourselves to be the best. Our clients trust that their best interest is our top priority.” In order to build and maintain that trust. Keith and Greg are there to answer any questions or concerns themselves.
There are many variables in the home rental business that may feel intimating to a home owner. Keith says, “Our goal is to control the knowns, and to minimize the unknowns.” If you need some peace of mind with your investment property, or find managing the rental of your old home to be to much, we encourage you to check out Chinook Properties, Inc. On-line at www.chinookproperties.net ,
They are located at 1590 High St. Eugene OR 97401, or phone 541-484-0493. We think you will be glad you did.
October 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month’s Spotlight On features our friend Rich Locus. In 2001 he started his computer consulting company, Logicwurks, LLC. The clients that Logicwurks services includes individuals, small businesses and large corporations. What Rich does for them is to make their lives easier. He says, “My mission is to save my clients time and money, and provide services and applications that can speed daily operations. My success in business is attributed to my relentless pursuit of client satisfaction.”
Rich is a CPA and a Microsoft expert. So while he comes from a highly technical background, “One of my most important skills is to listen to my clients and communicate effectively in English... not Computer-speak.” Logicwurks offers many services that range from Migration from older computers to newer hardware and software platforms, migrating e-mail from Outlook Express to the newer mail versions, installation of Microsoft Security Essentials, configuring systems, setting up data back-up systems, and specialized financial reports. While many of these services are very technical in nature, computer users day to day operations become faster and easier. “ In addition,” Rich says, “ I provide training and expertise so that my clients can become self-sufficient in the use and management of their computer tools.”
It is a fast changing world he works in, but Rich has kept up. In 2011 he received the Microsoft Community Contributor's Award for providing excellent technical assistance to new developers who use the Microsoft Technical forums.
Rich is an all- around fabulous guy. He bikes, hikes, swims, as well as volunteers, donates, and boards for a host of good causes and events. Check outlogicwurks.com or you can call Rich at (541) 513-6121. He’s promised discounts if you mention the newsletter.
September 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month’s Spotlight shines on David Owens, owner of Owens Pools & Spas. Hannah & Billy became most familiar with David’s business when he installed a pool at another friends home. His work is amazing! The original Owen’s Pools was started by David’s dad in the seventies. David has worked in the business for 26 years. When his dad passed away in 2007 David restarted the company as Owen’s Pools & Spas.
David can design and install pools to accommodate any situation. The range of possibilities includes materials such as vinyl, Gunite, stainless steel and tile, and of course popular designs include swim spas and fitness pools. He prefers working with low chemical systems using a combination of Ultra-Violet Light and Silver Cartridges, drastically reducing the chemicals you need to use.
At Owen’s Pools & Spas individual attention to every facet of design and installation is what sets them apart. David prides himself on his attention to detail and customer service. He points out, “My entire business is based on customer service and I strive to have the best customer service in the pool and spa industry in the area. Other companies sub-contract everything and then are not there to oversee the project. With me, you have the owner of the company building your pool.” With the help of his wife Morning and a few seasonal employees Owen’s Pools & Spas has grown it’s business every year since 2007, and are on track for their best year yet.
David has generously offered $1,500 off any signed contract of a new build, Pool or Spa, through December 2012. You can check out their web site at www.owens-pools.com or call 541-998-8265.
August 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month’s Spotlight shines on one of our favorite Western Cascade retreats, Belknap Hot Springs, Lodge and Gardens. If you have never been there it is time to take a short drive up the McKenzie River Highway. First and foremost Belknap features two mineral hot spring pools. They can sooth an ailing body in short order. People come from far and wide just for the easy access to the constantly circulated hot spring water in the pools. The lodge and lower pool are scenically located beside the roaring upper McKenzie River. The grounds and pathways provide a number of breathtakingtreats and surprises including trout ponds, Asian gardens, and the extravagant Secret Garden.
