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UV . SPRING 2019
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FEATURES 42
48
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OF MICE & MENDING
WOMEN AT WORK
For 30 years, Umpqua Wildife Rescue has
Profiles of 5 Umpqua Valley women who have
DOO WOP TEACHER
been healing and returning critters to their
achieved success on their own terms.
natural homes.
Melissa Ruth is a music teacher by day and an accomplished recording and performing artist after hours.
DEPARTMENTS BUSINESS
FOOD + DRINK
10 FOR THE LOVE OF A GOOD YARD
28 BREWIN’ IN THE ‘BURG
Knotty Lady has become a successful
Tips for budding beer makers looking
go-to resource for local and online
to dive into home brewing.
knitters alike.
12 ABLY HANDLED Steffan Ihrcke switched from chainsaws to handlebars and built a far-reaching following.
14 SUCCESS IS IN THE BAG Stephany Childers turned her sewing skills and interest in vintage clothing into a booming bag business.
UMPQUA LIFE 16 HIGH-FLYING HOBBY
30 A COFFEE BIZ WITH PERKS Takelma Coffee hit the grounds running in 2017 and hasn’t slowed down.
32 NEW BREW CREW Two lifelong friends bring their dream to life at North Forty Brewing in downtown Roseburg.
34 WINE SHOWCASE Umpqua Wine Cellar brings wines from near and far together in one Roseburg setting.
36 FAR FROM A CAKEWALK The owner of Kim’s Cupcakery
The sport of falconry is thousands of
overcomes autism challenges to
years old and has been part of Dave
open her own successful, and
Peterson’s life for 50 years.
life-changing, business.
18 A NEW CHAPTER Ingenuity, collaboration and hard work pay off with the opening of the Roseburg Public Library.
20 POKER SPACE Local card players find a welcoming place to play in the Club House.
22 LEGENDS OF THE UMPQUA The story of Rosa Parrott, one of Roseburg’s most prominent female pioneers.
26 101 GREAT THINGS Local citizens share their opinions about the best the Umpqua Valley has to offer.
CULTURE AND HISTORY 38 A LONG TRADITION OF CARING 2019 marks CHI Mercy’s 110th year of providing high-quality, compassionate care to Douglas County residents.
HEALTH
66 LESSONS FROM NATURE How nature walks can foster childhood development.
67 THE SPIRIT CAN MOVE YOU Attending church or staying in touch with your spiritual life may help you live longer and better.
OUTDOORS 68 AN AFTERNOON IN MYRTLE CREEK Three stops to explore in south Douglas County.
72 BE PREPARED The lesson from our freak winter snowstorm is it pays to be prepared for the unexpected. Here’s how.
74 SPACE TO GROW At Westside Community Garden, green thumbs put their skills to use for themselves and others.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 06 Editor’s Letter 24 UV Loves 77 Downtown Voices 78 3 Questions With.... 80 Last Word
62 MATTERS OF THE HEART Cardiologist Dr. Courtney Virgilio discusses the issue of too-often-
COVER PHOTO:
undiagnosed heart disease in women.
Photo of teacher/musician Melissa Ruth
64 WORK OUT THE COBWEBS
by Thomas Boyd.
A personal trainer shares tips for getting into spring/summer shape at home.
UMPQUA WOMEN
5
E DITOR’ S LETTER
I know what you’re thinking and, yes, we are late. and we had to start over, but I don’t have a dog. And I couldn’t
Umpqua Women
live with the lie.
Living with reality has been hard enough, and the reality is it
PAGE 14
takes a whole lot of money to produce this magazine, and we
It never ceases to amaze me how many secret (at least to us) success stories we find out there. Read Natalie Ulum’s story about one of them, Stephany Childers.
I would tell you that my dog ate the contents of the magazine
had to take a break to find some more. We’re so very fortunate to have enjoyed the support of CHI Mercy Health, Roseburg citizen Derek Adams, AHM Brands, the agency Derek founded and I am part of, and our growing list of advertisers. But we are still coming up short, and we are because none of us wants any part of a magazine that depicts our region in any way
that falls short of the spectacular manner it deserves. And when
PAGE 48
I use the word spectacular I hope I don’t sound immodest. Truth
With a women-focused theme this issue, it seemed appropriate to profile just a few of the many women making things happen in the UV and beyond.
is, that’s your word, not mine. If not specifically yours, it is the word most frequently used in the notes so many of you have sent in complimenting us on UV.
CONTACT ME editor@TheUVlife.com
On behalf of our outstanding writing, photography, design and support team, I want to tell you how grateful we all are that you appreciate what we are producing. Now we’ve got to figure out
how to keep it going.
Page 54
I want to thank you for bearing with us the last few weeks.
I consider myself fairly familiar with the local music scene, but I’d never heard of Melissa Ruth until a few months ago. It was great fun to meet her and share her story.
I’ve spent my whole life meeting deadlines, and being late this time has added some more gray hairs to my head. (I know what you’re thinking now, too, and yes I did, in fact, have a few non-gray hairs before.) Regardless of what happens over the next few weeks, I will tell you now not to expect a summer issue while we continue to work on solutions. And if you have a solution yourself (besides subscriptions, which aren’t feasible right now), feel free to send it my way. I’m all ears. And gray hairs.
Dick Baltus Editor in Chief
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UV . SPRING 2019
Community Banking for Local Professionals Community Banking for Local Professionals At Oregon Pacific Bank, we’re proud to be a cornerstone of our community; committing ourselves to local At Oregon Pacific we’redevelopment, proud to be aand cornerstone of ourwho community; ourselves growth andBank, economic to the people make ourcommitting town feel like home. to local growth and economic development, and to the people who make our town feel like home.
L Lo oc c aa ll D D ee c c ii ss ii o on n M M aa k k ii n ng g •• P P ee rr ss o on n aa ll SS ee rr vv ii c c ee B Bu u ss ii n n ee ss ss F F ii n n aa n nc c ii n ng g •• II n nd du u ss tt rr yy E E xx pp ee rr tt ii ss ee F Fu u ll ll SS ee rr vv ii c c ee B B aa n nk k ii n ng g •• W W ee aa ll tt h h M M aa n n aa g g ee m m ee n n tt We’ve been proudly serving our We’ve been proudly serving our Oregon communities since 1979. Oregon communities since 1979. Contact your local banker today to experience Contact your local banker today to experience the value of community banking! the value of community banking! 2555 NW Edenbower • Roseburg • (541) 677-9454 • www.opbc.com 2555 NW Edenbower • Roseburg • (541) 677-9454 • www.opbc.com
member member
SPRING 2019
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Dick Baltus
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Tyler James
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
DESIGNERS
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
PUBLISHED BY
LIFESTYLE + TRAVEL MAGAZINE OF THE UMPQUA VALLEY
Thomas Boyd
Michael Williamson, Sara Kubler
Jim Hays
Dick Baltus, Jennifer Grafiada, Jim Hays, Juliete Palenshus, Nancy Rodriguez, A.P. Weber, Mark Adams, Dawn Brown, Kaelynn Davis, Nate Hansen, Brandon Johns, Sarah Smith, Natalie Ulum Tristin Godsey, Robin Loznak, Nicole Stratton
Connie Williamson, Nicole Stratton
ADAMS, HULL + MACCLUER, INC. 603 S.E. Jackson St., Roseburg, OR 97470 ahmbrands.com
UV Magazine copyright 2019. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system without express written consent.
The Hiltons
Brokers in the Beautiful State of Oregon
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AT WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC., OUR PRIORITY IS TO HELP TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Whether you're a beer expert or just someone who knows what tastes good. We make beer for people who enjoy beer. There's always a food truck available to compliment our family friendly atmosphere. So come, have a seat, drink a few with your friends and enjoy some conversation. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
BY LEARNING ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL SITUATION, IDENTIFYING YOUR DREAMS AND GOALS WHILE UNDERSTANDING YOUR TOLERANCE FOR RISK. We are committed to building long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication, that in turn, has been the cornerstone of our success.
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KNOTTY LADY / ZOMBIE PERFORMANCE / STEPHANY CHILDERS, BAG MAKER
FOR THE LOVE OF A GOOD YARN
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K
elley Trinchero started with a love of knitting and yarn.
Four-plus years later, she is one of the largest yarn retailers on the West Coast and her Knotty Lady storefront on Southeast Jackson Street in downtown Roseburg is a must-stop for all things knitting, crochet, tatting and needlepoint.
Knotty Lady Yarns is a haven of colors, patterns and textures designed to appeal to everyone from experts in the crafts to beginners who would like to learn. And with a helpful, friendly staff, it’s easy for shoppers to find exactly what they’re looking for.
Kelley Trinchero thought she’d open a quiet little business in downtown Roseburg where she could share her love and knowledge of knitting. It wasn’t long before Knotty Lady started making a lot of noise.
From wool roving to delicate linen, hemp and even soya plants, Knotty Lady stocks it and in a variety of exquisite colors. There’s also a full inventory of needles, hooks, notions and oth er sundry supplies.
Story by Kaelynn Davis Photos by Tristin Godsey
For those who can’t make it to the store in person, Knotty Lady offers online shopping as well.
UV . SPRING 2019
BUSINESS
Months after she opened, Trinchero found herself swamped with customers, and it quickly became clear that Knotty Lady was going to need a bigger home. An avid knitter since childhood — she learned from her mother — Trinchero had been creating leg warmers for arthritic horses through Knots of Love charity, but also discovered there were “only so many hats you can knit for your children.” She was looking to turn her hobby into something more. A longtime resident of Douglas County, Trinchero noticed “a big knitting community with so many creatives.” She attributed some of that to the area’s large population of sheep and alpacas, and she noticed the variety of yarns — sometimes sheared, processed and dyed locally, by hand. This made her eager to share her own enthusiasm and expertise — at least on a limited scale. Trinchero found a downtown Roseburg storefront, thinking Knotty Lady would be a small, one-person operation. That might be the one thing she got wrong. Months after she opened, Trinchero found herself swamped with customers and it quickly became clear that Knotty Lady was going to need a bigger home when its one-year lease expired. Her online business was taking off, too.
In a surprisingly short time, Knotty Lady Yarns has become a downtown institution in Roseburg, and the business has grown well beyond any expectations Trinchero had when she first opened. Trinchero believes in making sure she has what her customers want and the business is driven by her dedicated staff — “The glue that holds us together,” she says. The store’s comfortable atmosphere is enhanced by its lively, oftenchanging window displays and an expansive seating area where customers can enjoy a complimentary beverage. Customers know they will get project-specific service from knowledgeable sales people and one-on-one help. And learning is a big part of the experience. “Saturday Stitching” classes bring together local yarn artists to share their expertise with beginners and experienced crafters alike.
THE DETAILS Where: 632 S.E. Jackson St., Roseburg Phone: 541-673-2199 Online: knottyladyyarns.com
She found a three-story building just three doors down from her original location. Her husband renovated it for her business, and to handle the demand, Trinchero hired full-time staff.
Knotty Lady employees (clockwise from top left) Sierra Lewis, Meghan Johnson and Ashley Cluver. UMPQUA WOMEN
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BUSINESS
ABLY HANDLED When the economy bottomed out, fabricator Steffan Ihrcke switched from chain saws to handlebars and built a far-reaching following. Story by A.P. Weber Photos by Thomas Boyd
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O
n the one hand, Steffan Ihrcke looks every bit like the biker and machinist he is. On the other, he could almost pass for a scientist.
ideas, where the best of the best naturally rise to the top. As editor for the website, Lisa Ballard is in a unique position to keep her finger on the pulse of this highly creative community.
With barrel chest and prominent tattoos, Ihrcke also “The most significant thing people look for in handmade parts is sports a somewhat studious look — black-framed glasses over top quality,” she says. “And Steffan delivers with every order.” keen, steely eyes. There’s a lot of work involved in custom handlebars. His workshop is modest; a garage off Highway 99 that shares its “Every time I get an order,” Ihrcke says, “I’ve got to take it from site with local school buses. He has no storefront for his business. raw handlebar stock, cut it to length, clean it, bend it, notch it,
In fact, it’s safe to say the vast majority of Douglas County residents don’t even know his shop exists and that they have a world-class fabricator — a genuine artist in the international custom motorcycle industry — in their midst.
weld it and turn it into the final product.”
“The most significant
Ihrcke started his business in 2010, calling it Zombie Performance for no particular reason, other than the name was an attention-getter. “Originally I was building custom chain saws and stuff for local loggers and for people doing competition chainsawing,” he says. “But that kind of crashed out because of the housing market crash. All of a sudden, all these loggers were out of work and nobody was spending any money. The logging competitions were so few and far between it didn’t justify focusing the entirety of the business on it.”
thing people look for in handmade parts is
top-quality, and Steffan delivers with every order.” –Lisa Ballard, editor, Chopcult.com
As a motorcycle hobbyist in a down economy, Ihrcke figured he’d have to get resourceful. He bought a bar bender, with the idea of experimenting on his own bike. It soon got to the point where he was changing out his handlebars every week or so. When he would post pictures online of the unique and innovative designs he’d come up with, people would offer to buy them. “Within a couple of months, I started getting custom orders,” Ihrcke says.
His customers are willing to wait up to four weeks for Ihrcke to produce their one-of-a-kind bar, and he says he’s had some strange orders over the years. “When I first started, everybody was really into the weird stuff — the weirder the better,” he says. One of his customers wanted to convert a sportster into a dirt bike, for example. As long as it’s safe and doesn’t defy the laws of physics, Ihrcke says he’s happy to manufacture handlebars for whatever project comes his way. But he’s the first to point out that “styles change. What’s cool now may not be cool a couple months from now.” Because he’s not really a retailer but, in fact, a manufacturer, Ihrcke can stay on the cutting edge of the industry and customers don’t have to settle only for what he happens to have in stock. “I spend a lot of time talking to people and figuring out what they’re going for,” he says.
