winter
2019
edition
/
distinctlynorthwest
.com / Free /
GIVING NEW LIFE TO A HISTORIC BUILDING HOSPITALITY & FLAVOR
Asian Fusion in Medford
MERRY & BRIGHT A Jacksonville Farmhouse
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Shopping with a purpose
GET EVERYTHING* YOU SEE HERE AT
LA-Z-BOY *Kristen Bell not included
Everyone knows that La-Z-Boy makes great recliners, but you might be surprised to discover that we also make stylish sofas, ottomans, loveseats, and so much more. At La-Z-Boy, you can get everything you need to furnish your perfect home, except for Kristen Bell, of course.
3343 GROVE RD | PHOENIX, OR 97535 | (541) 535-5242 La-Z-Boy.com/Medford
©2019 La-Z-Boy Incorporated
Happy Holidays from all of us at Bambu
a
A
w o r l d
b le n d of r eg ion Al
a w a y
A s i An
f r o m
t h e
e v e r y
c u isine f e At uring f l Avor s f rom
K ore A , v ie t nA m , t hA il And , h AwA ii , i nd one s i A ,
11: 3 0 A M
M ON - T H U RS to
2:3 0P M | 5 : 0 0P M
to
9: 00PM
d a y .
11: 30AM
F RIDAY
to
2:30 PM | 5 :0 0 PM
to
9:30 PM
An d t h e
J A pA n , c h in A , p h ilip p in e s .
CLO S E D SAT & SU N
RE S ERVATIONS REC O MME N D E D
970 NORTH PHOENIX ROAD, MEDFORD | (541) 608-7545 | TIGERROLL.COM
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & VP OF SALES Gail Whiting EDITOR Jenna Benton
n o r t h w e s t
ASSISTANT EDITOR Alisha Vosburg
SALES SUPERVISOR Laura Perkins
d i s t i n c t ly
\ WINTER 2019
PUBLISHER & CEO Steven Saslow
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenna Benton Jaren Hobson Amanda Moreira Alisha Vosburg
GRAPHIC DESIGN Jaren Hobson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jaren Hobson Photography by Lahna Marie Studio Roxander Academy of Ballet Wade Photos
E
very time I have the honor of sitting down to interview a small business owner, I’m reminded of how much I love the Pacific Northwest and the unique culture that surrounds us here in Southern Oregon. This culture influences how we serve our neighbors, how we care for one another, and how we seek to give back in big and small ways. Our Winter edition was particularly exciting to create, and our team got to hang out with influencers and leaders, teachers and innovators, artists and caregivers. Even our advertisers inspire me, and I am so grateful that they partner with us to tell beautiful stories about the people and places we love. I promised that over the next few editions I would introduce you to our team, so it’s my honor to introduce Distinctly Northwest magazine’s biggest cheerleader, Sales Supervisor Laura Perkins. This lady has a heart for small business, and works her tail off to serve and connect businesses to tools that will help them succeed. She is a delight, and I couldn’t do this work without her. I hope you enjoy reading this edition. Please remember to shop with all of our local merchants this holiday season. They are the lifeblood of our community! Until next time! @jennabentonwriter
Distinctly Northwest Magazine is published by the Rosebud Media Advertising Department 111 N. Fir Street, Medford, OR 97501 GENERAL INFORMATION: 541.776.4422 To advertise in this magazine, contact Laura Perkins 541.776.4447 • lperkins@rosebudmedia.com Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher
Laura Perkins Sales Supervisor
@laura.perkins.925
4
W I N T E R
6
2 0 1 9
A LABOR OF LOVE
Bringing people together with food
The Studio Roxander Legacy
WINTER BREW / f ea t u re Craft beer in Grants Pass
A local artist and teacher creates connection
26 SHOPPING WITH A PURPOSE An Ashland store that gives back
30 BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS
\ WINTER 2019
22 FINDING THE PATH
n o r t h w e s t
16
d i s t i n c t ly
10 THE POWER OF A PROMISE
Celebration at a modern farmhouse
ON THE COVER: Climate City Brewing Company, occupying the historic brewery building, shines brightly on G Street in downtown Grants Pass. Photography by Lahna Marie
5
6 d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
JENNA BENTON WADE PHOTOGRAPHY
A Labor of Love
B
At the heart of Bambu are Adam and Veronica Ward, a couple who seem destined to create heavenly food and gracious service. The pair originally met while working at Thai Pepper in Ashland.