The location of Belknap Hot Springs is another one of its quality features. Just past McKenzie Bridge, it is amid many of the finest spots the Western Cascades have to offer. The gorgeous McKenzie River provides some of the best fishing and rafting there is. The McKenzie River Trail literally crosses the driveway of the lodge. The world famous hiking/biking trail goes for 26 miles from breathtaking Clear Lake, along the back side of Sahalie Falls, past the amazing Blue Pool and on all the way down to McKenzie Bridge. The beginning of the old Scenic McKenzie Highway is just miles away, offering a windy back door entry to the Central Cascades. Golf enthusiasts love Tokatee, just down the road. Numerous other creeks, lakes and trails are easily accessible too. No matter how you spend your days, it’s just a short trip back to the the hot springs and lodge. You can pay just for a quick dip in the mineral pools. If you need a place to stay, they offer rooms in the lodge, small cabins, large cabins, RV hook-ups, and even tent sites. The range of options makes Belknap the perfect place for a family reunions, weddings and a variety of other gatherings. Check them out at www.belknaphotsprings.com.
July 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month’s Spotlight On features SeQuential Biofuels. SeQuential just opened a new station at 18th and Chambers, five years after opening their first near LCC. Alan Twigg is the COO for both stations. As we discovered there is a lot to know* *about SeQuential!
SeQuential and its production partner Pacific Biodiesel have been the largest producer of biodiesel in the northwest since 2005. They have a passion for sustainability and locally-made, cleaner-burning biofuels. All of the biodiesel (for diesel engines) is produced in Salem from used cooking oil collected from local restaurants. The bioethanol (for gasoline engines) is produced near Portland by Summit Natural Energy and is made from expired fruit processing sugars. According to Twigg: “In an industry dominated by corporate monopoly and the absence of innovation, SeQuential offers a real alternative here and now.”
SeQuential is an Oregon-owned and Oregon-run fuel company. In short, more of the money you spend at SeQuential stays in our regional economy, and lessons U.S. demand on foreign oil. At the same time, the exhaust from your engine has fewer lifecycle CO2 emissions and much lower toxic emissions. Any car can make the switch to “Local.Cleaner.Better.”
SeQuential takes the fueling experience to whole new level. “We want to create something truly unique that recognizes and responds to the impact a business has on its community and environment,” says Twigg. The first station near LCC features a 33.6kW solar array, a Living Roof, bio-swales to capture abundant Oregon stormwater, a passive-solar building design, and much more. The second station on 18th is under-going a gradual makeover from traditional gas station to “Biofuel Station.” Look for cool
sustainable features in the near future.
SeQuential uses the same local, sustainable practices in their natural markets. Whether you prefer vegan, vegetarian, local, or simply eco-conscious edibles, they have you covered. Some of the features include a full-service coffee/espresso bar featuring Cafe Mam organic beans, fresh-made sandwiches and salads featuring local and organic ingredients, kombucha on tap from local producers, disc golf discs, a wide selection of local micro-brews, healthy snacks and drinks, and a plethora of deliciouspastries from Eugene’s finest bakeries including Sweet Life, Humble Bagel, Hideaway Bakery, Holy Donuts, and Divine Cupcakes.
Some may wonder if there really is a difference. The answer is, "Yes!" Check out SeQuential’s website www.sqbiofuels.com for specifics, or just visit one of their stations for a truly unique experience!
June 2012 SPOTLIGHT On...
“This month's "Spotlight On" features our good friend Justin Lanphear, a Senior Landscape Architect at Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture & Planning. Cameron McCarthy was founded in 1952 by Wallace "Mac" Ruff. Over the years Cameron McCarthy has remained a small/medium sized local company that has a large presence in the growth and development of Eugene and throughout the northwest. Justin points out, "Our proportion of registered professionals is remarkable for an Oregon firm of this size: 9 of our 14 members are licensed landscape architects, and one member is a licensed planner (AICP).
Many may wonder, "What is landscape architecture?" It is the design and art of creating outdoor spaces. Whether it involves the design and layout of a plaza, a campus gateway, an athletic field complex, restoring a riparian edge, or creating a garden, landscape architects employ a diverse knowledge set that utilizes understanding of engineering, architecture, horticulture, and science to develop designed outdoor spaces that provide for both aesthetics and function. While this sounds simple enough, the job has many hidden challenges. Projects of larger scope may involve local, state, and federal funding, and at the same time must meet the demands of an array of deadlines, land use restrictions and laws.