These days Ihrcke is adding machines to his shop, doing metal artwork and developing new skills to expand Zombie Performance’s service offerings, all while still shipping custom handlebars around the world. When asked about the most surprising place he’s shipped to, he puzzled over the question momentarily before naming Brunei, a country in Borneo.
That was enough to motivate him to leave behind the small- “I had to look that up,” he says. engine work to focus on this one niche, to become the “handlebar He wasn’t the only one. guy,” and to become the best one out there. To shop or learn more, visit zombieperformance.com. Chopcult.com is a website that connects custom motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide by offering free want ads and forums, among other things. The forums are a sort of marketplace of UMPQUA WOMEN
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BUSINESS
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BUSINESS
SUCCESS IS IN THE BAG Stephany Childers turned her sewing skills and interest in vintage clothing into a booming handbag business. Story by Natalie Ulum Photos by Thomas Boyd
S
tephany Childers always knew she wanted to be self-employed. From there, it was simply a matter of picking what she wanted to do.
Childers was working as a waitress in the middle of the recession when she decided exactly what that was going to be. Her mother had taught her how to sew at a young age, and she had long had an avid interest in vintage clothing.
So, she came up with a business idea that would allow her to give new life to the old textiles she had been collecting. The result is Rebyc Handbags, which during the last 11 years has turned into Childers’ fulltime job and an enterprise that has provided her with both a creative outlet and the chance to do as much — or as little — work as she wishes.
Childers finds herself inspired by the pioneer spirit of the American West. She has traveled the world, but found nowhere that celebrated entrepreneurship and innovation to such a degree as pioneer figures, who learned to create quality goods from what materials were available. She dismisses the status quo of fast fashion and instead pursues her vision of quality pieces made with intention. Her focus on freedom extends to Childers’ business practices. She doesn’t set sales goals, nor does she believe in cost-cutting measures that could compromise the individuality and quality of her work. Her pursuit is not toward material possessions, but instead a profound authenticity in her materials, her manufacturing techniques and her products.
Arebycdesign, Childers’ page on Etsy — the e-commerce website Childers grew up in Roseburg before going to college and traveling. She specializing in handmade and vintage items — has more than 10,000 briefly worked in the high-powered fashion world of New York City, but followers and 2,000 five-star reviews. She has sold more than 4,000 gave it up. handcrafted, individually designed handbags to customers as far away “It was so loud, I never felt like myself.” she says. “I like quiet.” as France, Australia and Singapore. Childers returned to Roseburg to be with her family and discovered But for Childers, the success of the business isn’t her greatest creative power in the quiet and uncomplicated life of a small town. She achievement. That, she says, is something more personal. started a support group for self-employed women that came together regularly for moral support, prayer and a little wine. “I’d say freedom.” she says. “Freedom to do what I want to do and create what I want to create.”
That’s a big part of Rebyc Handbags’ success and its growing fanbase, too. Childers does not use patterns. Instead, she uses unique vintage fabrics on every bag, ensuring that no two of her creations are identical. Vintage fabric was Childers’ first love, long before bags and business. Her tiny backyard studio in Roseburg is a trove of old military canvas, discarded upholstery and even Pendleton blankets found in thrift stores and sporting long-discarded patterns. The volume and variety of fabrics embodies Childers’ artistic philosophy. In the time before mass production, each fabric bolt was crafted with a focus on quality. Thus, each piece in Childers’ possession has its own history, but also brims with the possibility of what it can become with just a little imagination. In her Etsy shop description, Childers writes, “...I realized I could redeem these old pieces and give them some sort of new life. To each generation they offer something different, something unique and special.”
“It was really good, because you need to be with people who see the world the way you do,” she says.
She also enjoys being part of Roseburg’s small-business community, part of which is an official barter system among members. Childers has traded her wares for, say, a hair appointment or coffee. Once a year, Childers hosts a one-day show at her home in which she displays her bags and offers discount pricing. It began with just a few friends and family members who came to support her, but soon word-of-mouth brought bigger turnouts. At her most recent event, community members arrived early to have their pick of purses and by the end of the show, Childers’ inventory was nearly sold out. Doing as much business as she wants, keeping things simple and practicing gratitude for the life she is able to lead, Childers sees no particular need to boost her profits or expand distribution of her products. Instead, she plans to stick to her original vision and enjoy what she has achieved. She can explain it in one sentence. “I’m not going to chase more to give up my freedom.” UMPQUA WOMEN
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UMPQUA LIFE
HIGH-FLYING HOBBY / A NEW CHAPTER / POKER SPACE / LEGENDS OF THE UMPQUA / UV LOVES / 101 GREAT THINGS
HIGH-FLYING HOBBY The sport of falconry is thousands of years old, and for the last 50 of those it’s been a big part of Dave Peterson’s life. Story by Brandon Johns Photo by Tom Boyd
“I
’ve spent most of my life riding horses, training dogs and flying falcons. The rest I have just wasted.”
This is how Dave Peterson sums up his life. But even without the smile he attaches to the comment, it’s obvious he has not wasted more time over the course of his personal, professional and retired lives.
After earning a master’s degree in wildlife sciences, Peterson traveled the U.S. working as a biologist. His work ranged from capturing and tagging bobcats to helping get the Columbia whitetail deer off the endangered species list. He’s trained hunting dogs and operated a kennel, wrestled in the Marine Corps, established an Arabian horse-breeding program and even, as a young man, rodeoed. “Saddle bronc and bareback mainly, but seems like my biggest success was in the wild cow milking contest,” Peterson says, his sense of humor showing through. But none of it captured his enthusiasm quite like falconry. 16
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“I became enthralled with hawks and falcons in my early teens living in Missouri. I would watch kestrels for hours,” says the master falconer. Kestrels are a fairly common, dove-sized hawk seen around Douglas County, too. “Back in the ‘40s and ‘50s, there was little available literature on falcons,” he says. “Then I came across an old National Geographic article on a pair of brothers that were doing falconry. That became my new ‘Bible’ on falcons.”
Unlike wild birds, captive specimens were not exposed to the pesticides and were able to supplement what remained of healthy breeding stock in the wild. The Idaho-based Peregrine Fund and private breeders helped state and federal wildlife agencies release more than 6,000 falcons into the wild.
“This was before any regulations, mind you,” he says. “In fact, there was even a predator bounty on them in those days.”
Peterson was directly involved with the Peregrine reintroduction effort during the 1980s while he was working for Utah’s state Division of Wildlife Resources. In 1999, numbers had improved to the point that the raptor was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. But Peterson continued monitoring Southwest Oregon numbers from the Roseburg office of the federal Fish and Wildlife Service before retiring in 2004.
That was about 65 years ago. Subtract the 15 years when he was in the Marines, and Peterson reckons he’s been a falconer for a half-century.
During his five decades as a falconer, Peterson has raised and trained more than 100 raptors, including goshawks, red-tailed hawks and merlins, in addition to Peregrines.
These days, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife requires a permit to capture a raptor, and there’s a season as well. Before the permit is issued to an apprentice falconer, he or she must be sponsored for two years by a master or general class falconer with two years’ experience. Then the would-be falconer must pass a written test and have a raptor facility inspected and approved.
“I’ve also trained a dozen or so apprentices,” he says. “One of my former apprentices was the youngest licensed falconer in Oregon. She was 14 and you just couldn’t find a bird she didn’t know.”
Peterson’s falconry journey began in earnest when he climbed a tree as a youngster and captured a young, red-tailed hawk.
Peregrines are able to fly to a great height and then dive steeply at speeds of more than 200 mph.
The taking and training of birds for falconry has had little impact on wild populations, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Fish and WildlifeiService. “Eighty percent or more of young birds, particularly Peregrines, don’t survive their first year,” Peterson says. “Falconers start with young birds, so older birds stay in the wild as breeding stock.”
At one point, Peregrines were all but extinct in the United States. Falconers were instrumental in their recovery.
Peterson still enjoys teaching people about the birds and often gives talks on “Raptor Ecology and Falconry” to school groups and others. He acknowledges, however,athat beginning falconers need much more knowledge than just attending a presentation. For example, aspiring falconers need to be up to date on bird health, the type of bird they want, how to care for it and where to find it.
An additional aspect that can be tricky is learning a raptor’s habits. The birds hunt only when they are hungry and spend the balance of their time conserving their energy. Thus, in addition to monitoring the bird’s weight, diet and behavior to maintain its health, falconers must study the bird to learn when it is ready to eat and therefore ready to hunt.
Peterson currently has a pair of Prairie falcons and a pair of his favorite raptors, the Peregrines. He describes how a diving Peregrine can reach speeds faster than any animal on the planet. Peregrines are able to fly to great heights, then dive steeply at “The key to falconry is to remember that you are hunting speeds reaching more than 200 mph. In 2005 one was recorded partners,” Peterson says. “There is no negative reinforcement diving at 242 mph. with these birds; you can’t scold them.” The Peregrine has been used in falconry for more than 3,000 For Peterson, the joy of falconry is not the prey but the hunt. years, but at one point was all but wiped out in the United States. Commonly used pesticides, including now-banned DDT, caused “It’s not about how much game you put in the bag,” he says. the shells of the falcon’s eggs to become very thin, resulting in “Some of the best days we had, we never caught a thing. But when the falcons were engaged in the hunt, we watched some eggs breaking or preventing offspring from developing. truly amazing flying.” By 1970, when the falcon was listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Department of the Interior, midwest and eastern It’s that kind of thrill that keeps Peterson a falconer. He has no populations were virtually extinct; western numbers had plans to give up his life’s passion. declined by as much as 90 percent from historical levels. “I’m not very bright, so I will probably keep doing it,” he says Falconers were instrumental in the Peregrine’s recovery.
with a smile.
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UMPQUA LIFE
New librarian Kris Wiley is in charge of the Roseburg Public Library. Photo by Tristin Godsey.
A NEW CHAPTER Ingenuity, collaboration and hard work pay off with the reopening of a reimagined public library. Story by Kaelynn Davis
L
ast winter, with only weeks left before he retired from a long career in public service, former Roseburg City Manager Lance Colley admitted he may not have seen it all, but he’d seen plenty. And what he saw during the grand opening of the Roseburg Public Library ranks near the top of his list of feel good experiences.
Last Jan. 10, the public was invited to celebrate the completion of the library’s major physical makeover and Colley, a key player in the collaborative effort that made the whole thing possible, found it difficult to control his emotions. He was especially moved during the reveal of the facility’s new dedicated children’s space. “The opening of the new Whipple Children’s room was one of the most humbling experiences in my 34 years in public service,” he says. “Just seeing the joy on the faces of the children was incomparable. This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference for our kids and everyone in the community.” The event represented a symbolic round of applause for community collaboration. For nearly 19 months, citizens, organizations and local officials worked together to reopen the library after a November 2016 bond proposal to support the Douglas County Library System was rejected by voters.
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“We will continue to work to provide a space that is more than just a library, but also a place for lifelong learning and a barrier-free gathering space for all.” –Lance Colley, retired Roseburg city manager Organizers succeeded in reopening some of the county’s smaller libraries. But the Roseburg branch, the largest in the system, was a bigger challenge. Getting the branch reopened, and its financial future secured, required a different approach that included a long-term partnership with Douglas Education Service District, plus additional support from the City of Roseburg, Oregon Community Foundation, the Whipple Fund, the Ford Family Foundation and individual donors.
The library reopened with some policy changes. For instance, library card fees will be waived for those living within Roseburg’s city limits and for any student within the boundaries of Roseburg Public Schools. Fees for returning overdue books have also been waived.
The library is now open 30 hours a week, but that’s just a starting point for new director Kris Wiley.
With the library up and running again, Colley says he sees nothing but great things ahead.
“I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m committed to doing what it takes to make sure we keep Roseburg Public Library up and running at a high-functioning level,” Wiley says. One of just three library employees, Wiley sees a strong community volunteer effort as key to the library’s future. “We will not be able to operate effectively without a really strong core of volunteers,” she says. “We expect to require 50 to 70 volunteers to keep the library operating as efficiently as possible.”
Non-city residents can obtain a library card for a $15 quarterly fee — or $60 annually — and an assistance fund has been created for qualifying non-residents who can’t afford the fee.
“We will continue to work closely with the community, our education partners, other libraries throughout the county and foundations to provide a community space that is more than just a library,” he says, “but also a place for lifelong learning and a barrier-free gathering space for all.” Want to help the library as a volunteer? To apply, go online to cityofroseburg.org/departments/library
The remodeled library features a spacious new children’s room. Photo by Koree Tate.
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UMPQUA LIFE
POKER SPACE It’s been said that a friend is just someone you haven’t played cards with, but the amiable staff and regulars at The Club House beg to differ. Story by Mark Adams Photos by Robin Loznak
I
n Spring 2003, a Tennessee accountant and amateur online poker player with the unlikely name of Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, taking home $2.5 million and the coveted WSOP winner’s bracelet. Eli Hanna was a Roseburg High student at the time. A pole vaulter on the track team who played online poker as a hobby, Hanna was one of millions worldwide who watched the final hand of the 2003 WSOP on television. For Hanna, and many others who watched that winning hand, it was like getting hit with a club — or a spade. Moneymaker’s performance turned the poker world on its head. Amateur players across the globe figured if a kid from Tennessee playing in his very first live tournament could vault to the top of the poker world, maybe they could, too.
