Eugene vol 2 issue 12 by Robert Slosh

WelcomePagesUSA | Vol 2 Issue 12 | Eugene / Springfield

APPLIANCES & HOME THEATER

Come Visit Oldfield’s for All of Your Appliance and Home Theater Needs Oldfield’s is your appliance and home theater expert. We are committed to offering top name brand appliances and home theater from companies like: Amana, Dacor, DCS, Electrolux, Electrolux Icon, Fisher & Paykel, Frigidaire, Frigidaire Commercial, GE, GE Profile, GE Cafe, Hotpoint, JennAir, KitchenAid, Maytag, Monogram, Samsung, U-Line, Whirlpool, Sony, LG Electronics, Toshiba, Sonos, Definitive Technology and Pioneer Elite for kitchen and laundry appliances and electronics. Come in and experience one-on-one personal service by our exceptional product specialists that you won’t get from big box stores. We are YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable instore professionals to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand name products. We will work with you to find a product that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle. Additionally, our delivery and installation specialists will assure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly. 4

Appliance and Home Theater Sales Oldfield’s understands that today it’s all about the appliance and home theater shopping experience - delivering personal sales and exceptional service to the customer. Whether you are in the market for kitchen and laundry appliances or electronics, our knowledgeable instore professionals will assist you through the entire process. Whether you are coming in for an appliance upgrade or you need an entire kitchen remodeled, oneon-one assistance is what sets us apart from the big box stores. Once you decide on your purchase, an experienced product specialist will be happy to share special financing and promotional offers available to you on some of our top name brands like: Amana, Dacor, DCS, Electrolux, Electrolux Icon, Fisher & Paykel, Frigidaire, Frigidaire Commercial, GE, GE Profile, GE Cafe, Hotpoint, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Maytag, Monogram, Samsung, ULine, Whirlpool, Sony, LG Electronics, Toshiba, Sonos, Definitive Technology and PioneerElite.

WelcomePagesUSA | Vol 2 Issue 12 | Eugene / Springfield

Delivery and Installation Let the experienced professionals at Oldfield’s handle your delivery and installation needs. Our knowledgeable experts will ensure that your new products arrive safely and are installed properly. The new appliance will be tested to make sure it works correctly and all packing materials will be removed from your home. Any questions or needs you may have will be handled promptly and professionally. Service Guarantee At Oldfield’s, our customer service doesn’t stop at the purchase or delivery and installation. If service is required in the future, you can rest assured of the same dedication to exceptional assistance. Our specially trained service technicians are readily available to handle your washer, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, oven, range, dishwasher and microwave service needs whether in or out of warranty. Stop by one of our two locations or give us a call for fast friendly service. Oldfield’s Appliance at: 1465 W 7th AveEugene, OR (541) 485-6000. Oldfield’s Outlet at: 515 Conger St Eugene, OR (541) 684-5909.

WelcomePagesUSA | Vol 2 Issue 12 | Eugene / Springfield

AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

High-Mileage Cars: Is 200,000 The New Normal? In the 1960s and 1970s, many automobile odometers did not even read beyond 99,999 miles. Hit 100,000, and the odometer turned back to zero. But now, thanks to tougher quality standards and post-recession financial concerns, Americans are driving their cars longer than ever before and high-mileage cars are the rule, not the exception. Is 200,000 miles the new 100,000 miles? Consider Porsche salesman Mark Webber. While selling new sports cars every day for a living, Webber still drives his 1990 Volvo to work, despite having more than 300,000 miles on the car. “I just can’t see the point of spending a lot of money driving a newer, racier car every day in city traffic when my old Volvo just wants to keep on going,” Webber told the New York Times. Webber has plenty of company. While Americans once prided themselves on driving the latest and greatest car, a shift in spending habits following the recession has more Americans than ever before working to extend the life of their cars. A recent survey by the automotive research firm R.L. Polk & Co found that the typical car buyer keeps a new vehicle for 71.4 months, an increase of nearly 18 months since 2006. This shift corresponds with a change in Americans’ attitudes toward automobiles. Cars, once synonymous with an individual’s identity, are no longer as important to today’s millennial generation. David Champion, the senior director of Consumer Reports, says that in the past, “[People] would sell the car at 60,000 miles to get some residual val6

ue out of it. Nowadays, 100,000 miles is only halfway through the life of the car.” In fact, used car prices are rising as recession-savvy buyers look to keep spending down while getting the biggest bang for their buck.