One of the largest projects Justin has worked on is ODOT's Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge. This project which will run for many years involved a complex series of land-use planning approvals, full range landscape restoration, as well as working with a variety of stakeholder groups to help facilitate the inclusion of several artistic enhancements to the project. Interestingly, one specific feature to the Willamette River Bridge project includes an interpretive element pertaining to Eugene's historic millrace. On a smaller scale, Justin is currently working on Ninkasi Brewing Company's Phase 2 Expansion, developing the site design, landscape design, and storm water design as well as ushering the project through various land-use hurdles. While these two jobs are of considerably different scope, here some of the complexities of being a landscape architect are highlighted.
Cameron McCarthy has their stamp all over Eugene. They helped with the Autzen Stadium Expansion, Hayward Field Renovation for the Olympic Trials and PK Park and numerous other buildings and features at U of O. You may have been exposed to their work at Oakway Center, LTD EmX and Springfield stations, Symantec, Royal Caribbean Call Center, or Slocum Center, all of which were Cameron McCarthy projects.
The firm is a member of the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) and three members are LEED Accredited Professionals. You can check their web site at www.cameronmccarthy.com/. Cameron McCarthy can also be reached by phone at 541.485.7385
May 2012 SPOTLIGHT On...
This month the Spotlight shines on the Eugene Millrace. The nearly forgotten canal still serves as a window to Eugene's past. Bernard Shaw was one of the earliest settlers to the Eugene area. Atop Judkin's Point, he had a vision to connect two side sloughs off the Willamette River. With the help of Avery Smith, Shaw finished the original millrace by 1852, just 6 years after Eugene Skinner first settled the area. The Industrial Age was born in Eugene. The first business on the millrace was Shaw's own sawmill. To picture what Eugene must have looked like in those days,imagine a young Laura Ingles walking past the paddle wheel powered sawmill in Walnut Grove. A gristmill was completed in 1855, saving residents the difficult trip to Oregon City to have their wheat milled. The following year, the very successful Eugene City Distilling Co. was producing 70 gallons of whiskey a day when the city population was only 200.
By the 1870's the millrace dominated Eugene's landscape. Industry and business thrived around the millrace and it's arterials. A sampling of these businesses includes a furniture factory, tannery, woolen mill, lumber mill, sash and door factory. As of 1870 Eugene's population was 850 people, but that was going to change. Linkage of the Oregon and California railroads in 1871 secured Eugene's industrial footing for decades to come. In 1876 the University of Oregon opened. A new chapter of recreational use on the millrace was quick to follow. In 1890 the first boat rental shop opened and not for the last time, a flood destroyed the millrace entry point. As the little settlement of Eugene grew into a town, people began building homes at the edge of the millrace. In the 1900’s students had adopted the millrace for romantic rowboat and comical canoe excursions.
This tradition would eventually grow into the very popular Canoe Fete, a lighted canoe parade held annually by the U of O.
1910 brought unexpected problems for mill race. As millrace owners tried to increase flow to the three wide channels of the millrace, land use disputes arose with homeowners along the shores. Some disputes were said to involve guns. Courts intervened. Disputes were eventually settled, but development of industry along the Millrace had slowed due to the conflicts. In the 20's electricity was becoming common, and industry along the millrace was in full decline. While industrial interest had dried up by the 1940's, recreational use was surging. The Millrace was much bigger than the small trench we see today.