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Hanna prides himself on creating a friendly space for card players, devoid of the tenser atmosphere found at many cardrooms.
88-year-old Jim Davis is a Club House regular.
“It was very cool to see, and it brought a lot of new people to the game,” says Hanna, who would qualify as a dealer at the 2011 WSOP, and again in 2012 and 2016. In 2006, as the action was picking up in cardrooms everywhere, Hanna graduated from RHS and started studying business at Umpqua Community College. For a class assignment, he developed a business plan for a cardroom, which he used in 2007 to open his first poker parlor in Sutherlin.
On a recent tournament night, about 30 players gathered around three tables for a Hold’em tournament. The buy-in was $30 for the equivalent of $7,500 in chips, along with a $5 gratuity for the dealers and $1 to enter a royal flush jackpot that continues building until a player hits it. The senior player was 88-year-old Korean War veteran Jim Davis, a retired trucker and landscaper who says he’s been playing poker most of his life. He played at Hanna’s first poker club in Sutherlin and says it’s the people he plays with that keep him coming back.
He moved his business to Roseburg about a year ago after the city council approved a social gaming ordinance allowing such ventures. “They’re all good people, and they treat you right here,” he says.
The Club House — which Hanna and his wife, Elisha, operate — Hanna prides himself on creating a friendly space for card players, hosts Texas Hold’em tournaments and other social games several devoid of the tenser atmosphere that is found at many cardrooms. times a week at a strip mall on Northeast Stephens Street. “It can be intimidating at first for players who are less confident,” Hanna says social gaming is defined as “any game in a public, Hanna says. “But you’re only a first-timer once, and everyone goes commercial or private club setting where players play each other out of their way here to be friendly.” with no house odds or house player. So, a game like blackjack The youngest player at the tournament was Alex Johnson, 21. is illegal because as soon as a player sits down they are at a He agreed with Hanna’s characterization of the club’s clientele. disadvantage to the house.” “It’s a really fun room; everyone is very welcoming and nice,” he says. At the Club House, it’s player vs. player. Hanna and staff serve as dealers and ensure rules and regulations are upheld. They’re also Hanna said his experience as a pole vaulter and coach has come into play often as he grows his business. there to foster and promote the “social” aspect of social gaming. “It’s a very friendly room, and it’s something the area has never had “You just keep setting the bar higher,” he says. before,” Hanna says.
To find out more about The Club House and a schedule of events, visit TCHpoker.com. UMPQUA WOMEN
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LEGENDS OF THE UMPQUA: ROSA PARROTT History has often treated women unfairly. But one of Roseburg’s most prominent female pioneers was impossible to ignore. Story by Sarah Smith Photo courtesy Douglas County Museum
T
he early history of Oregon’s settlement confirms an old adage that goes, “Man cannot advance in the march of progress except by the side of woman.”
If he thinks to march ahead without her, he is compelled to stop and wait.
Influential women have often been overlooked by history. But every so often, a woman has come along that no one could ignore. For thousands of years, men dominated the history books and women were forgotten. While many influential women were overlooked by history, every so often a woman came along whom no one could ignore. History remembers the late Rosa Parrott and her family’s home that still stands on a knoll in southeast Roseburg and, after a complete restoration, now houses a fine-dining restaurant. One of the first families to settle in Roseburg, the Parrotts owned 640 acres that extended south from the present homesite. Family patriarch Moses Parrott opened the first shoemaking business in Douglas County and became involved in the founding of Roseburg Academy — a private secondary school, where Parrott sat on the board of directors. A teacher of English and philosophy, Rosa Parrott was the 10th child of Moses and Tennessee Parrott, who came to Oregon in the early 1850s. With the exception of Sarah, a middle sister who married young, all of the Parrott girls became schoolteachers. The youngest of the six Parrott sisters, Rosa became a teacher while in her teens. She earned a degree in English from the University of Oregon (1897-1900) and later a philosophy degree from the University of Arizona. She taught at universities, colleges and other schools in the East as well as in Roseburg. While teaching English at Roseburg High School, she founded the school newspaper, The Orange R, and became its first adviser. She was also the first president of the Roseburg Business and Professional Women’s Club. Completed in 1891, the Parrott House was one of the most attractive and elegantly furnished homes of its time in Douglas County. Rosa lived in the house through the 1950s, after she retired from teaching, and was the last member of her family to do so. Following her sudden death in 1961, longtime Roseburg newspaper editor Charles Stanton wrote, “We are grateful…for what she and other members of the pioneer family contributed to citizenship through education…A person is successful only if he [she] has made the world a better place in which to live. In that respect, many people bow in gratitude to the ‘Parrott Girls,’ for it was through them that they gained knowledge and inspiration.” Rosa Parrott was a member of one of Douglas County’s most prominent pioneer families. But in her own right, she was a powerful influence on her students and an important figure in Umpqua Valley history.
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3. 1.
LOVES
2.
HAPPY IS THE NEW BEAUTIFUL. Women (and men!) are hit with a constant barrage of information daily telling us what makes us beautiful. We at UV think that whatever makes you happy, makes you beautiful! Whether gardening, relaxing at home or enjoying the outdoors, here are a few locally found picks to beautify some of your favorite activities.
5.
4.
Page editor Debi Ashley Photos by Nicole Stratton Spunky Steer 2395 NW Stewart Parkway Roseburg Coastal Farm & Ranch 782 NE Garden Valley Blvd Roseburg Family & Friends Mercantile 227 W. Central Sutherlin Young’s Garden 4702 NE Stephens St, Roseburg
6.
Waldron’s Outdoor Sports 330 NE Garden Valley Blvd Roseburg
Spunky Steer: 1. Stoneware Storage Jars w/ Chalk Lids. 2. Serape Fabric Napkins - Set of 4. 3. Stone & Silver Napkin Rings Coastal Farm & Ranch: 4. Fabric Garden Gloves with Dots. 5. Milkhouse Vintage Series - White Watering Can. 6. Italian Multi-Colored Planter. 24
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7.
9.
8.
10.
11.
Family & Friends Mercantile: 7. Quilted Throw with Ferns. 8. ahh!-larrm - Super Loud Personal Alarm - Black Glitter Heart. Young’s Garden: 9. Lavendar Metal Watering Can. Waldron’s Outdoor Sports: 10. Camelback - 50 oz. - Turquoise. 11. Hydro Flask - 32 oz. - Hawaii Rainbow. 12. Lifetime Rush 90 Kayak.
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101 GREAT THINGS Ask local residents what makes living in the Umpqua Valley so great and you’re likely to get, oh, 101 different answers. That’s the question posed to local citizens last winter by the Downtown Roseburg Association, Blue Zones Project – Umpqua and Brooke Communications. More than 300 people responded, and here are the 101 things, in no particular order, they think are great about the place we call home. 1.
Community Spirit
39. Decorative downtown intersections
69. Schools
2.
Playing in the snow at Diamond Lake
40. Breweries
70. OSU Extension Discovery Garden
3.
Douglas County Museum
41. Craft fairs
71. Weather
4.
Roseburg Public Library
42. Lavender Festival
72. Wildlife Safari
5.
River Forks Park
43. Waterfall hikes
73. YMCA
6.
Native American history
44. Picnicking
74. Granny’s Mini Hut
7.
Douglas County Fair
45. Mercy Medical Center
75. UCC
8.
Wineries
9.
Graffiti Weekend
46. Great Umpqua Food Truck Competition
77. Great gardening climate
10. Festival of Lights 11. Duck pond feedings 12. Tennis Center 13. So many swimming holes 14. Floating the river 15. Rafting 16. Natural beauty 17. Historic Mill-Pine District 18. Little traffic 19. Downtown flower baskets 20. Amazing community theater 21. Blue Zones Project 22. Blueberries 23. Lighthouse Bakery 24. Lion’s Club 25. Music on the Half Shell 26. 5K races 27. Small-town festivals and parades
47. Food trucks
76. Umpqua Dairy
“I love laying my blanket down in the brisk summer morning in anticipation of Music on the Half Shell and then wishing I had the guts to twirl and dance around like the carefree –Kivonna Coccia citizens do in the corner.” 48. Ford’s Pond 49. Spirit of volunteerism 50. Skating rink 51. Walking moais 52. Walking trails 53. North Umpqua River 54. Roseburg Community Concerts 55. Hiking 56. Growing Food Scene 57. Downtown Roseburg
78. Upgraded parks and playground equipment 79. The Parrott House 80. Cavitt Creek Falls 81. The News Review 82. Farms and ranches 83. Umpqua Valley Vineyard Tour 84. Umpqua Hot Springs 85. Salud 86. UCC Summer Musical 87. True Restaurant
“Parking at the Lighthouse Bakery and going for a run, then –Sam Brown eating a delicious portabello sandwich after.”
88. Shanti’s Restaurant
28. ODFW free fishing weekends
91. Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony
29. Camping 30. Roseburg, Sutherlin splash pads 31. UV magazine 32. U-pick farms 33. Abundance of fishing locations 34. Bicycling culture 35. Bird watching 36. Bluebird Pizza 37. Create and Sip Studio 38. Gateway to Crater Lake Park
58. Elkton Community Education Center 59. Roseburg as a central location 60. Hunting 61. Meaderies
89. Kruse Farms 90. Veteran’s Day Parade
92. Geocaching 93. While Away Books
62. UVAA Summer Arts Festival
94. Mercy Foundation’s Healthy Kids Outreach Program
63. Farmer’s Market
95. Covered bridges
64. Jersey Lilly Frog Burgers
96. Backside Brewery
65. Mountains
97. Grand Victorian Dinner Theater
66. Parks and Recreation
98. Driving Del Rio Road
67. Stewart Park
99. North 40 Brewing
68. Pedotti’s Italian Restaurant
100. Brix 101. Kodiak Burgers
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The 100 Valleys of the Umpqua are Beautiful in the Summer
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FOOD DRINK FOOD + +DRINK
HOME BREWING 101 / TAKELMA COFFEE / NORTH FORTY BEER CO. / WINE SHOWCASE
BREWIN’ IN THE ’BURG If you’ve caught the home-brewing fever, or are at least starting to recognize some symptoms, here are some tips for diving in and making a splash. Story by Jennifer Grafiada Photos by Thomas Boyd
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L
oyd Price has been homebrewing for 20 years and is currently the president of the Umpqua Valley Brewers Guild, an organization with 46 active members, official by-laws and the motto “teach, learn, brew, enjoy.” The UVBG meets monthly at various breweries around the county, and hosts annual events such as the Homebrew Rendezvous, which just happened in May. Do you want to get in on the hops-scented fun? Check out Umpquavalleybrewersguild.com to find out where the next meeting is. Beginners are always welcome! HOME-BREWING TIPS FROM LOYD PRICE Brewing can be a very involved hobby. One of the things I like about it is that a brewer can use simple or complex equipment. I started with one pot and have ended up with a very involved system. I have brewed very good beer using all sorts of set ups. What goes into making a good home-brewed beer? Lots of help from fellow brewers. What ingredients do we use? Grain, water, hops, yeast and other things to spice it up. Brewers have used some outrageous things to make different beer profiles. You can easily find basic instructions online or in a book, but here are eight tips to get you started: 1: Start with a sanitary system. 2: Pay close attention to the chemical content in your water and adjust if necessary. I use a program called Bru’n Water by Marten Brungard. 3: Test the PH value of your mash after 10 min from the start of your mash and adjust the PH if necessary. I use a program called BeerSmith by Brad Smith. 4: Cool the wort to below 175 degrees farenheit before adding the whirlpool hops addition. 5: Add your yeast to the fermenter at the same temperature as the wort in the fermenter. Stay within the temperature range as suggested by the yeast producer. 6: Pay close attention to temperature control during fermentation and conditioning (should not be either too hot or too cool). The BeerSmith program is good at letting you know what the temperatures should be. 7: Let your friends sample your beer and compare notes on how to improve the beer. 8: Join a brew club! There will be lots of good information available at club meetings. WHERE TO GET THE STUFF Equipment and ingredients for homebrewing can be purchased locally at the Harvest Store in Winston. Store owner Steve Johnston is a wealth of homebrew tips and advice, and he has posted several of his recipes online at harveststore.biz/recipes.
RESOURCES FOR THE BEGINNER BREWER homebrewersassociation.org beersmith.com umpquavalleybrewersguild.com harveststore.biz
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A COFFEE BUSINESS WITH PERKS Starting with an ideal built-in client, Takelma Coffee hit the grounds running in 2017 and hasn’t slowed down. Story by Dick Baltus Photos by Thomas Boyd The Takelma crew (from left): Madalyn Pickett, Brent Wolfer and Eric Albecker 30
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Seven Feathers went through about 22,000 pounds of coffee each year, plenty enough to give a new coffee roasting company an instant jolt.
S
tarting up a new company can be risky business. But starting out with a large, guaranteed customer can certainly eliminate some of the sleepless nights – even if you’re diving into a caffeine-related operation.
Such was the case when Takelma Coffee opened for business in July 2017. Not only did the new coffee roaster have an experienced leader at the helm, it also had a dream customer in Seven Feathers Casino and Resort, a fellow business of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians. Knowing the day you open you’ll be servicing a busy casino that gives away thousands of cups of coffee each year took most of the gamble out of starting a coffee roasting company, says Travis Hill, hospitality director for the Umpqua Indian Development Corporation.
bulk of our coffee was going to be given away didn’t mean we could get away with it tasting bad. People will actually choose one casino over another based on the quality of the free coffee.” Kennington, the tribe’s director of business development, had helped launch a coffee-roasting company in California and understood both the business and quality-control sides of the enterprise. He and Hill found a source in Seattle for their green product (unroasted beans), settled on a name for their new company (Takelma means “river people” in the Cow Creek’s recently rediscovered native language) and were off and running.