The life expectancy of cars has steadily increased since the 1970s. A generation ago, many parts simply fell off a car at the end of their life cycle. Cars produced in the 1960s and 1970s were also more susceptible to rust and corrosion, so engines and transmission simply stopped working by 100,000 miles. Now, thanks to greater quality control and technology advancements, today’s automobiles meet strict requirements for anticorrosion standards. Gas mileage for cars is also an important factor — as mileage increases, it’s difficult to justify a new purchase. And carmakers intend their cars to say on the road for a long time. For example, Hyundai and Kia now include 100,000 miles/10 year powertrain warranties with their cars.

WelcomePagesUSA | Vol 2 Issue 12 | Eugene / Springfield

Is your car approaching 100,000 miles and you hope to double that? These three common sense tips will help keep your car on the road well past the 100,000-mile mark. Drive Gently. Aggressive driving, hard stops and starts, and rapid accelerating or decelerating not only hurt your fuel economy, but these rough driving methods also add unnecessary wear and tear to your car. Think about your morning commute: do you race to every stoplight, weaving in and out of traffic? Curbing your need for speed can help keep your car running longer. Keep it Clean. A good wash will not only help high mileage cars sparkle, but it will also remove excess road tar and salt. This is especially important during winter months when salt residue from wintery roads can cause undercarriage corrosion. Regular waxing protects the paint job and resists rust. Don’t Ignore Check Engine Lights Many drivers, myself included, enter a guilty state of denial when our check engine light turns on. Weeks turn into months, and the check engine light is still shining. If you have an older car, it’s essential to get the light checked out right away. It may be indicative of a serious problem with the transmission, timing belt or engine. Prompt attention can save your car from serious damage – and save you the headache and expense of having your car towed to the mechanic. Call Jackson Auto Care in order to keep your vehicle well maintained.

CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS

New Survey Shows “Nothing Beats the Value & Beauty of Granite Countertops” A new survey of American homeowners shows they overwhelmingly recognize the value, beauty, durability and safety of granite countertops. The survey of 1,588 homeowners, conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of The Marble Institute of America found that 75 percent of homeowners who intend to remodel their kitchens in the next two years indicated they want granite countertops and 76 percent of homeowners agreed with the statement “nothing beats the beauty and value of granite countertops.” “The survey shows what our customers tell us: no matter what the economy looks like, homeowners recognize that granite countertops enhance the value of their homes,” said Marble Institute member, G.K. Naquin, of Stone Interiors in Loxley, Alabama, whose company sells granite and other countertops. “Consumers who are remodeling their kitchens see granite countertops as a safe investment in their homes. They prefer this natural stone to other materials because they understand it pays for itself in terms of higher resale value.”

When asked to rate which countertop material most enhances the value of their homes, homeowners favored granite by more than a three-to-one margin over the second choice: solid surface materials, such as Corian®. Synthetic or manufactured stone products, such as Silestone, were rated a more distant third by the homeowners. By overwhelming margins, homeowners agreed with the following statements about the natural stone: 93 percent said granite countertops are beautiful. 91 percent said granite countertops are durable. 89 percent said granite countertops are safe. And 93 percent of homeowners who intend to remodel their kitchens in the next two years agreed that granite countertops are safe, reflecting the findings of several comprehensive scientific studies conducted during the past several years. “Natural stone like granite has been used in homes for thousands of years and now that new technology has reduced the cost of producing and

WelcomePagesUSA | Vol 2 Issue 12 | Eugene / Springfield

shipping it around the world, more homeowners are embracing the beauty, durability and safety of granite countertops,” said Gary Distelhorst, CEO of the Marble Institute of America, which commissioned the survey. “Independent consumer surveys have consistently shown that Americans love the natural look of granite and value it above other countertop products.” The study also showed consistent support for granite across regions of the country. Homeowners with college degrees and higher incomes voiced slightly higher preference for granite countertops. Homeowners with households of five people or larger were especially supportive of granite. Eighty seven percent of these respondents agreed with the statement, “The next time I remodel my kitchen, I want granite countertops.” Have you have been considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel, If you would like to see the best selection of granite, tile and hardwood in the Lane County area, then come visit Signature Surfaces NW. They offer a great value in stone along with friendly service.