The Canoe Fete peaked in popularity in 1941 when plans were drawn for a 5000 seat grandstand. These days, it is hard to imagine such interest in a canoe parade. WWII put an end to any ideas for a grandstand. Poor planning on rail and highway projects lessened flow rates, in and out of the Millrace. A series of floods would again destroy the entry gate at Judkin's Point and in 1945 the millrace ran dry. In 1947 the city of Eugene became owner and repaired the millrace. Unfortunately, it would never return to it's previous glory. By the late 1940's lower sections of the millrace were replaced by underground conduit so the Ferry St Bridge could be built. The 1970's found little appreciation for the once grand Millrace. It's stagnant water was considered the most unsafe in the city for swimming. The Canoe Fete was abandoned for good. Now cleaned up, but nearly forgotten, Eugene's oldest man made structure is but tiny reflection of it's past self. The quaint canal has a storied history, and serves only as a reminder of how Eugene came to be. You can learn more at www.eugeneneighbors.org/wiki/Eugene_Millrace
April 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month's "Spotlight On" features Lisa and Steven Bass, owners of LBASS Cosmetics andSkin Care. With nearly 30 years in the business, Lisa's resume is impressive. She is one of themost well known estheticians on the west coast.Lisa has worked her skin care magic with doctors (post laser treatments and plastic surgery), top skin care salons, and was also the head of skin care faculty for the world famous Joe Blasco Make Up School of Hollywood. Lisa says, "Come and experience the anti agingand soothing aromatherapuetic Yonka or the Epicuren medically based enzyme facials, we promise you that there is nothing else like it in Eugene." Your makeup session will include the expert application of the appropriate LBASS Cosmetics, a makeup lesson and an introduction to our impeccably packaged and mostly mineral based makeup line which features wonderful colors to suit every skin tone. To complete the beauty package LBASS offers expert waxing and brow work. Of course, cold or hot beverages are always served.
Lisa loves what she does and it is obvious. "My goal is to educate every client on the skin care program and make up that best suites them, and to make everyone that walks through my door feel comfortable and special. Let me help you fall in love with your make up and your skin care all over again." LBASS chose the heart of Eugene as its location. This business aims to be a leader in the renaissance of downtown. You know you are in for a treat as you enter LBASS studio, which evokes the feeling of classic Hollywood/Beverly Hills Glamour.
Lisa and Steven bring a new level of professionalism to skin care and treatment in Eugene. You owe it to yourself to check out LBASS.
It is located at 260 West Broadway.
You can call 48LBASS (485-2777) or check them out on the web at www.lbasscosmetics.com . They have generously included Beauty Bucks, good towards any purchase or service at the salon.
March 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month's Spotlight shines on Don Smith and Central Print. Don owns and operates Central Print which was started by his dad Wes in 1972. 40 years later the business is still family owned and operated. Central Print has a wide range of products and services available. Central Print is a full service print and reprographics shop. They offer a complete range of printing services including: offset, digital color and black and white, blue printing, large format color, large format reprographics, and legal copy. In order to make those presentations really pop Central Print can offer many finishing touches such as laminating, mounting, and binding.
As the printing industry has changed, many businesses now require quality printing tools in their offices. Central Print has grown to meet the modern needs of today's businesses. Central Print is an authorized dealer for Oce, Canon, Kip and HP plotters and supplies. Don says," These advanced printers are used for engineering and other highly technical projects so they have to be great. If we cannot stand behind it we won't sell it." To round out the products and services that they handle Central Print also offers repair services on these advanced new machines. In closing, Don points out, "It is a matter of pride to me that we are a local company. Our emphasis is to keep things local and provide the highest quality product to our customers at the lowest possible price."
Hannah and Billy have been very happy with their work and customer service over the last four plus years. If you or your company have printing needs, you can call Central Print at 541-342-3624, visit their web site centralreprographics.com, or just pop in at 47 W 5th Ave, Eugene and check out their wide range of services.
February 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
February's spotlight shines on Bob Bury And Sue Sabbot, founders of Euphoria Chocolates, Eugene's iconic confection shop. Bob's love of chocolates started early on. His grand-mother worked in the chocolate business for a large part of her life. Bob and his company have now surpassed grandma's career as he says, "We’ve been in business in Eugene for 31 years. I always tell people that I got into the business to support my habit, having grown up in a home in the San Francisco Bay area with a Mom and Grandmother who made chocolates and desserts."