Kennington says their Seattle supplier provides green product from nine different countries. He’s spent time in coffee-growing villages and understands how important the industry is to local farmers. “I was working with the casino, looking for ways to streamline costs, “We pay more for our green product than most people do, but we do and one day I got this mailer about making your own (individual that because that’s how you reward people at the source,” he says. serving) coffee pods,” Hill says. Kennington says roasting is a mix of art and science. “It’s kind of like He approached Kyle Kennington, an employee with business making wine,” he says “You get your flavor in three stages — in the development and coffee roasting experience, and asked how easy it growing, the post-harvest processing and then in the roasting. In terms of roasting, once you understand the craft behind developing would be for the tribe to start roasting its own coffee. flavor profiles, duplicating them is pretty straightforward.” “Kyle said, ‘Oh, easy,’” Hill remembers. After less than two years in business, Takelma understands its craft Hill calculated that Seven Feathers went through about 22,000 well enough to have won two bronze medals at the North American pounds of coffee each year, plenty enough to give a new coffee Gold Bean Awards. “It was fun to be in the mix for awards with a lot roasting company an instant jolt. But Hill also saw the potential to of pretty big time Northwest roasters,” Hill says. develop more business regionally. Now all he had to do was find a Takelma sells its coffee in whole bean form, ground and in pods, all roaster, and start producing high-quality coffee. of which can be purchased online at takelmaroasting.com or direct “The coffee at the casino may be free, but this is the Pacific Northwest; from a retail space in front of their roasting operation at 2048 N.E. people except something that’s better,” Hill says. “Just because the Airport Road. UMPQUA WOMEN
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NEW BREW CREW Childhood friends R.J. Mills and Arin Forrest come home to bring their dream to life in the Umpqua Valley’s growing brewery scene. Story by Nate Hansen Photos by Thomas Boyd 32
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Brewing full-time for several years, Arin Forrest (left) and R.J. Mills were finally able to open their own downtown brewery last year.
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T
he Umpqua Valley’s burgeoning craft brewery scene added another destination last November when North Forty Beer Co. opened in downtown Roseburg.
Then, of course, there’s the beer. North Forty’s taps cover the usual craft beer spectrum with unusual quality — pale, red, IPA, stout, seasonals and others. And it’s all brewed onsite. Ciders and non-alcoholic drinks are on the menu, too.
North Forty is a dream brought to life by lifelong friends R.J. Mills and Arin Forrest, who met when they were Joseph Response to the new brewery has been enthusiastic, according Lane Middle School students. They stayed close through college to Mills, who says he is equally excited to be part of a business and beyond and started brewing beer a decade ago in Portland. community that is teeming with potential. That was the conceptual beginning of what would become “Roseburg is ripe for growth and opportunity,” he says. “The North Forty. people here are authentic, real. Being part of the growth that By 2014, Forrest and Mills had moved back to Roseburg and were is coming, and helping to provide jobs and attract tourists, all brewing full time, with their sights set on opening their own played roles in us wanting to move back and open North Forty.” brewery in their hometown. With North Forty up and running, Mills and Forrest are focused
Four years later, the duo had purchased the former Northwest on a new mission — helping put Roseburg’s beer community Outdoors storefront on Jackson Street and spent most of on the national map. North Forty will host regular events that 2018 converting the 4,000-square-foot space to Roseburg’s showcase new and limited-release beers. largest brewpub. “We want the community to grow, and we want to be there The welcoming, two-story pub features soaring ceilings, a large growing with it,” Mills says. bar and views of the large brewery tanks. When the weather North Forty is at 435 S.E. Jackson St. in downtown Roseburg. allows it, the pub’s garage-door-style front “windows” can be To learn more, go online to northfortybeer.com or just stop by and raised to create an open-air feel. For food service, the pub teamed try it. with Smokin’ Friday BBQ — a local favorite that opened its second Roseburg location inside North Forty.
A sampling of the brews and BBQ at North Forty. UMPQUA WOMEN
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WINE SHOWCASE The goal of Umpqua Wine Cellar is to bring outstanding local wines and others from around the world a little closer to the majority of valley residents. Story by Nancy Rodriguez Photos by Thomas Boyd
T
he Umpqua Valley wine region reveals itself in layers like a well-built wine, opening with a fragrant nose that leads to the promise of a taste that will take us through the vineyards and show the fruit at its finest. In the same way this region reveals its hidden treasures, Umpqua Wine Cellar has proven to be worth discovering. The location alone belies what will be found beyond its
unassuming exterior. But inside a glass-fronted building in the parking lot of Roseburg Valley Mall, a virtual tour of the Umpqua AVA (American Viticulture Area) and other wine regions from around the world awaits. Eric Winslow, owner of Umpqua Wine Cellar, opened his business as an outlet for the U.S. Post Office and a video rental store. He later expanded to offer wine sales and tastings in order to bring the outstanding local wines and others closer to the majority of the region’s residents. His walls are lined with racks holding a wide range of varietals, transcending the boundaries of regions and bringing together wines from the old and new worlds. Wine barrels display bottles from wineries as close as our local valleys, as regional as Walla Walla and as remote as New Zealand. Winslow offers Friday tastings built around themes that allow wine enthusiasts the opportunity to explore regions from Bordeaux to the Rioja, varietals from Albarino to Zinfandel and flights that focus on styles and emphasize the many award-winning wines of the Umpqua. The intention is to create an educated wine buyer. Wine in the barrel changes as time passes; the characteristics of the grape begin to show their true selves. It is a process that should not be rushed; it requires patience and a willingness to wait for the right time to bottle it. Winslow plans, in time, to expand the Umpqua Wine Cellar but for now it is aging well on its own. The Umpqua Wine Cellar is at 1370 N.W. Garden Valley Blvd., Roseburg. UMPQUA WOMEN
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FAR FROM A CAKEWALK The owner of Kim’s Cupcakery overcomes autism challenges to open her own successful, and life-changing, business. Story by David Shroyer Photos by Robin Loznak
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C
hoosing a career after high school isn’t just a tough decision; it’s a very impactful next step in figuring out one’s life path. Some find it an easy option: college or work. For Kim Miller, it wasn’t that cut and dried. Miller is the 30-year-old owner of Kim’s Cupcakery in Roseburg. She also has a form of high-functioning autism. Her life path has been filled with obstacles, but she’s cleared them all on her way to personal and business success. After high school, Miller knew she wanted to further her education, but after two years at UCC she began to feel hopeless about her life’s direction. With no vocation in mind, and struggling to figure out how to apply the talents she knew she possessed, depression set in. Miller would have crying jags that lasted days. Her selfconfidences began to wane and she began to stutter. Her autism has made it hard for her to find work. One of her hurtles was the inability to communicate on the phone. She was a strong visual learner, but not being able to match visuals with the auditory – such as during a phone conversation – made it difficult for her to concentrate, recall conversations, or even remember the caller. Miller also didn’t qualify for social security because she didn’t fall into the “right” autistic category. “She was stuck between too autistic for a typical job and too typical for disability assistance,” says her mother, Eileen Miller. “She was in no man’s land,” Miller desperately wanted to flourish at something, to let her creative mind go to work for her. Upon the advice of her mother, she began to bake. Her mother, a lifelong baker, felt the methodical steps required to follow a recipe might help ease her daughter’s mind. She was right. Miller started baking cupcakes, first for a former teacher, then for her hairdresser. Soon, word about her creations started reaching a larger audience. She was quickly finding her niche. Her crying became less frequent, her depression eased, and her clientele grew.
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to clear. Still, she knew this was her calling. Eventually Miller was awarded a $10,000 grant from Vocational Rehabilitation, a state-run program that helps people with disabilities find their professions. It was a big first step toward Miller’s goal of owning her own bakery. During this time, Kim’s grandmother passed away, leaving her and her mother an old farmhouse. The home was almost in a state of disrepair, but one long summer of hard work, Kim and her mother fixed up the farmhouse and sold it for a profit. With the funds of the estate sale in conjunction with Kim’s grant money, they were able to scratch up enough to make the plunge into a brick and mortar locale. Today, with the help of the grant and profits from the sale of a farmhouse she and her mother inherited and renovated, Miller is in charge of her own boutique bakery, Kim’s Cupcakery on Stephens Street in Roseburg. Miller makes the financial and marketing decisions, creates the recipes and designs, and greets customers. She even answers the phone and takes orders. Now she has the opportunity to express herself in many different ways, not just cupcakes, but also cakes, sugar cookies, puff pastries and more. “I like presenting my things with style. I don’t like the same thing over and over, the repetition,” she says. “I do best when I have free reign.” Miller uses baking to express her artistic talents. Cakes and cupcakes feature koala bears, barn scenes and cartoon characters. But her artistry is not confined to confections. Her bakery’s walls are lined with her artwork — sculptures, drawings and paintings. The road to a successful career hasn’t been easy for Miller. It has required finding the financing, adapting recipes to unfamiliar equipment, developing a work schedule, strengthening her interpersonal skills and more. But she’s made it work. After the doors to Kim’s Cupcakery opened a few days before Halloween, 2018 — 10 years after she graduated from high school — Miller found her former self again. Her crying spells completely stopped; her stuttering is gone. “When we first started, I had to grow out of my shyness,” she says. I’d hide from people when they came into the store because that’s just me. But I had to step up. I knew I had to come out and meet them. I had to learn some etiquette.”
“I find it therapeutic,” Miller says. “The step-by-step instructions, following a recipe, centers me.”
It was far from a cakewalk, but Kim Miller has found her destination.
Now she was on the right path, but there were still many hurtles
Kim’s Cupcakery is located at 1157 NE Stephens Street in Roseburg, Oregon. UMPQUA WOMEN
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HISTORY CULTURE
CELEBRATING A 110-YEAR TRADITION OF CARING Story by Dick Baltus Photo courtesy of Douglas County Museum
W
ith its sprawling campus and state-of-the-art facilities and services, it can be difficult to imagine that Mercy Medical Center has served the Roseburg community for more than a century.
But it’s true. Feb. 22, 2019, marked Mercy’s 110th year in Douglas County. To put that in perspective, consider this: When Mercy opened its doors back in 1909, Theodore Roosevelt was president of the United States — although his successor, president-elect William Howard Taft, would take the oath of office just 10 days later. Since then, 18 other presidents have come and gone while Mercy has remained a big part of local health care. Plans to build the original Mercy Hospital were announced during the summer of 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic order for women of faith, and the order’s outpost in Omaha, Neb., which administered its activities in the Midwest and Western states. A campaign was launched immediately to raise the $12,000 required to build the hospital. Construction was completed in four months, and Roseburg’s first hospital — a 25-bed facility at the intersection of Harvard Avenue and Madrone Street, just west of the South Umpqua River — was dedicated on Washington’s Birthday, 1909 In its first 52 years, the three-story, wooden building survived
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four fires, plus 1959’s Roseburg Blast. A new brick building replaced the original in 1961 and still stands at the western foot of the Washington Street bridge. It today houses Adapt, a provider of primary care and behavioral health services and addiction treatment. Now known as CHI Mercy Health, the medical center opened its current Stewart Parkway campus in 1977 under the leadership of Sister Jacquetta Taylor, who directed Mercy from her appointment in 1969 until her retirement in 1996. Among her many achievements — besides spearheading construction of the current facility — was getting the first CT scanner in an Oregon hospital; creating the state’s first hospital-based ambulance service; bringing dialysis services to Douglas County and opening Linus Oakes Retirement Center. Victor Fresolone succeeded Sister Jacquetta upon her retirement in 1996. During his tenure, Mercy opened an Emergency Chest Pain Center and Sleep Center. He also oversaw two major construction projects that expanded the hospital. Kelly Morgan succeeded Fresolone in 2006. His achievements have included opening Shaw Heart and Vascular Center, initiating a new hospitalist service, dramatically growing the medical staff and overseeing a quality program that has led to Mercy being ranked among the nation’s top hospitals. From its modest beginnings in 1909, Mercy has evolved into a comprehensive resource, providing a vast array of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services to local residents. But even with its significant expansion in both size and services, Mercy retains the original mission and spirit of the tiny wood-frame hospital that started it all. Compassion, service, quality and innovation are still the hallmarks the medical center provides for its patients. “We do still see the spirit of our Sisters of Mercy patrons on display every day in the way our employees care for our patients and each other,” says David Price, Mercy’s director of mission integration. “Jacquetta and Kelly have imbued the same values we were founded on into the culture of our organization. Kelly will say, ‘This is not a job, it’s a calling.’ That’s something we worked ardently to instill in our employees.” Adds Lisa Platt, president of Mercy Foundation, “Jacquetta was a servant leader. She loved her employees, her patients and her community. Whenever her management team was considering a new initiative, she would always ask, ‘How does this affect our patients and our community?’ That’s a question Kelly still asks to this day.”
WE BLEW IT In our last issue, we mistakenly identified an employee of Two Shy Brewing as owner Lyle Hruda. We regret the error and are now pleased to present the real Lyle Hruda and his wife Danielle.
#WHERE IS ELKTON? Find out what you’re missing this summer!
Get the guide at Elktonbutterflies.com/events-Calendar
PROUDLY IGNORING ARUGULA SINCE 1964. These days you can eat just about any kind of pizza, and if pear and arugula is your dream pie, more power to you. But our customers want the same things our customers wanted back in 1964 – delicious traditional pizza, with toppings edge to edge, and a fun, casual environment. Not very arugula-ish, we know. But it’s been making people happy for more than 55 years.