Veronica & Adam Ward
Veronica worked for the City of Ashland and picked up a second job as a hostess at Thai Pepper. Veronica’s parents had owned a restaurant, so she grew up around the industry and understood the value of hard work and talent. It didn’t take her long to notice Adam.
\ WINTER 2019
Bambu has definitely established itself as an enduring Southern Oregon foodie’s dream. But dig a little deeper, and the name also stands for something else. Bambu is a love story.
n o r t h w e s t
Can a restaurant in Southern Oregon really capture all that magic? It’s easy to underestimate this little restaurant located not far from Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. Perched on a corner in the Larson Creek Center, there is no valet parking, no dress code, and no swanky attitude. However, a warm, inviting dining room and a lush outdoor seating area offer the ability to connect with others, and the open kitchen design allows lively connection with the chef and his kitchen team. It is the very best blend of hometown hospitality and high end, adventurous flavor.
d i s t i n c t ly
ambu. Say the name of the Asian fusion restaurant to locals, and the words delicious, unique, and satisfying come to mind. For patrons, Bambu’s cuisine, featuring flavors from Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Hawaii, Indonesia and the Philippines, ignites the imagination and delights the senses.
“Adam had just come back from culinary school,” says Veronica. “It was a really big deal. Everyone was talking about him, and I noticed how cute he was and how hard he worked. I definitely thought he was someone I would like to show interest in.” “Thai Pepper was in their full summer swing when I got there,” says Adam. “I thought she was amazing.” continued on page 8
7
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
A solid relationship between the two blossomed, and eventually Adam found himself with an opportunity to work in Medford. Billy Harto, the owner of Thai Pepper, offered Adam a chance to partner up and run a restaurant he owned in East Medford called Asian Grill II. Adam dove right in. “At the time, there was nothing over on this side of town. It was like the edge of the world as far as Medford was concerned,” says Adam. “We decided to change the concept from a quick service restaurant to a full service, and we changed the name to Bambu. It was slow going, getting our feet off the ground.” After a few years, Billy decided it was time to put the restaurant up for sale. Adam planned to cash out and move on to other interests, but after a few months on the market, he made a surprising decision. The open kitchen concept had resulted in an unexpected connection between the trained chef and his loyal customers. “These were my people,” says Adam with a smile. “Suddenly I knew I wanted to stay, for them and for me, and I wanted Veronica to do it with me. I didn’t want to run it alone.” Adam and Veronica sold their house in Ashland and bought Billy out of the Bambu partnership. Next, Veronica decided to leave her comfortable career with the City of Ashland, and she joined Adam in running the business side of the restaurant. “My dad was very worried,” says Veronica. “He didn’t want that lifestyle for me.” Adam and Veronica agree, the restaurant lifestyle is brutal. During one stretch, Adam went six months without a day off. It’s hard to balance culinary excellence with a personal life, especially because
8
a restaurant’s weekend hours are typically the busiest. “When you run a restaurant, personal lives are placed on hold,” says Veronica. “You can never go to Saturday weddings or celebrations, or spend weekend moments with the people you love. You choose to miss those moments because Fridays and Saturdays are important to the success of the business.” Fast forward several years, and the Wards are traveling an extraordinary path. With one child in second grade and another enrolled in kindergarten, Adam and Veronica came to understand how quickly time passes. They made a bold and risky move, one that most people thought was crazy. They decided to close Bambu on the weekends. “In 20 years I won’t wish I would have spent more time in the kitchen,” says Adam. “I will be glad I dedicated my weekends to my family. I know not everyone has that choice, and I’m so grateful.” “Giving our staff the weekends off has breathed new life into how we serve our own employees,” says Veronica. “Everyone can now make plans without having to worry about being called in.” For now, the weekday schedule is working, the restaurant is thriving, and customers have supported the change. The couple have time to spend with their moms, who are both struggling with their health. Adam and Veronica still love what they do, and it’s obvious they have great respect and love for each other. “It’s a fun business,” says Veronica. “It’s a labor of love. Food brings people together.” In the case of Bambu, we’re especially glad it does.