At Euphoria, chocolates continue to be a family affair. They currently employ about 40 full and part time employees; Bob considers his crew family and says many have worked at Euphoria for over 15 years. Euphoria Chocolates started small. The first permanent shop opened on 17th and Willamette in 1981. Euphoria's chocolate truffles helped to build and secure their reputation for top quality sweets. From the beginning, Euphoria was all about quality, and, innovation working with new combinations of ingredients and new product lines, and no compromises. Bob points out, “We’re always looking for new, different, and exciting ways to use chocolate, including our newest, “Spice Trade Truffles”, a line of gourmet chocolate sauces, and “Crèmes’ Maison, rich chocolate creams in the French tradition." It is from this tradition of quality and innovation that Euphoria has become such a local tradition.
Euphoria is proud to be part of the Eugene-Springfield community and are very thankful for the support of their customers. They are good stewards of the environment, including using local sources, re-using shipping packaging, and using low-voltage, solid state lighting in the factory. They are ongoing supporters of Birth-To-Three, Committed Partners for Youth, Pearl Buck, The Eugene Symphony, Lane Community College, and many other worthy causes. Besides the original store on 17th and Willamette, you can find Euphoria Chocolates at convenient sites at Valley River Center, Oakway Center, and the factory store at Stewart and Bertelsen. Their website is www.euphoriachocolate.com. You can become a fan of Euphoria Chocolates on Facebook where they sometimes have special deals just for their fan base.
January 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month's Spotlight On features Rob Singer L.Ac of Acupuncture For The People. Rob and his partners have created a new twist on one of the world’s most ancient forms of health care. As Rob describes, "Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most widely practiced systems of medicine on the planet. It is a simple, safe and holistic approach to healing and wellness. It addresses all aspects of health – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It is an effective treatment for almost every health condition you can think of!" This was quite evident to Billy on his first visit. New clients fill out a form which suggests many of the possible ailments that can be treated. The list and range of possible treatments is amazing.
Acupuncture For The People is just that - a community centered healing practice whose goal is to make Chinese Medicine more accessible. Instead of private rooms, patients recline in comfortable chairs while relaxing in a welcoming, down-to-earth environment. Several clients are seen per hour so each person can pay less, making the medicine available to everybody regardless of income.
Even though Rob looks like a contemporary young guy, he has been practicing this ancient discipline for nearly 10 years. In 2006 he opened Acupuncture For The People. The community setting allows for treatment of many more people per hour than the, "one-on-one" approach. Rob says, "I first heard of Community Acupuncture in an article about Social Entrepreneurship and immediately took to the idea of practicing in a way that would not only provide a needed service, but would also benefit the community at large." One result of this methodology is that Rob and his staff have treated over 25,000 patients in the last five years. That number of treatments may be in the range of a whole career for, "one-on-one" practitioners.
Another appealing feature of this model is pricing. Fees are on a sliding scale $15-$35 dollars per treatment. The client decides. No income verification is required. This allows patients to get the treatment they need for the price they can afford. Rob says, "The best aspect of Community Acupuncture is that you’re not alone!" Acupuncture is an energy medicine and by treating people in a supportive group environment that energy is amplified, leading to a better outcome. Rob points out, "We love seeing friends, family, co-workers and classmates coming in for treatments together; we even treated a whole bridal party once."
Rob also pointed out that "Now is a great time for New Year's resolutions. We can help make your goals a realty, if you are trying to quit smoking, caffeine, alcohol or other patterns, we recommend coming in for daily detox ear treatments until the cravings and withdrawals subside.
If you have ever been curious about acupuncture try Acupuncture For The People, you will not be disappointed.
Rob and his crew will take great care of you!
December 2012 SPOTLIGHT On...