Abby’s: A Legendary Pizza Tradition
5 Legendary Locations in Douglas County
Myrtle Creek • Roseburg • Sutherlin • Winston
abbys.com
Volunteer rehabilitator Peggy Cheatham with Nell, her educational great horned owl. with Nell, her educational great horned owl. Volunteer rehabilitator Peggy Cheatham
For 30 years, Umpqua Wildlife Rescue volunteers have been nursing injured critters of all kind back to health and returning them to their natural habitat. Story by Dick Baltus Photos by Thomas Boyd
OK
readers, if asked to guess the contents of a dedicated vegetarian’s freezer, how many of you would compile a list that included bag o’ mice?
Show of hands, please.
That’s what we thought. Here’s a guess that the smattering of arms that went up were attached to people who know Peggy Cheatham. Besides being the co-owner (with daughter, Felicia) of Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop in downtown Roseburg, Cheatham also is a long-time volunteer for Umpqua Wildlife Rescue (UWR). It is that avocation that explains the neatly packed bag of white mice that occupies a portion of the top layer of the freezer in the rehab center just down the hill from Cheatham’s rural Roseburg home. This is dinner (or breakfast or lunch) for the various raptors she temporarily houses and nurses back to health after someone has called the UWR hotline with news they’ve found a wounded animal.
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At this moment, the mice are nourishment for a red-shouldered hawk, which arrived with a broken leg that is nearly healed, meaning Cheatham will soon be able to return it to nature. That’s assuming it passes a couple of flight tests first.
actual rehabilitation center,” she says. “They wanted Umpqua Wildlife Rescue to be a nonprofit umbrella organization that trains, mentors and financially supports individuals in the community who want to become licensed rehabilitators. And they felt it would give the animals a higher-quality experience if the rehabbers could provide care from the comfort of their own homes.”
Once the bone has healed and the pins have been removed, the hawk will be placed in one of the flight pens on Cheatham’s property, where it can exercise and she can watch to Brenda Weber was one of the program’s see how it is maneuvering. If it passes this earliest volunteers. She says she saw an ad test, the hawk will advance to creance flying, for Allbritten and Duncan’s first-ever wildlife which involves strapping leather jesses to its rehab training class and thought, ‘This legs and then connecting those to a long line sounds like fun.’” attached to a rod and reel. Imagine flying a bird kite and you’ll have a pretty good visual “I was the only one caring for songbirds back then,” says Weber, who holds a degree of the exercise. in wildlife biology from Michigan State “Someone will man the reel and I’ll throw her University, “I took care of hundreds of them up and let her fly, and then we’ll bring her every season for nearly 20 years.” down again,” Cheatham says. “It’s a way to let Like Weber, Cheatham was introduced to her exercise and see if she is ready to fly.” UWR by an ad announcing the training Cheatham cares for 50 to 60 raptors a year, program. After moving out into the country in everything from barn owls and falcons 1992, she had made several attempts to rescue to vultures and bald eagles. And yes, it baby nestlings found on her property. Not did take some doing for her to get used to understanding how much nourishment the feeding meat to her patients. In fact, while tiny birds required (they have to be fed every she has volunteered for UWR for more than 30 minutes to an hour, sun-up to sundown) 20 years, Cheatham’s only cared for raptors she kept failing in her efforts to keep for the last seven. She started out caring for them alive. non-carnivores. “I kept thinking, gosh, what am I doing “I chose spring fawns because my entire wrong?” she remembers. “So when I heard family is vegetarian and people told me, about the training class I decided to learn ‘You’re never going to be able to feed mice to how to do it right.” raptors,’” Cheatham says, laughing at the memory. “It was hard at first, but I did it. Now Cheatham decided to start her volunteer career working with fawns, even I do it without thinking.” though experienced volunteers advised Umpqua Wildlife Rescue was founded in her against it. “Fawns require special 1988 by two wildlife biologists from Douglas methods of care in order to be raised County, Marnie Allbritten and Nancy Duncan. wild. So you can’t have another volunteer Their primary goal, to treat injured birds and babysit them for you occasionally like you mammals and release them back into the could a songbird,” she says. wild, wasn’t unique, Cheatham says, but their Still, she wanted to fill a gap where she was approach was. most needed, and no one was caring for
“Their vision was different than rehab programs in bigger cities that usually have an
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fawns at the time. She did it for 17 years until another volunteer was trained and licensed to
Imagine flying a bird kite, and you have a pretty good visual of creance exercising.
While educational owl Nell’s injuries were too extensive to allow a return to the wild, this barn owl was close to fully healed.
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UFW volunteer Becky Bass with Jax the fox, another of the organization’s educational animals.
UWR volunteers care for between 200 and 300 animals a year. They run the gamut from snipes (yes, snipes are real) to a badger on the wrong end of an encounter with a porcupine.
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take over the responsibility, allowing Cheatham to switch to raptors. Among UWR’s seven volunteer rehabilitators, Cheatham calls herself the “uneducated one” of the group, a bit of modesty that Weber is quick to dispel. “What she isn’t telling you is she has written a scientific report that was published in the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Journal,” Weber says.
On occasion, an animal that can’t be returned to the wild is kept for educational uses. Cheatham currently houses a great horned owl that suffered a broken wing and brain injury. She can fly again, but the brain injury took away her aggressive behavior. However, because she is now so calm she can be part of UWR’s educational efforts. UWR volunteers will go to great lengths to rescue an animal. Last summer Cheatham took in a baby osprey that was found on the ground below its nest high atop a utility pole. After she “fattened up” the bird, she enlisted the help of Douglas Electric Cooperative to return it to its rightful place.
The report documents the outcome of a 15-year study Cheatham conducted to measure mortality and reproduction among hand-raised “One of our volunteers went up in the boom and got fawns after they are released. Study results him all tucked back in his nest,” Cheatham says. enabled Cheatham and UWR to dispel the myth that fawns can’t be successfully hand-raised On another occasion, a call came in that a hawk and released, and demonstrated their method’s was trapped inside Roseburg’s Coastal Farm & effectiveness to the Oregon Department of Ranch supply store, which features an extra-high Fish and Wildlife, which doesn’t allow fawn ceiling. A UWR volunteer with a 30-foot-long rehabilitation in many counties. snare was able to grab the bird by its wing, bring it down safely, and release it. UWR volunteers care for between 200 and 300 animals a year. They run the gamut from snipes UWR’s modest budget (around $5,000 annually) (yes, snipes are real) to, in one instance, a badger is funded by an annual fall craft fair at Douglas that had escaped from Wildlife Safari and wound County Fairgrounds and private donations. While up on the wrong end of an encounter with a the organization is always willing to accept money, porcupine. His rehab required intervention from its need for volunteers is greater. Canyonville veterinarian Dr. Tammy Eichman, who volunteers services to UWR along with “We really need help with songbirds,” says Weber, who now helps teach UWR’s training Roseburg vet Dr. Steve Frack. classes. “They are one of the easiest animals to While the badger ultimately made his way back care for, and they usually live. They take a lot of to his home at Wildlife Safari, not all stories end time, but once they are raised it’s pretty quiet happily for the volunteer rehabbers. Many of the until the next season.” animals have to be euthanized because they can’t “It’s a challenge to get volunteers,” adds be healed enough to survive in the wild. Cheatham. “You have to be able to fit this into “We have to make those kinds of decisions all the your life, and people have busy lives. But when time,” Cheatham says. “If a mammal has a broken you get a call that there’s a bald eagle to pick up leg and it mends, it can probably limp around out and it’s starving, you’ve got to stop your life and there and generally be OK. But birds, of course, go get it. There aren’t that many crazy people have to be able to fly to survive. If we feel an animal like us willing to do that.” can’t make it out there, the kindest thing we can do is euthanize it.”
For information on how to volunteer, visit umpquawildliferescue.org. The Umpqua Wildlife Rescue hotline number is 541.440.6895.
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WOMEN AT WORK “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you are proud to live.” –Anne Sweeny Stories by Dick Baltus Photos by Thomas Boyd
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uccess comes in many forms, and it rarely comes easy. For women, the path to success can be an even more difficult journey. But, in the Umpqua Valley, there is no shortage of women who have overcome challenges and cleared obstacles to reach the top – in their professions, at home and in our community. In this feature, UV is proud to profile just a few of the many Umpqua Valley women who have built lives to be proud of and to which others can find inspiration.
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Anne Kubisch President/CEO The Ford Family Foundation
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nne Kubisch may not have done or seen it all, but it hasn’t been for lack of effort. She was born in Niles, Mich. Her father’s State Department job had the family living in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Brazil, Mexico, France and Greece. Other stops included Boston, where she earned a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, and New Jersey, where she earned a master’s degree from Princeton. In her career, Kubisch has worked for an international development organization, the Ford Foundation (related to the Ford motor company) in New York and Nigeria, directed research and public policy at The Aspen Institute think tank and, for the last six years, led The Ford Family Foundation. Along the way she and her husband raised two children. List five words that best describe you. Compassionate. Extroverted. Optimistic. Curious (about the world). Impatient (with poverty, injustice and inequity). What has most helped you get to where you are? Curiosity about, and exposure to, the diversity of human beings, cultures and communities in the United States and around the world. What satisfies you most in life? When the people I love are healthy, happy and fulfilled. Who are your heroes? This question is a hard one for me. It suggests that individual stars influence me. Instead, I believe that success for families, communities and nations comes as a result of hard work, every day, by a lot of committed and courageous people. But, if you push me: My daughter and son, who are growing up to be incredible young adults (despite the deficiencies of their parents!). What are your proudest personal and professional achievements? My two fabulous children and becoming president/CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. What advice would you give to your younger self? Store up on sleep and get into a fitness routine because when you’re trying to pursue a career and raise children at the same time, sleep and fitness time fall away. Was there a favorite quote that has inspired you through your career? From Theodore Parker via Martin Luther King, Jr.: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” UMPQUA WOMEN
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Anita Cox Vice President, Branch Manager, Oregon Pacific Bank
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fter graduating from Oakland High School and Southern Oregon University, Cox was hired as a teller at First National Bank in Sutherlin. That was the beginning of a banking career that has spanned 41 years. Cox’s contributions to community causes are legendary. She’s served on the boards of, or otherwise volunteered for, UCAN, Sutherlin School District, Boys and Girls Club, Rotary Club, Douglas CARES, Douglas ESD, Oregon Community Foundation and The Ford Family Foundation. Twenty-three years ago she founded Ladies in Leadership to give area women the opportunity to network with other women List 5 words that best describe you. Considerate. Compassionate. Adventurous. Empathetic. Reliable. What has most helped you get to where you are? Family, friends and mentors who helped me along the way. What satisfies you most in life? Family. Making a difference for others. Who are your heroes? Local women who have achieved their life goals and made accomplishments through their own perseverance and vision. What are your proudest personal and professional achievements? Raising my children to be achievers. Influencing successful community projects. Sharing my own experiences to help others. Achieving a management position in my career. What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t let your past define you. Stay strong through the storms of life because they will shape you into a better person.
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Tabbitha Layman Assistant Manager, First Interstate Bank
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t age 15, Sutherlin native and current resident Tabbitha Layman started working in fast food and was on the fast track to a career in the industry. She worked her way up to assistant to the area manager before shifting careers in order to spend more time with her husband, Fred, and their three children. Layman had similar success in her new banking career, quickly moving up the ranks to her current position. Layman is a committed community volunteer, serving on the Festival of Lights Committee, as a CASA advocate and helping many other events and organizations. In July she starts her term as president of the Roseburg Rotary Club. List 5 words that best describe you. Dependable. Organized. Compassionate. Effervescent. Driven. What has most helped you get to where you are? My determination to provide a role model for my children. Perseverance over obstacles is a lesson learned early in life from my family. What satisfies you most in life? Feeling like I have made those who matter proud, and making a difference in someone’s life. Who are your heroes? My mother, Neilene Blakely, who selflessly helps others time and time again, and my sister, Mae Sliva, who showed me at a young age that women can do anything they want. What are your proudest personal and professional achievements? My proudest personal moments come from my kids. I feel proud when they want to volunteer, or give their things to people in need or feed the homeless. Professionally I would say the recognition that comes from my involvement in the community. What advice would you give to your younger self? Slow down and enjoy the ride! Was there a favorite quote that has inspired you through your career? “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” –The Dalai Lama
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Lisa Platt President, Mercy Foundation
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oseburg or Chicago? That was the choice Lisa Platt faced after being offered her job with Mercy Foundation 16 years ago. She had also been offered an opportunity in Chicago, where she had been the gift development officer for the Chicago Archdiocese-Catholic Extension Society. But Platt had lived in the Gresham area between college and graduate school and had vowed to return to the Northwest if the opportunity arose. So she took “a leap of faith” and left metropolitan Illinois for rural Oregon. Platt grew up in the Midwest and also lived in the South, working in Texas as a life insurance specialist and later as chief administrative officer for a large third-party administrator. While there she was named by the YWCA as the Outstanding Business Woman of the Year. List 5 words that best describe you: Honest. Compassionate. Risk-taker. Gregarious. Generous. What has most helped you get to where you are? Having great mentors in my life and understanding what servant leadership is all about. Also, knowing you cannot achieve success by yourself. What satisfies you most in life? Right now it is watching my 17-year-old goddaughter blossom into a young woman. I have been raising her since she was 11 after her mother passed away. Who are your heroes? Sr. Jacquetta Taylor (former Mercy CEO). Others would include Gilda Radner, Lauren Bacall, Katherine Hepburn and Meryl Streep. What are your proudest personal and professional achievements? I think it is our Healthy Kids Outreach Program and how we saw that a focus on prevention and wellness was the key to making a real difference in our communities. What advice would you give to your younger self? Balance. The younger me did not have a healthy balance between family, work and pleasure. Was there a favorite quote that has inspired you through your career? “Sometimes the juice just ain’t worth the squeeze.”