DRAPERIES & BLINDS

VSC Window Coverings Offers a Promise Guarantee Like No Other! VSC Window Coverings is proudly Eugene and greater Lane County’s full service window coverings dealer. For over thirty years, our pledge is to provide you with unmatched customer service; our commitment is to your best possible window coverings value. We opened our doors in 1978 as Vasona Shade & Drapery Shoppe, and for many years served our customers from 749 Madison Street (Eugene). Ralph and Bonnie Matteson purchased the business from the founder in 2005 after going through a 15-month evaluation and training period. Ralph successfully completed the requirements of the Hunter Douglas Professional Dealer Program and earned the credential: Certified Professional Dealer. In June 2010, VSC opened in a new location and unveiled a new name - Vasona Shade & Drapery Shoppe became VSC Window Coverings. The new store at the corner of W. 6th & Polk St. provides customers with an expanded showroom, additional displays, and the easy-to-find location. Coupled with our expert professional service and affordable prices, VSC Window Coverings is able to provide you with the best value on premier lines such as Hunter Douglas, including the prestigious Alustra Col-

lection. We also carry Graber, Levolor and other quality lines. With our experience and knowledge, we will help you determine the most appropriate custom window treatments for your home or office. Our Commitment to you. Our pledge is unmatched customer service. Our commitment is to your best possible window coverings value. Remember cheapest price does not always equal your best buy. While we may not always have the lowest price, our pricing in consistently low. Coupled with our professional service, we are able to provide you with the best value on quality, brand name products. With experience and knowledge, we help you determine the most appropriate custom window treatments for your home or office. Locally owned and operated, VSC Window Coverings is independent, and not affiliated with a franchise. Our customers are our ‘bosses’, not an out of town corporation. Please come in or call when considering your next window coverings project. We look forward to the opportunity to help you. Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal. Our Right Choice Promise guarantees it. Our unmatchable Promise Guar-

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antee allows you to take 21 days to view your new window coverings. If not thoroughly satisfied, notify us within another 21 days and the window coverings will be replaced. Free Consultation In our Showroom or in your home. Complete Sample Books and Decks selection, from Hunter Douglas, Graber, and others Knowledgeable staff will help you identify the appropriate product for your application Quotes with carry-out pricing, as well as professional installation available. Expert and precise measurements to guarantee proper fit of your window coverings. - Complete Drapery Room with fabrics and hardware. Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer since 2009. Installation - Professionally installed window coverings. - Conscientiously hung draperies, valances, and hardware. - Respect shown for your home and furnishings. - Residential, commercial, industry and municipalities.

BLINDS & WINDOW TREATMENTS

WelcomePagesUSA | Vol 2 Issue 12 | Eugene / Springfield

FITNESS & HEALTH CLUB

Exercise When YOU Want To! Open 24 Hours - Monday Thru Friday We are very pleased to announce the opening of our Fifth Gym! Our mission to change the stereotype for gyms, fitness clubs and health programs has started a wildfire. A lot of you heard about what International Fitness was doing in Oregon and wanted a Gym in Medford OR. We’re there now and we’re going to show everyone how to be the best gym in Medford! Thank you everyone, very much, for your continued support and encouragement as we grow our family.

better, consider us your navigators on your fitness journey!

FREE Wi-Fi Now available at most of our locations, you can connect to our free Wi-Fi quickly and easily. Group Exercise Our group exercise classes are hugely popular. From strength and conditioning to aerobic and flexibility, you’re sure to find a class that meets your needs and motivates you to move! In fact, our instructors are devoted to making your workout something you look forward to all day.

Training and Nutrition Not sure where to start? Need help setting and meeting your fitness and health goals? We are standing by to guide you. Our certified personal trainers, and weight loss Eugene experts, will help you identify and commit to a goal – and map out your path to success. Whether you want to lose weight, gain strength, boost your energy level or simply feel

Corporate Wellness Healthy employees are happy employees, and some insurance providers reward organizations for offering a wellness program. Call our program director at 541-773-2454 to enroll your organization or to determine if your employer is already enrolled for the best Weight Loss Medford Experts.

Child Care We make it easy to sneak in some “me” time, thanks to our attentive and nurturing child care staff. Fun activities and movement will have your kids asking to go to the club! Towel Service We offer towel service for your convenience. There is a small fee.

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Weight Loss Consultants Our Dot.Fit program has all the ingredients for success: You’ll get convenient

access to professional support while ensuring proper nutrition while you lose weight. Schedule a free consultation now with one of our Weight Loss Experts, Just give us a call at 541-4840970 or stop by one of our Gyms. See locations on adjacent page.