This month's Spotlight On shines on Food For Lane County. The non-profit food bank sums up their goals with a simple vision and mission statement. Their vision is to eliminate hunger in Lane County and their mission is to alleviate hunger by creating access to food. Incorporated in 1984 when it operated out of a Springfield residence, Food for Lane County has grown to a huge operation to match the demands of the hungry in Lane County. As stated in their web site, foodforlanecounty.org, they accomplish this through a wide range of endeavors. These include soliciting, collecting, rescuing, growing, preparing and packaging food for distribution through a network of more than 100 social service agencies and programs. In addition they work through public awareness, through education and community advocacy; and through programs designed to improve the ability of low-income individuals to maintain an adequate supply of wholesome, nutritious food, not just empty calorie plates. Some of the programs include emergency food boxes, shelters, meal sites, rehabilitation facilities, nutrition education, gleaning and community gardens.
It is unfortunate demand for their services has grown at the rate it has. Food for Lane County currently operates out of a 36,000 square foot facility with a small fleet of trucks. In 2010-2011 they distributed 7.76 million pounds of food that equals about 148,000 pounds per week. The demand continues to grow. If you or someone you knows needs helpit is available through Food for Lane County. Remember their slogan,
"It's okay to ask for help."
There are any number of ways that you can assist this great agency. Community volunteers spent 66,000 hours of time contributing to the food banks various programs. There are numerous fund raising/food drive events throughout the year that support Food for Lane county, some of these include the popular Chef's Night Out, scan a coupon at many participating business' and the Letter Carriers Food drive. Food for Lane County receives most of their food as donations, so if you have extra food from the garden, or if you work in food service and see leftover food going to waste, inquire with your supervisor, and talk to Food for Lane County. they will know what to do with it. Food for Lane County also can take money donations. While nearly 99% of the food distributed is donated, rescued, or grown, Food for Lane County does purchase some items when the food bank becomes low.
You can contact them by going to www.foodforlanecounty.org or call 541-343-2822.
November 2012 SPOTLIGHT On…
This month’s "Spotlight On" features the great news of the re-opening of the Tamarack Wellness Center community pool. This unique non-profit facility had to close last summer due to some budget and funding issues. According to the President of the board, Leslie Scott, “the re-opening could not have couldn’t have happened without the great energy and participation of the staff and volunteers. They worked tirelessly over the summer to raise funds. ” Leslie wanted to specifically thank them, along with some major supporters from the local medical community.“The contributions from Slocum, OMG’s Neuro Pain Management, and the generous $20,000 grant from Pacific Source were pivotal factors in the success of the community’s volunteer work.” The results of these combined efforts were the re-hiring of the majority of the staff and the pool‘s official re-opening on October 3rd.
Hooray!
While many are unaware of this special facility, others consider it a therapeutic lifesaver. At the heart of the Tamarack pool’s mission is accessibility and sustainability. The shallow-depth pool has a ramp that comes to the deck level. This makes easy access for people in wheelchairs or using walkers. The pool temperature is maintained at 92 degrees with one of the largest solar ray heating system in the Pacific Northwest. The warm water has many benefits including increased joint mobility, muscle flexibility, improvement in endurance, increased muscle strength and tone, improvement in circulation and respiration, and a decrease in pain. These benefits make the pool popular with those living with problems like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or Cerebral Palsy. The crystal clear pool is kept that way with a number of earth friendly and green practices. Salt water, ultra violet filters, and CO2 are used to maintain water cleanliness. The results are super clear water that does not irritate the skin or eyes; it is biologically friendly, does not smell like chlorine, and offers the benefits of added buoyancy from salt water that are medically significant for many of Tamarack's clients.
Tamarack offers a place for exercise and therapy for many with disabilities who would otherwise not have the opportunity. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to community building as a bridge to community wellness. They offer a wide range of classes, therapies, and specialty open swims including the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, baby swim, family swim, water yoga,
Ai Chi (which focuses on relieving chronic pain through slow movement in the water, deep breathing, stretching, and meditation techniques) and various open lap swim and therapy hours. In addition to all of that, the pool is available for rental for special events.
Located in Eugene at 3575 Donald St., pool hours vary and should be checked on line at www.tamarackwellness.org ,
or by phone at 541-686-9290.
Thanks & Congratulations to the Tamarack Wellness Center
for providing this great community resource!
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