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Kim Tyree COO, Evergreen Family Medicine
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yree moved to Roseburg from her native Klamath Falls to become chief operations officer for Evergreen Family Medicine. She was formerly COO for a health center and residency administrator for the OHSU Family Practice Residency program, both in Klamath Falls. She earned her associate’s degree at age 26 and went to work in healthcare settings. At age 40, while still working full time, Tyree earned her bachelor’s degree. Following the death of her mother, who had always wanted to get a master’s degree, Tyree went back to school and got hers. List 5 words that best describe you. Driven. Innovative. Passionate. Strong-willed. Resilient. What satisfies you most in life? My family. I have an amazing husband, who truly is my best friend, three grown kids, two grown step-kids and nine grandkids. Who are your heroes? My grandmother worked for the Forest Service in Idaho until finally retiring from the Older American Work Program at 88. My mom was a nurse for 57 years, retiring at the age of 77. She also was a smart, strong woman who taught me the value of hard work. What are your proudest personal and professional achievements? My proudest personal achievement is watching my kids in their role as parents. My proudest professional achievement was getting my MBA. What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t take things too seriously, and don’t get frustrated with things that are outside of your control. Was there a favorite quote that has inspired you through your career?
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” Colin Powell
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Doo Wop Teacher By day, she’s an award-winning teacher in Sutherlin. After hours, she’s a critic-pleasing recording artist. Story by Dick Baltus Photos by Thomas Boyd
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he guitar rests in a stand, framed by the picture window in Melissa Ruth’s living room in the far western reaches of rural Sutherlin. As guitars go, the electric 1958 Guild, its sunburst finish dulled from the years and the use, is fairly inconspicuous, like a musician’s version of a potted plant.
Truth be told, while the vintage six-string has its classic curves and charm, it didn’t even catch Ruth’s eye that day, 10-plus years ago, when she ambled through McKenzie River Music in Eugene. For one, she was there shopping for a non-electrified model, the better instrument to accompany the “folky, acoustic stuff” she was into at the time. For another…well, there isn’t another, just as there’s been no other guitar for Ruth since a store employee pointed to the Guild and said, “Try this one.” Ruth had been writing and performing songs long before that day. But it wasn’t until she found her ’58 that she truly found her voice. It may not have caught her eye initially, but it immediately captured her soul.
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Melissa Ruth performing with the Likely Stories above and her music students (right). Photo courtesy of Matt Greco, The Rye Room.
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ot everyone knows her as Melissa Ruth. To the Putting labels on music is a tricky, and to a large extent pointless, students and faculty of Sutherlin High School, exercise. But you’ve got to call your music something besides where since 2015 she has led the music program, music, so Ruth calls hers “doo-wop twang.” If that’s not helpful, she’s Melissa Jmaeff. Many of them don’t have a you may not find any more illumination in the deeper dive she clue that Jmaeff ’s alter ego already has three albums to her takes trying to define it. credit (four, actually, but she doesn’t really count the first) “In my promotional materials, I describe it as the space of blues, and thousands of miles of road work in her rearview mirror. the teeth of country and the grit of rock and roll,” Ruth says. “I’m sort of a Jekyll and Hyde,” she says. “I keep my Melissa Ruth “There’s a lot of overlapping genres, obviously. But blues people identity kind of hidden at school. When I’m in the classroom, it think it’s too rock, rock people think it’s too country and country is so not about me. It almost feels uncomfortable to talk about people think it’s too blues. Whatever you hear in it, it’s there.” Melissa Ruth.” What you won’t hear much in the music of Melissa Ruth Others don’t have the same problem talking about her, regardless is the story of Melissa Jmaeff. “Not many of her songs are of the name she might be using at the time. As Jmaeff, she earned autobiographical,” says Johnny Leal who, as Ruth’s husband and the Sutherlin Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Educator musical collaborator, ought to know. award last winter for her efforts turning the middle and high school’s half-time, band-less music program into a full-time department with 98 band students and three choir classes. As Ruth, her albums have earned high praise from one of the loudest, and notoriously hard-to-please, critics in the Americana music category that most closely — but far from perfectly — defines her style.
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o about that story. Ruth was born and raised through age 16 in an outpost in British Columbia so rural that her husband quips, “it’s best described as a feeling, not a town.”
Her mother was a nurse, her dad a contractor who augmented his income by playing in a local bar band. “Dad would always say, ‘Rock and roll fed this family,’” Ruth remembers.
Before long, Ruth moved back to California, landing in Arcata, where she enrolled at Humboldt State University and met the guitarist of her dreams. Johnny Leal had been playing guitar since he was a kid growing up in California. Along the way he met an older player named Hank Alrich, who had earlier made his mark as manager of the legendary Armadillo World Headquarters, putting Austin, Tex., on the international map for touring musicians.
While her parents didn’t have much disposable income, they were supportive of Ruth’s desire to take piano lessons. “About age 15 I started going to Hank’s house and playing with They couldn’t afford a keyboard, though, so she was improvising him,” Leal recalls. “One day it would be Hank Williams, the next from the jump. we’d be playing jazz.” “I would practice on paper that had piano keys printed on it,” she says. “I practiced that way for a good, long time.” At 9, Ruth also started playing the flute; at 15, she added guitar. During her junior year in high school, Ruth’s family relocated to San Bernardino, Calif. Then she graduated and headed back to Canada, enrolling in the University of Calgary. By now she was playing both guitar and classical flute, but pursuing her degree in the latter.
After a stint in junior college, Leal enrolled in the same Humboldt State music department as a classical flute major from Canada who had started writing songs and backing herself on guitar in gigs outside of school. Leal and Ruth meet; they play together; it’s love at first sound. “Johnny was the first person I had played with who was just, like, serving the song,” Ruth says. ”He wasn’t trying to fit my songs into his skill set, but trying to fit his skill set to the song. Right UMPQUA WOMEN
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from the get-go I thought this would be a great person to collaborate with.” Since all of Ruth’s formal training had been classical and on the flute, her songwriting and guitar playing all came from her gut, heart and ear.
The self-produced “Ain’t No Whiskey,” was released in 2011, and Alrich thought highly enough of it to encourage Ruth to send it to an influential Austin music critic named John Conquest, who published a music magazine. By the time Ruth had researched Conquest — reading some of the most scathing reviews she’d ever run across — she had already sent him her album.
“I only wanted to play what sounded good to my ear,” she says. “I didn’t play because someone told me to play it this way or “I thought, Oh my God, who did I just send this to?” Ruth because it was a one-four-five chord change. I would just start remembers, laughing. playing, and because Johnny knew music theory he was able join in and follow what might be one of my weird structures.” Turns out, she had nothing to worry about. In his review, Conquest gave “Ain’t No Whiskey” 4.5 “flowers” out of a Here, Leal chimes in. “She downplayed her songs when we first possible five, later naming it one of his favorite albums of the started playing together. But she always had super interesting year and Ruth one of his female artists of year. An invitation to stuff going rhythmically. Nothing was standard, but it wasn’t play Conquest’s showcase at Austin’s legendary SXSW music like something was wrong.” festival followed in 2012, the first of several performances Ruth has played during the event. After graduating, Ruth and Leal married and moved to Eugene in 2006. He had been hired by North Douglas School District to In the years since, Ruth has produced two more albums, “Riding teach K-12 music in Drain; she got a job in Yoncalla, where she Mercury” and “Meteor,” just released in March. She took a year rejuvenated her first music program and taught for eight years off teaching at Yoncalla to tour in support of her second release. before moving on to Sutherlin. While she does perform the occasional local gig, either with For a wedding present, their friend Alrich gave them the gift Leal as the Midnight Darlins or with an all-woman western of recording time at his studio. Thus was born Melissa Ruth, band, Ruth’s performances are more often out of town. She’d recording artist. love to play more locally, she says, but her music is more suited to listening to than partying with. She recorded her first album, the one she considers a trial run, and played her first public gigs with Leal while playing “Most of the local places are good-time spaces, which is great. “second-rate,” hand-me-down instruments. The couple decided I love going out and having a good time too. But our music can it was time for a trip to McKenzie River. be a little on the bummer-jam side, so it takes some listening,” she says, laughing. he Guild had been in the store for about three years when Ruth picked it up, and it would be there for Bummer jam. Doo-wop twang. Blues space, country teeth, another one, even after she finally let go of it that day. rock-and-roll grit. Maybe it just can’t be described, but if you
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“As soon as I played it I thought, ‘Oh no, this is the one,’” she says. “But I didn’t have the money, so I had to put it on layaway. Every extra dollar we had we’d send to McKenzie until they finally let me take it home.”
The guitar, Ruth says, “had a voice of its own, and it had its own songs. So I just started writing and within a couple months had enough material for the first real record I did.”
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hear Ruth’s music, you can certainly feel it. And you may also come to understand how a guitar can speak.
View a video of Melissa Ruth at theuvlife.com or by searching You Tube. Albums are available on iTunes.
Ruth and husband/guitarist Johnny Leal at home.
Photo by Matt Greco. UMPQUA WOMEN WOMEN UMPQUA
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MATTERS OF THE HEART / PUT SOME STEPS IN YOUR SPRING / LESSONS FROM NATURE / BLUE ZONES
MATTERS OF THE HEART Though the incidence of heart disease in women is higher than men, it’s still less likely to be diagnosed, says cardiologist Dr. Courtney Virgilio. Story by Jim Hays
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hen CHI Mercy Health’s Shaw Heart & Vascular Center came calling with a practice opportunity, it wasn’t hard for cardiologist Dr. Courtney Virgilio to make up her mind.
She’d already been working at Shaw Heart part-time, filling in when the center was short-staffed while maintaining her own cardiology practice in Bend. The Umpqua Valley’s attractions were many, and after 10 years of practice in California and Bend, the Chicago native wanted to find a place to settle down with her husband and their two young boys. Roseburg looked like a great spot to do that. What ultimately made Virgilio take the leap, however, were her experiences working at Shaw Heart.
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“They make it very easy to take care of people,” Virgilio says. “It’s a great team effort. When you need something to help a patient, they make sure you get it quickly. And the nurses are amazing.” By September 2018, Virgilio was onboard full time, joining a state-ofthe-art center and a skilled and compassionate care team that has helped Shaw Heart earn national Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence. It’s been an “ideal” experience, says Virgilio, who enjoys cooking and hiking with her family and watching her sons, ages 12 and 10, play soccer and basketball. Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Virgilio earned her medical degree at the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University, where she graduated magna cum laude. She completed her residency and cardiology fellowship at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis. More recently, she was medical director for cardiology at Mark Twain Medical Center in San Andreas, Calif., before moving to Bend Memorial Clinic. She is board-certified in internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and cardiovascular disease. While helping patients is her primary focus, Virgilio shares with her cardiology colleagues a passion for prevention of heart disease, which is the top killer of Americans regardless of income, sex, age or race. She sees education as an important step in minimizing the everyday risks by knowing what to watch out for and what to do about them. Because knowing can be lifesaving. That’s particularly true for women. “The rate of heart disease in women in the U.S. is not only higher than men, it is also more likely to go undiagnosed until later stages of the illness — and sometimes too late,” says Virgilio.
IS IT A HEART ATTACK? Signs of a heart attack in women can be the same as those commonly associated with heart attack in men — including pain in the arm, neck, back or jaw as well as nausea and shortness of breath. But women may also experience less common and more subtle signs, such as: • Heartburn • Loss of appetite • Feeling weak or tired • Coughing • Heart flutters • An achy, tight or “heavy” feeling in the chest or back • Breaking out in a cold sweat The more signs that are present, the greater the likelihood of a heart problem. The best chance for victims of cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke is to call 911 immediately, as soon as you experience these symptoms. For more information on women and heart disease, visit womenshealth.gov.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, heart disease accounts for a quarter of all deaths among U.S. women. In addition, one study found that two-thirds of women who die suddenly of heart disease show no apparent symptoms. A recent survey by the American Heart Association indicated women worry much more about contracting breast cancer than heart disease — even though heart disease kills six times as many women every year. One reason for the disconnect, according to a 2017 article published by Harvard University Medical School, is heart disease is associated with older women and, while younger women often know someone who has survived breast cancer, few know someone who has heart disease. “Heart problems in women don’t always follow the textbook,” Virgilio says. “Without the classic symptoms, women might not realize they have a heart problem.” “There are things we all can do to help ourselves, to work on prevention,” Virgilio says. “Good outcomes are not necessarily all in the physician’s hands. Let’s see what we can learn to do differently at home. It’s important for everyone to realize that there are things you can control to get ahead of it. And it should be on the radar for everyone.”
Dr. Courtney Virgilio
“HEART PROBLEMS IN WOMEN DON’T ALWAYS FOLLOW THE TEXTBOOK. WITHOUT THE CLASSIC SYMPTOMS, WOMEN MIGHT NOT REALIZE THEY HAVE A HEART PROBLEM.” —Dr. Courtney Virgilio
S PUT SOME STEPS IN YOUR SPRING Looking for a way to shake off the cobwebs and get back into a health routine? Here’s an easy workout you can do in the comfort of your home (but not from your couch). Story by Dawn Brown Photos by Thomas Boyd
o, you used winter weather as an excuse to become a couch potato. And now that summer is nearing, so has your motivation to start working your way back into better shape.