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
@wadephotosmfr
9
ALISHA VOSBURG STUDIO ROXANDER
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
A legacy of joy
J
ody White, beloved matriarch of the Roxander family, was a renowned ballet teacher and choreographer whose career spanned 57 years. When she passed away suddenly in March of 2009, her son David (Rocky) made a promise: “No matter what, my boys will never forget you. I will keep your memory alive forever.” Ten years later, Rocky and his wife Elyse have made good on that promise. Not only do their sons Ashton and Jake remember their grandmother, they themselves have become professional dancers. Both currently have contracts with the Pennsylvania Ballet, and were trained locally by their parents at Studio Roxander. Although Rocky opened the academy with the sole intent of keeping his mother’s memory alive and inspiring generations of new dancers in her name, they have quickly become the gold standard in ballet here in the Rogue Valley. After a location change to their permanent home on E. 10th Street in Medford, they began competing in the world’s largest non-profit international student ballet competition, the Youth America Grand Prix, (YAGP). They’ve racked up nearly two-dozen awards there since 2015, everything from Outstanding
Teachers to Best Overall Dancer to Best Pas de Deux (duet performance). The Medford Sneak Preview has also named them Best Performing Arts Production for The Nutcracker and Surealia the last four years running. When asked what it is about their teaching that puts them in such a category of excellence, Rocky jokingly says, “Well, you have to know what you’re doing.” To which Elyse laughs heartily, but in all seriousness Rocky admits, “You have to make sure you really know your stuff, and we’ve been doing this since we were tiny children.” Indeed they have. Together, they’ve built an incredible legacy, but separately, they both have impressive resumes. If their sons seem extraordinarily dedicated to their craft (both graduated from high school a year early to go pro), they come by it naturally. Rocky had an eighteenyear career with the National Ballet of Canada and toured the world, dancing with the famed Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev. One of his earliest memories is hearing the classics of Chopin and Beethoven from beneath the keyboard where his mother would put his bassinet when he was an infant. He believes music and ballet were hard-wired into his DNA from a life spent within the industry. continued on page 13
10
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
11
@studioroxander
@alishavos
12 d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
It wasn’t until Ashton decided to be a dancer that there was a shift in the way the community perceived them. Once he began preparing in earnest, spending six hours per day to train, the culture of the studio began to change.
People began to see it as a serious and professional ballet school, and its stellar reputation began to form. Today, Rocky calls Ashton his hero. “People saw his passion for what he was doing and were attracted to it. They saw the commitment he put in at such a young age to make his dream happen. He was happy, healthy and so well-adjusted, people started to realize, this isn’t a kid that’s burning out or being driven by his parents.” Part of what makes Studio Roxander so successful is their shared vision. When Elyse says, “Kids find joy through dance and expression,” Rocky nods in agreement. And when Rocky says, “I hope our dancers are better versions of themselves and grow as people because they had contact with us,” Elyse nods. Studio Roxander may have started as a way to help the world remember Jody White, but it endures because three generations continue to preserve her vision.
COMPLETE FOOT & ANKLE CARE
\ WINTER 2019
MEDFORD FOOT & A N K L E C L I N I C , P. C .
n o r t h w e s t
This is a family that refuses to let anything undermine its core values. When stuck in the cogs of California commuting, enduring the stress of urban sprawl, and the demand of a
successful Bay Area ballet school, the Roxanders re-evaluated their goals and retired from that life. They moved to Southern Oregon and chose to focus on their boys. For years they did what parents do. They took their kids to karate and sat on the other side of the glass, enjoying being all-in-all-thetime. It was a far cry from the fast pace they escaped, and they loved it. But all the while they felt the tug to teach, and Rocky’s mom (who also retired to Southern Oregon) encouraged them to share their talents. In September 2009, after Jody’s untimely death, armed with new perspective and a desire to honor her memory, they opened Studio Roxander. But they’re clear about one thing: it didn’t start out the robust ballet academy it is now.
d i s t i n c t ly
Likewise, Elyse has a remarkable dance roster as well. She began dancing at three and continued until age sixteen, when she took a hiatus. Resuming at nineteen, she began teaching soon after. It just so happened that she made her comeback at the same California studio Rocky opened when he returned to the States. Rocky remembers his transition from being a professional athlete back into the “real world” as difficult and credits Elyse with believing in him when he didn’t believe in himself. He says, “She actually pieced me back together and through that process we fell in love.” Their story is so beguiling it’s hard not to get emotional listening to what you know becomes the foundation for not only Studio Roxander, but also their close-knit family.