HOT TUBS & SPAS

Comfort That Soothes Deeply One of the most traveled roads in Eugene is Pacific Hwy 99, running through the heart of Eugene from east to west. Situated prominently to the southern side of 6th Street just west of Garfield you will find the showroom of Eugene Spa and Hot Tub. The doors opened on this establishment in 1986 and has been owned by the same owner for the past 28 years, Keith Baltrusch. Spas and Hot Tubs have really come of age over the past few decades. It seems like every day you will find a new article on the health benefits offered by the warmth and massaging action of the jetted water. Does it really matter where you buy your spa? Keith explains, “A lot of people think a spa’s a spa, but that’s not true. There are a lot of differences with the quality, the comfort of the seats, the jetting, how they’re insulated and how easy will it be to obtain service.” Eugene Spa & Hot Tub will service your spa even if you did not purchase it from them. They have a complete inventory of supplies and can order the parts you need if they don’t have them in stock. Keith further explains, “We get a lot of customers back for service who never bought from us, but we help them

out, we’re straight up, take care of them and when they’re ready to buy another spa or need service they come to us.” Finding the right spa and hot tub for you means you have to try it out. That means coming over and sitting in the seats, deciding if you like a reclining or sitting position or a combination of both. You will be spending a lot of hours in your spa, as a matter of fact, Keith explained that, “Here in the Northwest we have a perfect climate for spas. One of the highest percentage of ownerships is here.” Depending upon your needs, they have a spa and hot tub for you. At the “top of the line” they offer Caldera Spas, these are seven foot spas that offer space for up to six people. Next in line is the comfortable LA Spas line with great features similar to the Caldera selection but with offerings in a smaller footprint. They also offer the popular FreeFlowSpas which means they have a complete compliment of price points depending upon your budget. Come by and visit Eugene Spa and Hot Tub, bring your bathing suit and be prepared to relax. Located at 2096 West 6th Street. Call them at 541-485-2737, they will heat the water up for you!

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Does this Referee Look familiar? When Keith Baltrusch is not running his Spa and Hot Tub Business, you can find him as a referee at local High Schools and Colleges. He has been officiating and serving the local community for over 35 years. As you can guess, Keith is a BIG Ducks fan and has seldom missed a game since 1977. He graduated from North Eugene High School where he played varsity basketball and football for two years with the Highlanders. Come by the Eugene Spa and Hot Tub showroom, talking sports is allowed!

INSURANCE AGENCY

Four Advantages of Selecting Your Policies with an Independent Insurance Agency An independent insurance agent is an individual that does not work for one particular insurance company. Instead, they sell insurance policies from several companies. Working with this type of insurance agent instead of an agent that is affiliated with a particular brand can be helpful. Here are some of the advantages of working with this type of agent. 1. More Choices One of the biggest advantages of working with this type of insurance agent is that you will have more choices. When you work with one insurance company, you will have limited insurance options available. On the other hand, when you work with an independent insurance agent, they can show you all the options from many insurance companies. This will provide you with many options to choose from and it will ensure that you find a policy that you like. 2. Save Money Another advantage of using an independent insurance agent is that you will be able to save money. When you look at different choices, you can generally find one that is quite a bit cheaper

than the rest. The insurance agent will not try to make you focus on a particular brand or company and will instead be focused on helping you find the best deal. This will allow you to save money on your premiums and still get a policy that gives you what you need. 3. Unbiased Advice Working with an independent agent can also provide you with much needed, unbiased advice. When you work with only one insurance company, they will want you to believe that they are the best option for you. In reality, they may not even be one of the top three choices that you should be looking at. Independent insurance agents are very knowledgeable about the industry and the different companies that exist in the marketplace. They have worked with customers in the past and have a good idea of which companies have the best track record when it comes to pleasing their customers. They can narrow your options down and help you choose between the best insurance companies in the market. 4. Help With Claims If you have an insurance claim, this type of agent will most likely help

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you with the process. Since they do not work for a particular insurance company, they do not have to go by the strict protocol that company agents do. Even though the insurance company will most likely send in adjuster to look at your loss, you have an agent that will be working for you. The insurance industry is very complicated and there is a lot of technical jargon that is used. If you are not familiar with how the process works, the insurance company can end up taking advantage of you. If you have a trained professional working for you, instead of the insurance company, you will get a fair settlement that puts you back where you were prior to the loss. Let us personally welcome you and your loved ones to the Eugene and Springfield area! We feel that the Great Northwest has many wonderful places and things to see and explore. From the beautiful outdoors to the cultural arts and fine dining, we are confident that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy the journey very much! We also hope that you quickly feel at home in your new surroundings. Feel free to call the LeDoux Insurance Agency for all of your various coverage needs.

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WelcomePagesUSA | Vol 2 Issue 12 | Eugene / Springfield

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WelcomePagesUSA | Vol 2 Issue 12 | Eugene / Springfield