While local fitness clubs are a great place to start, you don’t need a gym membership, or even costly home equipment, to achieve better health and fitness. You can burn fat, build muscle and get a great workout by doing body-weight exercises in the comfort of your home. Body-weight exercises can be highly effective and offer some hidden bonuses — like improved core strength — that can’t be achieved with traditional exercise equipment. The core is more than just abs. In fact, as many as 35 muscles make up the human core, and many simple body-weight movements can be used to engage every one of them. Improved core leads to better posture, and better posture leads to better balance. If the idea of better health appeals to you, let’s get to work. On the opposite page, I lead Corrina Alvarez through a basic circuit home workout that can be done anywhere — in your home, basement, garage, at a park, or wherever. In this circuit, you do each exercise in succession, without a break in between. Because the exercises come one after another, you’re going to get tired — and that’s a good thing. Once you finish all of the exercises in the circuit, repeat it three or four times. But before you start, don’t forget to warm-up. You can run in place, pretend jump rope or twist and swing your arms and legs. Don’t wear yourself out; do it for just three to five minutes, long enough to get your heart rate up and blood pumping to your muscles. You might even break a sweat, but don’t worry. Sweating has never hurt anyone. If it’s a challenge to keep your balance while doing the squats or lunges, it’s OK to use a support. Need help with the push-ups? Try doing them on your knees at first. Want something more challenging? Double the reps for each exercise. Perform this routine two to three times per week, but never on consecutive days. You don’t build muscle when you’re working it; you build it when your muscle is resting after working it. So, one final question. What are you waiting for? Dawn Brown is a certified fitness trainer at Downtown Fitness & Aerobics in Roseburg.
20 Squats
10 Pushups
15-Second Plank
20 Lunges (10 on each leg)
10 Rows (use a milk jug, cans or even a log)
30 Jumping Jacks Clockwise from upper left, personal trainer Dawn Brown leads Corrina Alvarez through squats, push-ups, lunges, rows and jumping jacks.
Having these items displayed and accessible can allow children to re-examine the items and expand their learning. If you take nature walks with your children throughout the year, they can see seasonal changes outdoors. You can help get them thinking by asking open-ended questions. For very young, nonverbal children, this might include you stating aloud your observations in descriptive language, which helps children start to build their own vocabulary. For verbal children, use open-ended questions and phrases such as “I wonder,” “I notice,” or “tell me more.” Open-ended questions invite deeper thinking and personal expression and encourage children to expand and explain their thoughts. Asking these kinds of questions helps children think about what they are observing, furthering their exploration and use of expressive language. Open-ended questions to ask your child on a nature walk this time of year may include:
LESSONS FROM NATURE Taking your child on walks is a great way to expose him or her to the wonders of nature while fostering early learning and development. Story and photo by Jayme Malkowski
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hildren are curious beings — naturally.
From birth they are exploring their world, the people in it and their surroundings. One of the benefits of living in Douglas County is our beautiful surroundings, which give us ample opportunities to support children’s development and early learning. A nature walk is a great way to take advantage of them. A nature walk is just a stroll for the purpose of observing the environment. Let your child take the lead on your walk. Does he or she comment on something or take particular notice of their surroundings or an item they see? Bringing a small basket, bag or container for “special collections” is a great way for your child to bring outside items into your home. The small items collected from your walk can be used to set up a “nature table” in your child’s room, in jars along a windowsill, or on a child-height wall shelf or small tray.
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That rock looks smooth. I wonder what it feels like to you?
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I wonder what will happen if we plant that bulb or seed?
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What do you notice about this flower or plant?
Planting a bulb or seed indoors can lead to discussions about roots, stems, plant nutrients and soil. Using seeds from different plants available in your backyard is a great way to perform “experiments” with your child. Household items such as recycled egg cartons or emptied cans can be used as containers to start plants. A nature walk can happen in your yard or neighborhood, on trails, or at a local park or garden. Fall Creek Falls is just one of many family-friendly options in Douglas County. The trails of Stewart Park can also lead to many discoveries. The Westside Community Garden, which grows many different vegetables year-round, is a beautiful spot to visit with children. The OSU Extension Master Gardener’s Discovery Garden is another wonderful experience. The OSU Discovery Garden includes some creative examples of artwork made from reused materials, which can inspire children to create something of their own at home. Children learn independently every day through normal routines and home life. We can foster children’s intrinsic curiosity about the world by allowing them to lead their own learning experiences during a nature walk. The items your child brings back for their nature table can be used for multiple purposes. Small collections of sticks can be transformed into letters for early literacy opportunities. Rocks can be painted, seeds grown and transplanted, and leaves and feathers can be classified. Douglas County is a perfect place for exploring nature with children, helping them learn and expand their young minds every step of the way. Roseburg resident Jayme Malkowski, MAEd is an early childhood educator and advocate and creator of children’s environments. View photos of a nature table and other items mentioned in this article at theuvlife.com.
Here are some other benefits: •
Provides a Big Social Network. Friends are an important part of enjoying a healthy, happy life. People who attend church have a big social network and a regular meeting place. Participating in a religious community is a great way to connect, bond and share life’s ups and downs.
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Encourages Positive Behaviors. People who attend church tend to be more physically active and may be less likely to indulge in unhealthy behaviors.
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Creates a Sanctuary in Time. Taking regular breaks from the rigors of daily life is a great way to relieve stress and strengthen your social networks with loved ones.
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Supports a Sense of Purpose. Religion encourages positive behaviors and expectations. When people act in accordance with their beliefs and values, they feel good about themselves and are more likely to feel a sense of pride and purpose in their daily lives.
IF CHURCH ISN’T YOUR THING
THE SPIRIT CAN MOVE YOU Attending a church or staying connected with your spiritual side may help you live longer and better. Story by Juliete Palenshus
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lue Zones® researchers have discovered that people who are the healthiest and live the longest all seem to have a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
It’s so important that it’s one of the Power 9® common lifestyle habits of those living in the original Blue Zones areas that are helping people live longer and better. For many, this comes from spiritual or religious practice.
It’s not necessary to attend a church to receive these benefits (see related article). But the act of regularly attending a religious service is a common thread among cultures with the longest lifespans. Attending church, even once a month, seems to have a positive effect on one’s overall health and happiness. A study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found those who attended religious services at least once per month had a longer life expectancy than those who did not. It seems that people who nourish their spiritual side lower their risk of heart disease, depression and stress, while increasing their immunity.
You don’t have to attend church to connect with your spiritual side, but you should set aside some time for yourself. Making time for your spiritual side creates a space for you to slow down. Practices like yoga or meditation can give you a break from the nonstop, internal chatter that goes on in the mind. Being active outside is also a great way to relieve stress and reconnect with your spiritual side.
TOP 5 WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUR SPIRITUAL SIDE Get involved. If you already belong to a church or religious group that meets regularly, get involved. Studies suggest that the more you participate, the greater the reward, and possibly the longer your life. Go with an open mind. You may find something you would like to be involved in, whether it’s singing with a choir, connecting with others who have similar interests, or volunteering. Do something for someone else. Sometimes the best way to take care of yourself is by taking care of someone else. When you help someone else, it takes the focus away from your own problems. Take a walk. Whether you walk to relax, for fitness or weight loss benefits, or just to connect with nature, your steps can lead to inner peace, mental focus and spiritual awareness. Reconnect with yourself. Take some time each day to think about who you are and what your purpose is in the world. Figuring out what is truly important to you can help to lessen daily frustrations and stress. Learn more about Power 9 ®Principles at bluezonesprojectumpqua@sharecare.com.
AN AFTERNOON IN MYRTLE CREEK / SURVIVAL GUIDE / GARDENING TIPS
AN AFTERNOON IN MYRTLE CREEK Just a hop, skip and a river off I-5, Myrtle Creek in south Douglas County offers plenty of ways to enjoy a spring or summer day. Here are four great ideas to consider. Story by Jennifer Grafiada Photos by Thomas Boyd
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ff Interstate 5, exit 108, a bridge crosses the South Umpqua River and delivers you directly onto North Main Street in Myrtle Creek. Here you can find plenty of ways to pass the time this spring, summer or all year-round for that matter. If the weather is nice, include a stop at the local parks to play disc golf, pan for gold or hunt for painted rocks (ask the locals). Here are four suggestions.
SOCO Coffee Company Your first stop off I-5 is a beloved local coffee shop famous for its organic fair-trade coffee drinks, homemade soups and breakfast burritos. Owner Denise Ware started working at SOCO when it opened 11 years ago. She took over as owner in 2017, and since has helped to expand the menu while maintaining the shop’s reputation for cheery customer service. Buzz through the SOCO drive-through on your way to the sites listed below, or just cozy up inside and stay awhile. Word on the street is SOCO’s signature drink, the Lumberjack (blended with caramel, chocolate and peanut butter), will leave you thanking your lucky stars you made this stop.
THE DETAILS Where: 411 N. Main St., Myrtle Creek Phone: 541-860-5555 Online: Facebook.com/sococoffeeco
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Treasures of the Heart This adorable shop carries an eclectic mix of gifts from lines like Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines plus items from local artisans. You’ll find baby onesies, kitchen gadgets, toys that will make you someone’s favorite aunt or uncle and plenty of exquisite decor items you don’t want your 2-year-old around (Ask me how I know).
THE DETAILS 119 S. Old Pacific Highway, Myrtle Creek Phone: 541-863-4466 Online: www.treasuresoftheheartonline.com
The owner, Belinda Legg (above photo), is as friendly as can be (even if you bring in your 2-year-old) and the shop hosts frequent arts and crafts classes. Local artist Donna White teaches acrylic painting twice a week September through June, something she’s done since the shop opened in 1999. Her works are for sale in the shop. Other classes, taught by Legg, have included building fairy houses, wreath-making, chalk painting and decoupage. To stay in the loop, check out the store’s website and get on its email list.
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The Painted Lady Bed & Breakfast The proprietors of this beautiful building, constructed around 1905 and recently remodeled, will gladly host you for an overnight stay in the upstairs suites and treat you to a homemade, five-course breakfast the next day. If you plan to be around for only an afternoon, however, make a reservation in advance to enjoy a good old-fashioned tea party. On hand to make your tea-party experience complete are more than 100 fit-for-a-princess dresses (both children and adult sizes) as well as hats, tiaras, jewelry, boas, gloves and shoes. Tea, scones, chocolate-dipped strawberries and finger sandwiches are served on vintage china. Desserts are garnished with flowers from the owner’s garden. The idea is to make you feel like a queen — or at least your favorite character from Downton Abbey. There’s also a dinner menu featuring comfort food like lasagna and enchiladas — should your appetite call for heartier fare — and a gift shop stocked with antiques, books and more frilly fun.
THE DETAILS Where: 231 N.W. Third Ave., Myrtle Creek Phone: 541-733-7646 Online: thepaintedladybbtearoom.com
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The Grand Victorian Theatre If you have a significant other you want to impress, try a change of pace from a movie and opt for live dinner theater at this unique spot. Owners Marcus and Joanne Ogle (above photo) were living in Coos Bay and looking for a career change last year when they purchased the theater, which until 2016 was a church. The previous owners sold almost everything, but the Ogles salvaged the old church’s sound board, stage lights and about 100 champagne glasses, so they could at least toast their new venture. Since then, the longtime theater-lovers have upgraded the stage and sound system, redecorated with their own collection of antiques, assembled a talented cast of local actors and perfected a dinner menu that features grape salad, mozzarella chicken and prime rib. Vegetarian and
vegan options are available, too. In June, the theater plans to offer plated meals and entertainment every week. The space is available to rent for special events, too. In July, the theater will present an Alice in Wonderland “Mad Tea Party.”
THE DETAILS Where: 828 N. Old Pacific Highway Phone: 541-863-5000 Online: thegrandvictoriantheatre.com
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Umpqua Survival manager Carlos Ortegon
BE PREPARED During the surprise March snowstorm, many experienced the perils of not being prepared for extended periods of hardship. Here are some hints from Umpqua Survival to help you be ready for the unexpected. Story by Jennifer Grafiada Photos by Thomas Boyd
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t the dawn of the new millennium, the world was bracing for the Y2K effect that was expected to wreak global havoc on computer systems. And then a funny thing happened. Nothing.
Well, not entirely nothing. Out of all the panic that turned out to be just another change of years rose Umpqua Survival, whose founders identified a potential business opportunity that has borne fruit, regardless of the ballyhooed Y2K non-event. It turns out people just like to be prepared, whether it’s for a hike, a camping trip, a simple drive in the mountains or the Cascadia earthquake. Whether you’re planning a trip or activity that takes you to the edge of civilization, or just want to be prepared in the event something happens sometime, having certain items on hand and at the ready seems always a good idea. Umpqua Survival manager Carlos Ortegon keeps a “just-incase” list of essential items and shares it here in his own words:
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Not that long ago, being prepared was part of everyday life. People stockpiled an entire month of groceries, raised livestock and didn’t necessarily need electricity to maintain their way of life. Today, many people don’t have a 24-hour supply of food in their home. I try to encourage people to start by preparing for small-scale emergencies (your car breaks down or you lose power for an extended period) and then work up to more drastic scenarios. If you are just starting out preparing for an emergency situation, here is what I recommend: Water. Try to store at least one gallon per day, per person, for a month or longer. You should also have various ways to purify water, such as purification tablets, liquid and bottles. Fire. Have at least three ways to make fire. And, be realistic in your abilities. If you have never made a fire, don’t think that a flint and steel is going to work for you. Think instead about matches, strikers, fuel and tinder.