Most Advanced Technology in Southern Oregon Lapiplasty | Advanced Wound C are Technolog y Laser Technolog y | Trauma S urger y Reconstructive Foot & A nkle S urger y Diagnostic Ultrasound
Rick E . McClure, DPM, FACFA S | Jeffer y D. Zimmer, DPM | Michael A . DeKor te, DPM, FACFA S 713 GOLF VIEW DRIVE, MEDFORD ▪ (541) 770-1225 ▪ MEDFORDFOOT.COM
13
Holiday Gifts
$100 Gift Cards for $90 Offer expires December 31, 2019
— AND —
The Café Open Daily 7 to 9 945 S Riverside Ave (541)779-2667 medfordfood.coop MF-00118238
Delicious food makes holidays
MF-00112542
16 d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
JENNA BENTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAHNA MARIE
Captivated by possibilities
None of the original four partners are restaurateurs, but they trusted their intuition and enthusiasm to guide them. Jodi initially took the lead on supervising the renovations before and after work. She would arrive early and stay late, working closely with contractors to bring the vision to life.
“We finally got to come in after the clean-up and look around,” says current building co-owner and Climate City Brewing Company’s partner Steve Baksay. “It was a no-brainer. It was beautiful.” Steve, along with his three business partners-wife Jodi Paquin, Mark Simchuck and Christine Meiswere captivated by the possibilities. Enthusiasts of the beer scene in Portland
“I grew up in Grants Pass,” says Jodi. “I came to this place after dances. It was my dad’s favorite restaurant, and he had recently passed away, so when I walked in it was just a feeling of home. This building definitely has a place in my heart.”
\ WINTER 2019
She hasn’t always been this lively. Her previous owner decided to throw in the towel one night after a long battle to keep his business in the black. He simply locked the door behind him, turned off the power with full refrigerators, and walked away. When the bank finally took ownership a year later, there were mushrooms sprouting from the floors and toxic mold creeping in the dark corners.
n o r t h w e s t
and Bend, the four partners had the idea to open a brewery when they were attending a beer festival together in 2013. They had been searching for a historic space to launch a brewery in Southern Oregon, and ultimately purchased the building in 2014 and began the process of breathing new life into her.
d i s t i n c t ly
S
he sits on southwest G street in Grants Pass, a spirited old girl with arches over her doorway and stories on her walls. This seasoned beauty nestled just outside the edge of the Grants Pass historic district has tales to tell - you can feel it the moment you pull up for a visit.
Jodi’s dad, Phil Paquin, was a teacher and coach, and served on the school board and city council. He was a beloved leader in the community. As a gift, Steve honored Phil by surprising Jodi with a beautiful mural of her father painted on one of the brick walls in the bar.
continued on page 20
17
18 d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
@climatecitybeer
@lahnamariephotography
19
The building as it sits now is warm and festive, a perfect place to meet up for a cold beer or delicious meal. The beer is brewed on site by brewmaster Acacia Cooper. “Acacia is amazing,” says Jodi. “When we first brought her in, we had five or six beers on tap. She increased that quickly to sixteen, and she’s always pushing the bar a little bit.”
Although business was thriving, the four partners weren’t completely satisfied with the way they felt they were “winging it” when it came to the restaurant side. Finally deciding it was time to bring their food offerings up to meet the standards of their brews, they brought on two new partners to join the team. Power couple Ashley and Dustin Myers, owners
\ WINTER 2019
According to Steve and Jodi, Acacia keeps an eye on the trends and isn’t afraid to experiment.
Climate City Brewing Company offers some distinct choices in beer, from light beers to hazy to sours, among many others.
“We’ve already seen a difference having them on board and having Dustin oversee daily operations,” says Steve. “It’s amazing.” “We are so excited,” says Ashley. “This building has a history of service and was built by our community. It’s an honor for us to be part of it and carry on that tradition of service.”
n o r t h w e s t
When Climate City Brewing Company opened its doors in 2014, the community rallied. They seemed excited to see the building reopen, and there are no signs of business slowing down any time soon. Drop by during business hours and you’ll find family and pet friendly spaces filled with neighbors catching up and enjoying the vibe.
d i s t i n c t ly
Besides a cozy patio, Climate City also boasts an event room, featuring its own bar and plenty of seating for groups up to 50. They partner with rafting company Orange Torpedo during the summer, a cool activity to check out if you’re a Rogue River enthusiast. If you’d rather take some refreshment home with you, you can choose your favorite beer on tap and have it immediately filled in a 25 ounce “crowler.” Once sealed, it pops open just like a regular beer can.
Partners Steve Baksay, Jodi Paquin, Christine Meis, Mark Simchuck (not pictured) , and Dustin & Ashley Myers
20
of The Vine in Grants Pass, were excited to bring their expertise to the table. The duo came with exceptional restaurant and event management experience and a reputation for delicious, locally sourced menu offerings.
Whether you come for the food, the beer, or both, it’s obvious there is joy and a sense of community here. This old building stands as a testament to a love of family, friends, and a lifestyle of service, and there will certainly be many more stories to be told here.
@jhgraphicdesign
PUT SOMETHING
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
UNDER THE TREE
PHOTO BY JAREN HOBSON
133 YEARS STRONG: A History of The Brewery
JAREN HOBSON
GIVE THE GIFT OF
A
lmost every Grants Pass local knows “The Brewery.” Most have fond memories of sharing a meal on prom night or brunch with loved ones on Mother’s Day. What most people may not know is, since its inception in 1886, 509 SW G Street has been many things, including an apple packing plant, a storage warehouse, an art gallery, and an upholstery shop. “The Grants Pass Brewery” was first founded in 1886 by William Neurath. Neurath began by drilling a well 30 feet underground along Gilbert Creek. The Oregon Observer wrote, “The artesian well at the brewery is the grandest thing in Grants Pass … it is undoubtedly heavily charged with carbon, causing it to sparkle like a thousand stars.” And with this quality supply of water, the brewing began. In 1891, Neurath sold the brewery’s rights to Eugene and Marie Kienlin. The Kienlins were originally from Germany and became U.S. citizens in 1887. After their first year of proprietorship, the building was converted into an apple packing plant.
Unfortunately, the building was destroyed by a fire in January of 1902. After this loss, the Kienlins built the brick building that we are familiar with today. Along with their new brewmeister, also from Germany, they began to brew once again. Eugene Kienlen died shortly after in March of 1904. His wife Marie was left in charge of the brewery, making her one of Oregon’s first female brewery proprietors. Grants Pass became a “dry” city in 1908, followed by state-wide prohibition in 1914, and finally a nation-wide ban on alcohol in 1920. During Prohibition, Marie made ends meet by selling groceries, baked goods, candy, cigarettes, and other odds and ends. Prohibition in the United States ended in 1933, and Marie died the following year. The building wouldn’t be known as “The Brewery” again until 1975, when Bob and Linda Leonhardt leased the building, restored it, and re-opened it as a restaurant. special thanks to the Josephine County Historical Society
A whole year of WILD experiences at
WILDLIFE IMAGES! www.wildlifeimages.org
21
JENNA BENTON
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAHNA MARIE
Designing a creative life
L
ike many educators, Russ Richmond, an artist and teacher at South Medford High School, hopes he can influence his students positively and help them find their path in life. He knows it’s possible, because it happened for him. Russ, the only son of educators, credits the influence of his parents Jim and Lois, also artists, for his skill and passion for teaching. Growing up in a household that encouraged imagination and creativity, Russ jumped at the chance to try something new when he started high school. “I was a high school freshman in San Diego, and one of my electives was ceramics. Once I started, I was hooked,” says the veteran teacher. Russ also credits his ceramics teacher, Mr. Sanders, for creating an environment that helped him learn how to problem solve and create freely, and ultimately, influenced his own teaching style. “You can search throwing demos on YouTube and see 20 different people throw 20 different ways. There is no one right way,” Russ says. “Just like Mr. Sanders, I show my students the basics, and then encourage them to experiment and figure out what works for them. Questions are encouraged, but I always put it back on my students to find the answers.”