Shelter. If you’re venturing out into the wilderness, good preparation includes considering shelter such as a tarp or tent to keep out rain and snow. You also need proper clothing for the season and environment. You may want to keep extra hiking boots, long pants and a heavy jacket in your vehicle. Tools. I recommend having a good quality fixed-blade knife as well as a multi-tool, ax or machete. If possible, also get a bow saw. Carrying a good pocket knife at all times can come in very handy too. Light. Have a reliable flashlight, headlamp or lantern. Food. Having a three-day supply of food for each person in your home should be a minimum goal, with a month’s (or more) supply being optimum. You can find all the above items, as well as expert advice at Umpqua Survival, 2896 N.E. Diamond Lake Blvd., Roseburg; or online at umpquasurvival.com.
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SPACE TO GROW At Westside Community Garden, green thumbs put their skills to use growing produce for themselves and others. Story by Jennifer Grafiada Photo by Thomas Boyd
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Paul Ausbeck is a regular at Westside Community Garden.
OUTDOORS
T
ucked away off Roseburg’s well-traveled Harvard Avenue is the Westside Community Garden, a collection of rectangles of dirt and vegetation in various states of growth or dormancy. A meditation labyrinth invites passersby to take a quiet moment to themselves, and fruit trees promise pears and persimmons come fall.
This is where you will find Paul Ausbeck on “every day the weather is civilized.” Ausbeck tends his own plots and, as often as not, the plots of others. On a recent cool, but civilized afternoon, he was twisting out little dandelion clumps for an elderly gardener who was recently injured. Ausbeck’s passion for backyard gardening began in 1963 when he was 10 years old, but remained latent for more than 22 years while he lived in apartments and worked for the Bureau of Land Management. Now retired, Ausbeck estimates he spends about 1,500 hours a year at Westside Community Garden.
nutrition, gardening can also relieve stress, help with depression and trauma and improve overall brain health.” While funding has dried up for the coordinator position, the First United Methodist Church is looking for a volunteer to fill the role and is hoping to find grants to fund the position in the future. After the Eastside Community Garden shut down last year, the Westside garden is one of the few in the county where people who are otherwise unable to grow their own produce can do so while being part of a supportive community. The gardens offer a place for people of all ages and abilities (some beds are even wheelchair accessible) to see the magic that can happen with a little water, sun, the right soil blend (see sidebar) and a little TLC.
The garden was
founded in 2012 as
While he may grumble a bit about his sore back, it seems he can’t keep himself from beautifying other areas needing a little weeding or watering. “I’m trying to make the whole garden look good,” he says.
a way to give local residents a place to grow their
“It was astonishing to see the quantity and quality of the crops grown at the garden,” says Palenshus. There was such a transformation from a barren field to a thriving paradise of colorful and nutritious bounty.” To inquire about garden plot availability or to apply for the volunteer garden coordinator position, contact the First United Methodist Church of Roseburg at admin@fumcroseburg.org; or go online to facebook.com/WestsideGardenRoseburg.
own produce.
On a stroll through the garden, Ausbeck points out the lavender he recently transplanted and the culinary herb garden he has taken to caring for (the public can help themselves to reasonable amounts of culinary herbs and mint, as well as to the fruit trees when in season). Of Ausbeck’s five plots, he uses one as a wildflower bed for pollinators and two to grow produce he donates to The Friendly Kitchen and Meals on Wheels of Roseburg, which provides food to senior citizens of Douglas County. With the remaining two, he gets “all the fresh produce my wife and I can use, plus a ton to share.” He also cans about 340 pounds of produce a year and has “a ginormous clump of rhubarb” that won first place at the Douglas County Fair two years in a row. The Westside Community Garden was founded in 2012 by the United Methodist Church of Roseburg and the Umpqua Valley Disabilities Network as a way to give local residents a place to grow their own produce at a cost of $20 per year (which defrays watering costs). Through a partnership with Douglas County Master Gardeners, workshops on gardening are free and open to the public. “I see the garden as a sanctuary,” says Chriset Palenshus, who was the garden coordinator from 2016-18. “Many people don’t have another place where they can go and tend the soil, plant seeds, help a plant grow and then get rewarded with at the end. In addition to providing
Paul Ausbeck’s Soil Blend Alfalfa pellets Kellogg Raised Bed and Potting Mix Down to Earth bio fish fertilizer and bone meal (as a top dressing) Ausbeck’s Spinach Salad Ausbeck grows curly spinach leaves by the bushel “the size of dinner plates” Tear up spinach leaves (don’t chop) Crumbled bacon Shaved red onion Raspberry vinaigrette Crumbled feta cheese Dusting of dried oregano Garnish with grape tomatoes, kalamata olives
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THERE ARE A LOT OF EYES ON UV. SHOULDN’T THEY BE LOOKING AT YOU? 15,000 COPIES PRINTED THROUGHOUT DOUGLAS COUNTY AND BEYOND. THREE-MONTH’S EXPOSURE TO MULTIPLE THOUSANDS OF READERS. HELP ENSURE UV CAN CONTINUE PROMOTING OUR GREAT REGION.
FOR RATE AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ONE OF THE BEST ADVERTISING VALUES IN DOUGLAS COUNTY, CONTACT CONNIE:
541.643.6400 VCWILLIAMSON50@HOTMAIL.COM OR EDITOR@THEUVLIFE.COM
LAST WORD
Amy Rose Wootton (left) and Alison Hinson converse on Jackson Street after a meeting at Adapt.
DOWNTOWN VOICES In a new feature beginning with this issue writer Jennifer Grafiada talks to people on the sidewalks of downtown Roseburg.
M
ain, Cass, Jackson, Rose, Oak, Washington...over the years, these Roseburg streets have seen a lot of things. The city’s historic downtown continues to evolve, but there has been one constant: When you are downtown, you will always meet interesting people. On a recent day, we stopped to see what was up with a few visitors and workers.
ALISON HINSON
Grew up in Roseburg, moved away, then returned 10 years ago.
AMY ROSE WOOTTON
ROBB NEGRIN
Roseburg resident since April 2018. Negrin is a contractor for JLW Properties, a local real estate management company. On this day, he was painting trim on a teal and purple building. He moved to Roseburg from Cedar City, Utah, and loves it here. “I like that there are little pieces of history everywhere,” he says, pointing to the pillar next to him that displays a small sign noting the building’s 1896 origins. “They’re keeping the old and just giving it another coat.” This particular piece of history, on Southeast Cass Avenue, is home to Round 2 Antiques & Collectibles. Before that, it was an eclectic bookstore called Mystic Earth. At one time or another, it has also housed a stained-glass studio, a hot dog shop named Poochy’s, a dinner theater and a pharmacy. Now it is filled with memorabilia like cute little Laurel and Hardy dolls. “I love that old-timey stuff,” Negrin says. “Seems like every other downtown building has been renovated and made more modern. I like that in Roseburg our history is being preserved for the younger generations.”
Roseburg resident since 2016.
We met Hinson and Wootton in front of Adapt, a provider of primary care, addictions treatment and behavioral health. The two had just attended a meeting about “collaborating on school-based mental health support for children.” Hinson, director of behavioral health for Douglas Education Service District, helps youth with behavioral symptoms transition back to a public-school setting. One way they do that is working with Adapt on managing a TLC (Treatment Learning Center) classroom, where Wootton works as a therapist. The two women are exploring ways to help kids deal with challenges in and out of the school system. Says Hinson, “Douglas County has a fantastic ability to develop relationships to support family and kids.”
Rob Negrin at work downtown. UMPQUA WOMEN
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3 QUESTIONS WITH... …Lori and Diana, Whitestone Vitamin & Health Center
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Story by Jennifer Grafiada
f you’ve ever had an ailment and wanted to try the “natural route,” chances are you’ve checked out Whitestone Vitamin & Health Center on the corner of Southeast Main Street and Cass Avenue in downtown Roseburg. And chances are either Lori Falls (supplement buyer) or Diana Schrock (lead customer service) was there to help you find that special treatment.
“We do get a lot of unusual questions. One of the weirdest has been, ‘Do you have a magic pill that will make me not hungry and lose weight without any lifestyle changes?’” 3. What do you love about being a part of Whitestone? “We love our customers! We love helping people in their journey to achieve optimal health. The highlight of our day is when someone gives us a testimony of one of our products having helped to improve their health.”
THE DETAILS Whitestone Vitamin & Health Center Where: 1019 S.E. Cass Ave., Roseburg Phone: 541-673-8482 Online: whitestonevitamin.com
Opened in 2007, Whitestone offers a wide selection of supplements, natural body care, essential oils, books, specialty items (like chia seeds or cocoa powder) and more to tempt those aspiring to better health. Here, Falls and Schrock offer a few insider tips. 1.
What are some ways you recommend to staywell? “Eat healthy and reduce stress. We hear that a lot, but it does make a big difference. Our favorite immune system-boosting supplements are elderberry, vitamin C and Echinacea, and a formula called OnSet.”
2. What is one of the oddest questions you have been asked by a customer? 78
UV . SPRING 2019
(L-R) Whitestone’s Lori Falls, Diana Schrock and Julie Alliman.
Centennial Medical Group
Leaders in local specialized medical care
Ophthalmology
Cardiology & Vascular Specialists Nationally recognized leaders in heart attack care, heart catheterization, peripheral artery disease, and the heart’s electrical system.
Gary Bronstein, MD Charles McGlade, MD Ibrahim Osman, MD Frederic Van Dis, MD Courtney Virgilio, MD Dana Finch, MSN, ANP-BC Kimberly Hullett, MS, RN, ACNP-BC 541-677-1555
Assisting you in maintaining the health of your eyes.
Patrick Gregg, MD Brad Seely, MD 541-672-8288
Orthopedics & Podiatry Specializing in general orthopedic and podiatry coverage, including the latest technological advancements in total hip and knee replacement.
Brandon Bishop, DPM Robert Kloepper, MD Cary Sanders, MD Micah Tovey, DPM Ben Baird, PA-C 541-229-2663
Gastroenterology Specializing in the prevention and treatment of digestive diseases.
Gerald Engstrom, MD Vikas Garg, MD Dempsie Morrison, DO Subhajit Mukherjee, MD Sorin Petre, MD 541-464-6260
Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the lungs and the therapy of sleep disturbances and disorders.
Razvan Gosman, MD Luana Petre Nedita, MD Karishma Parekh, MD 541-672-9515
Gynecology Specializing in gynecological issues occurring at many different stages of life.
Faye Ameredes, DO Mitzi Thompson, WHCNP 541-677-4463
Centennial Surgery Specializing in high quality surgical care for the full spectrum of general surgery issues.
Nephrology Specializing in the treatment of kidney problems.
Anjali Gupta, MD 541-464-6258
Your Health. Our Passion.
Mark Donovan, MD Bret Hansen, MD Brent Soder, MD Christopher Spence, MD 541-677-3600 www.centennialmedgrp.com
Peer back in time...
at the Umpqua Valley’s
Delfino Vineyards 3829 Colonial Rd. Roseburg, OR (541) 673-7575 Music starts at 5pm
Museums
Umpqua River Lighthouse 1020 Lighthouse Road, Winchester Bay 541-271-4631 Douglas County Museum 123 Museum Drive, Roseburg 541-957-7007 Colliding Rivers Exploration Station 18782 North Umpqua Hwy, Glide 541-496-0157
www.umpquavalleymuseums.org
A Janis Joplin tribute Tickets are on sale now. $20 each at Prints Charming Screenprinting and Embroidery, Delfino Vineyards, and Backside Brewery.
LAST WORD
F Outside Looking In A STRANGER TO THE UMPQUA VALLEY FINDS FRIENDS AT EVERY STOP By Jim Hays
irst, full disclosure. I’m a contributing editor for UV magazine. That means I write some stories and I edit some others.
But I’m not from Roseburg. I’ve never lived here. I’ve been a frequent visitor to Douglas County to interview subjects of UV articles, but people can be forgiven for thinking I couldn’t be more of an outsider if I parachuted in from Mars.
I started helping with UV with the first issue two years ago. Dick Baltus, the editor whose photo and letter are on Page 6, asked me to help him with the magazine, or at least not get in the way. Dick and I have known each other for longer than either of us would care to admit, but here’s a clue — it’s less than a hundred years. Barely. We started out as colleagues at a Gresham newspaper, and though our careers went in different directions, we stayed in touch. Dick has always done excellent work and the chance to work with him again was a no-brainer, although I think we define work differently. My definition includes getting paid; his, apparently, does not. At least that’s his definition when it comes to me. Anyway, that’s what brought me to be a frequent visitor to Douglas County. Technically, it’s been work. But mostly it’s been fun because every story is different; every person interesting; every locale unique. And as an outsider, I can tell you Douglas County people are some of the nicest, most polite, most accommodating and most helpful anywhere. At least in my experience as the stranger in town asking a lot of questions. There’s not enough room in this entire magazine to list everyone who has graciously helped me and how they’ve done it. So, here’s just one, and she isn’t somebody we wrote about. But without her, the story we did write wouldn’t have been complete. Susie Collins is the registrar at Roseburg High School. I was assigned to do a UV story on Roseburg’s Class of 1957, now-elderly folks who enjoy getting together more often than an occasional reunion. Finding some old yearbooks or other material from that era would give the story background and color, so I phoned RHS and was referred to Susie, who happened to be at work even though it was summer and school was out. Susie wasn’t sure she could help, but said she would try. A couple days later, she sent an email. “I did a little research,” it began. The “research” she sent along was a program from the 1957 Commencement, which listed all 277 graduates, the music they marched to, who made speeches, the venue for the ceremonies and the date and time — which I used to learn about the weather that evening (warm). “Hope it helps,” Susie wrote. It sure did. The point is, she didn’t have to do what she did. Yet she took the time to help someone she had never met who had cold-called her in the middle of her workday. Call it Roseburg Nice. But it’s all over the county.
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