22
Russ Richmond
His method is certainly working, because his high school classes are constantly full. He teaches 180 kids per semester in the school year. The chance to influence 360 kids every year keeps him on his toes. “I love the challenge. Of course I hope my students leave my class and continue on to create great art, but at least I know they’re walking away having developed personally and artistically just by being in my class and having the space to explore.” continued on page 24
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
23
\ WINTER 2019
@richmond_ceramics
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
@lahnamariephotography
Russ has done his fair share of exploring. Richmond Ceramics has developed a strong reputation in the Rogue Valley. He spends hours in his tiny home studio creating new pottery that makes its way into homes throughout Southern Oregon and beyond. Russ’s wares are for sale in local small businesses, such as Bestow & Bloom in Ashland and Cerberus Coffee in Jacksonville. He also participates in local holiday shows, such as Clayfolk and the annual Holiday Bazaar at New Life Church in Medford. Occasionally, clients commission unique pieces for special events.
24
“We definitely have a distinct style around here. Local shows are great for me,” says Russ. “I don’t have to mail anything. I get to just set it up and then hang out with people. There’s something really cool about seeing the same customers year after year, who come back and buy my stuff.” Regardless of the season, when Russ isn’t mountain biking, teaching, or hanging out with his family, you can find him in his 150 sq. ft. studio coming up with new designs. Russ’s kids, Ella and Tommy, and his wife, educator and author Tisha Richmond, are his biggest fans.
“Tish and the kids have always supported my work and encourage me in my business,” says the artist. With one look at his work, it’s easy to see why Russ’s business is thriving. “I’m obsessed,” says long-time customer and friend Shawna Allen. “I have cupboards full of his creations. I give them as gifts to my friends every year. There’s just something about sipping coffee from a handcrafted piece of art. It makes the experience that much sweeter.”
LIFE’ S AN ADVENTURE . B E C O M E A M E M B E R T O D AY ! Protect Your Family for $85/year or less C A L L T O D AY O R V I S I T U S O N L I N E
( 5 4 1 ) 8 5 8 - 2 6 4 6 | mercy flights.com
FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 9-1-1
Looking for holiday gifts?
WE OFFER UNIQUE AND ARTFULLY DISPLAYED ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN. You will f ind artisan-crafted garden art, luxurious shawls & throws, children’s books, and so much more! Come and take a look, be inspired, and feel at home!
26 d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
JENNA BENTON WADE PHOTOS
The Gift of Giving
Pam & Kelly Jean Hammond
The Hammonds are certainly fueling the economy and doing their part in the heart of downtown Ashland. A walk down East Main reveals four complete stores, each with a unique vibe and personality. The Inspired By Oregon store, situated directly next door to Paddington Station at 131 East Main Street, offers carefully curated items from the state of Oregon, including items from Pendleton and Branson’s Chocolates. Across the street and a little further down is the delightful Paddington Jewel Box, full of all things glitz, glam and just the right amount of trendy.
\ WINTER 2019
“We devote a lot of the year making sure that we have the most on trend, focused product,” says Pam’s daughter and coowner Kelly Jean Hammond. “Last year I think we went to 14 different trade shows, looking at thousands of different pieces of product. That was a lot of travel time. I think that was really the first spark that made us think that we have more we want to do in the retail space.”
n o r t h w e s t
“We see ourselves as sort of stewards of the downtown area,” says co-owner Pam Hammond. “Unfortunately, there have been a lot of stores closing, and I think that we feel really passionate about keeping our downtown vibrant and alive and full of diverse retailers, and giving people a reason to come and support the entire downtown corridor.”
d i s t i n c t ly
I
f you’ve spent any amount of time in Southern Oregon, you’ve likely shopped at Paddington Station. It sits along East Main Street in Ashland, a stately white building that beckons shoppers to enter and explore. With creative window displays and friendly greetings at the door, they offer an invitation that's hard to resist. The historic 8,000 sq. ft. emporium’s three floors are filled to the brim with eclectic personal and decor items, unique gifts and to-die-for kitchen goods, among other treasures. This beloved flagship of the Hammond family’s line of stores in Ashland has served the community for over 30 years.
continued on page 28
27
@paddingtonexpressstore
@paddingtonjewelbox
@wadephotosmfr
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
WINTER 2019
@paddingtonstationashland
The newest addition to the Paddington family, Paddington Express, is a permanent pop-up store at 300 East Main Street that opened in the Spring of 2019 and offers shoppers a new theme every season. This gorgeous space boasts a breathtaking chandelier and plenty of natural light, and is the perfect opportunity for the Hammonds to surprise and delight their customers in a new way. It offers a brand new shopping experience every few months, with themes such as Alice in Wonderland and Fashion Under $30. As we go to print, a new theme is set to launch on November 15th, and the mother-daughter duo couldn’t be more excited about it. “This new pop-up that we're doing, called the Gift of Giving, is our gift to the community,” says Kelly Jean. “This is our opportunity to really give back locally, globally and internationally.” The theme incorporates an interactive shopping experience, and visitors can
28
reference a map to learn more about a product’s origins and global impact. A portion of each sale goes to support a cause or organization, such as Polar Bears International, or supporting local non-profits such as Family Nurturing Center and SART (Sexual Assault Response Team), or highlighting local artisans, such as Angelica Ruppe, who is teaching young women to sew in orphanages in Tanzania. “We will be selling placemats, napkins, and aprons from Tanzania, so there will be this connection with one of our own from the Rogue Valley,” says Kelly Jean. “Each item is beautiful and vibrant and handmade by a young woman in Tanzania whose life is a little different than it was before.” It certainly is a refreshing alternative to big box shopping. Giving customers the ability to scan a code on the back of a beautiful basket to find out where the artisan lives, what their family is like, and how they learned their craft is a fresh spin
on shopping with a purpose. Additionally, the ability to purchase an item and know it is supporting a local shelter or nonprofit helps customers feel like they are part of a bigger purpose. “We've had a long-standing tradition of giving back to the community financially, but we really wanted to up that,” says Kelly Jean. “We wanted to make this theme specific and we wanted to make it meaningful. We’re envisioning the Gift of Giving like a colorful and diverse bazaar filled with global merchandise. We put our heart and soul into this, and we’ve carefully chosen each and every piece that will be for sale. Every item will have a story.” Our little corner of the Pacific Northwest is filled with small businesses like Paddington Station, who care about their community and empower others to make the world a better place. This is definitely our kind of story - one we hope the Hammonds will continue to tell for a very long time.
The Hammonds invite you to
Visit
all four locations
all in
125 E. MAIN
the hear t of
131 E. MAIN
180 E. MAIN
300 E. MAIN
DOWNTO WN ASHLAND !
holiday hours December 10 - 23 • Sun-Mon: 10AM - 9PM • Tues-Sat: 9:30AM - 9PM C o m p l i m e n ta ry gi ft w rap at all location s! 125 E. Main St. • Downtown Ashland • 541.482.1343 • paddingtonstationashland.com
AMANDA MOREIRA WADE PHOTOS
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
Modern inspiration & old-fashioned style
W
hen you imagine new construction homes in the Pacific Northwest, contemporary style houses with clean lines and rustic elements might come to mind. However, here in Southern Oregon, there are strong ties to the gold rush days, when the pioneers and farmers first settled in the area. Places like Hanley Farms, beautiful old barns that flank Highway 238, and the historic homes and buildings of Jacksonville are all wonderful reminders of the area’s architectural landscape dating back over a hundred years. This type of historic charm and vintage character helped inspire me to choose a classic white farmhouse style for our new home. The iconic farmhouse has stood the test of time and evolved into today's modern farmhouse style, made popular by Chip & Joanna Gaines and their HGTV show, Fixer Upper. Even before all the publicity that stemmed out of Waco, Texas, I have always loved the welcoming, comfortable, and timeless feel this style of home offers. Our builder, Tom Tobey, of Tom Tobey Design & Build, understood our vision from the beginning and worked with us
to design a truly custom home that met our every need. Building a home was like a dream come true, and even after almost a year of living here, I sometimes can’t believe how blessed we are to call it home. Our modern farmhouse design includes many classic farmhouse elements. There is a white apron sink with window views of the backyard and a clawfoot tub in the bathroom meant for relaxing evenings, but in reality used primarily by the kids. I spent a lot of time scouring estate and garage sales to find the perfect vintage dressers that we converted to bathroom vanities and used iconic subway tile in the kitchen and bathroom showers. Classic shiplap was also an element we brought into the interior of our home. Commonly found throughout the interiors of older farmhouses, the plank walls give the room definition and act as artwork all on its own. Brick is also a classic farmhouse element and not often found in many of the newer homes in the area. We created an external visual element to our house with a brick chimney and fireplace surround and continued it across the apron of our front porch. It brings warmth, color and definition to our otherwise white exterior. continued on page 32
30
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
31
\ WINTER 2019 n o r t h w e s t d i s t i n c t ly
We also wanted to ensure that our new home fit the needs of our growing family and added more modern aspects to our design, such as larger room sizes, a gym and mancave space for my husband and a playroom with custom storage for all the kids’ toys. My goals for our new house were to remedy the design and functionality issues we experienced in our previous homes. I was intent on creating new spaces for our family that would grow with us for years to come. As far as the details, like paint colors, that’s easy...white. White exterior, white interior and yes, white furniture (even with children in the house). While some might think that seems boring or say white really isn’t even a color, I choose to differ. To me, it’s a clean, bright, crisp backdrop. It complements any décor and furniture and makes room updates easy as styles change over time.
32
We also brought in warmer tones with our wide plank hardwood floors and custom walnut kitchen island top made here locally by Green Mountain Woodworks in Talent. We chose Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black as our accent color for the exterior doors, windows and window frames and Emtek matte black hardware throughout the home. The black accents complement our home’s white canvas and add to the modern farmhouse feel. Many other details of our home were locally sourced, such as the wood used in framing, doors from Rogue Valley Doors, tile and flooring from Lipperts, and all of the craftsmanship of local businesses such as Precision Interiors and TM3 Painting Co., both out of Grants Pass. So, what is there to add to a brand-new custom home? This is where personal style comes in. I enjoy DIY projects, especially around the holidays, and gain
a lot of my inspiration from social sites like Pinterest and Instagram. Some of the projects I have completed so far include washi tape and sponge accent walls, curtains made from tablecloths and a cedar playhouse converted to a mini version of our home. The mix of historical features and modern elements are what make our home perfect for our family. I encourage all of you who are trying to find your décor style to stick to what you like and not be swayed by whatever is popular at the moment. There is a difference between inspiration and persuasion. Styles change quickly, and if you make decisions based solely on current trends or someone else’s opinion, you will end up disappointed. Instead, really put some thought into curating your own unique design style and incorporating it with your family’s lifestyle. Inspiration is all around you; use it to your advantage.
Amanda Moreira
@theoregonfarmhouse @wadephotosmfr MF-00117407
33
MF-00118895
4 T H
S H I B U I s a fa r i
&
A
S T R E E T S
i n
A S H L A N D
&
r o o m s
Masks ▪ Icons Bronzes ▪ Art
500 'A' STREET, SUITE 1 | (541) 482-9008
For excellent food, unique flavors, and intimate ambiance, join us at…
M O N - F R I 1 0 : 3 0 A M T O 2 P M • R E S E R VAT I O N S R E C O M M E N D E D | 11 0 8 E . M A I N ST R E E T, M E D F O R D | ( 5 41 ) 8 5 7 -1 2 9 0 | C A F E D E J E U N E R . C O M
FEA
3400
$
(+$5 S&H)
OVER
TUR
ING
$415
OF SAVINGS!
FOOD & WINE! MUSIC! SWAG! FREE TASTINGS! PURCHASE NOW at
Anc hor Valle Auro yW ra V ine ines Baye Win r Fa ery mily Esta Cow tes horn Win Elian es aW ines
Griz zly P eak Win Jaxo ery n Vi neya Kris rds elle Cell Long Red ars Sw Lily Vine Long ord Vine Sout yard yard h St Walk s age V S t i neya Cell oner Pasc ars rd iver hal W Vine iner Troo yard y n Vi s Weis n eyar inge d r Fam ily W LOCAL DEALS iner y
MF-00114413
MF-00118333
d i s t i n c t ly
n o r t h w e s t
\ WINTER 2019
More to discover
Retirement at Rogue Valley Manor means enjoying more of the year-round recreational, social, and cultural activities Southern Oregon has to offer. When you’re done exploring, come home to the Manor’s resort-like amenities and
Schedule a tour today!
541-857-7214 retirement.org/rvm
stunning hilltop views, as well as a healthcare continuum on-site that gives you more peace of mind for the future.
36
Rogue Valley Manor is a Pacific Retirement Services community and an equal housing opportunity.