Nutritional Focus at Natures’ Pet Market

At Nature’s Pet Market of Ashland (in the Tolman Creek Center across from Albertson’s), owners Vickie and Mark Pagan’s motivation to open a natural food store came after 20 years of raising Bernese Mountain Dogs.
“Twenty years ago they were considered an ‘endangered breed’ with an average life span of only 4-6 years,” Vickie said. “With the guidance of the Bernese Mountain Dog Association, owners and breeders were asked to focus on proper nutrition and breeding practices to increase the longevity of this magnificent, large breed dog. Since we didn’t breed, we focused on nutrition.”
The amount of research about animal nutrition has increased exponentially over the last decade, and the life span of the Bernese was raised to 8-10 years.
The Pagans moved to southern Oregon in 2001 from the Bay Area, where they lived for 30 years. Vickie actually grew up in Portland with ties around the state. In fact, her paternal grandfather was mayor of Medford in 1900. Mark was born and raised in the Bay Area. Both have retail management backgrounds, and before their “retirement,” Vickie worked as Financial Services Director of Butler Automotive Group for seven years, while Mark worked for Lithia Auto.
“A few years ago, we started kicking around ideas about what to do after retirement,” Vickie said. “We talked about taking what we learned about animal nutrition and putting it into a natural food store, and it went from there. We decided to open the store in Ashland because it’s the type of community where people care about the health of their pets.”
The Pagans have staffed the store with knowledgeable personnel to explain the differences in available dog and cat food to the consumer.
“We think it’s important for our personnel to find the right food for the animal’s needs,” Vickie said. “Pets have special needs, from diabetes and obesity to irritable bowel syndrome and joint issues, all which require specific nutritional needs. At the store, we know our foods, and we’re learning more every day. We have quality kibble, canned foods, raw foods, and a large variety.”
There are also wholesome treats, homeopathic remedies, quality supplements, durable toys, recycled beds, bowls, leashes, collars, and more. There’s also full service natural grooming for dogs and cats, open 7 days a week.
“We try to make it as relaxing for the animal as possible,” Vickie said. “We’ve also added ‘training’ to the store, and we’re lucky to have an A.K.C (American Kennel Club) trainer, Bridget Davies, holding classes at the store in the evenings. It’s been a huge success.”
For more info, call 541-708-0707.

No Wires Media: Your Local TV and Internet Connection

We’ve all been there: sitting on hold for over ten minutes only to be told we called the wrong department. After another ten minutes of automated directions we finally find out that in order to make the change we want, we’ll have to sign another two-year contract.  
No Wires Media, a local retailer for Century Link, DirecTV, Dish Network, Wild Blue Hughes Net and Charter, can help you avoid the headache of having to use far away call centers.
 “We offer the largest selection, so we can help you find the best deals at the best price,” said co-owner Cheriesse Beck. “We are a local, family-owned and operated business. We cover all of Oregon. There are no far-away call centers, no 1-800 numbers, and no waiting on the phone pushing buttons.  When you call us, you get a live person who cares about you. Our services are free.  If you think you are paying too much, you probably are.  We can show you how to cut your bills in half, even if you’re in a long term contract.”
According to Cheriesse, high speed Internet can be obtained for as low as $19.99 and TV for as low as $19.99, tax free.  “Most people don’t know that when you bundle services, you actually pay more in taxes,” she added.
Cheriesse and her husband Lyle opened their first store in Roseburg in 2007.  “We had such an amazing response from our clients that we thought we would branch out into Medford and Ashland,” she said.
When you walk into their store, you are greeted by Turbo HD, their adorable toy Australian Shepard (all nice dogs are welcome at the store, noted Cheriesse). “Expect to be amazed at the customer service we will provide you, now and in the future,” Cheriesse said.  “You can call us anytime for help or questions.  I am always happy to help and serve you.  
The storefront is located at 1560 Biddle Rd in Medford, just north of Marie Callender’s in The Biddle Center. The phone number at Now Wires Media is 541-787-4867.
“Mention this article or our ad, and we will give you a promotional offer worth over $200,” Cheriesse said. “It includes a $50 Visa gift card and so much more when you sign up for Century Link through No Wires Media.  Our local service is priceless. Give us a call today and start saving hundreds of dollars a year.”

Trunk Show July 10 at Village Shoes

Village Shoes, at 369 E. Main, is hosting a trunk show on July 10 from 12-3pm featuring the handmade leather bags and accessories of the Maya Moon Collection. Each piece is handcrafted by Maya in her Bend, Oregon, studio.
The show will include unique one-of-a-kind bags as well as an assortment of cuffs, wristlets, studded flasks, clutches and more.
For more info, call 541-482-1321.

One-Year Anniversary at Café 116

Joachim Wald is celebrating one year in business at Café 116 (116 Lithia Way) with plenty of special events the week of July 23.
Joachim moved to Ashland from Hamburg, Germany, in early 2011 and opened Cafe 116 last July.
The restaurant is a combination whole foods deli, bakery and coffeehouse offering sandwiches, soups, pastries and desserts, and other world-inspired foods and small plates. The menu consists of exceptional house-made items including chai, breads, granola, quiche, soups, pastries and desserts featuring ingredients from Southern Oregon’s farmers and artisanal food products.
To commemorate its first anniversary, the  restaurant is planning some special events the week of July 23-29, including live music from 6-8pm each night.
“I want to say ‘thank you’ to the community for your support and warm welcome,” Joachim said. We hope to see you soon!”
For more details and the music schedule, go to cafe116.net.

Summer Closeout Sale July 27 at Hakatai

Hakatai, a local importer and distributor of glass mosaic tile located at 695 Mistletoe Road, Suite D, is hosting a “Summer Closeout Sale” one day only on Friday, July 27. There will be up to 50% off savings on glass tile for walls, pools, kitchens, bathrooms, mosaic art, and more.
The store, which has been in Ashland since 1997, carries a large selection of mosaics, custom glass or stone mosaic murals, custom blends and gradients, recycled glass tile, and natural stone. For more information, go to www.hakatai.com or visit them on Facebook. The phone number is 541-552-0855.

Fine Art and Framing at Bohemia

In the summer of 2010, local photographer Zach Ehlert had been working in retail sales in downtown Ashland for almost five years when he started thinking about venturing out on his own.
“I thought opening a frame shop would be a good way to go, and it would also help me get back in touch with my creative side,” Zach said. “I was near the final stage of planning when I learned that Bohemia Framing & Fine Art Gallery was for sale.”
Bohemia, located at 552 A Street in the Railroad District between 4th and 5th, is a combination art gallery and custom frame shop. It has always been a local favorite and recently won the “People’s Choice Award for Best Gallery” at this year’s “A Taste of Ashland.”
“We showcase a variety of contemporary art, including paintings, sculpture and photography,” Zach said. “The goal is to inspire, delight and/or bewilder. Art is pretty subjective; we try to feature work that has an inherent quality to it, where you can really feel a connection with the artist that will incite a reaction.”
Shows rotate every 1-2 months and feature some of the finest artists in the region. “This month we’ll be featuring paintings by Robert Beckmann, a very accomplished artist whose work has been exhibited all over the world,” Zach said. “His recent paintings explore new materials and procedures while trying to find a balance between order and chaos.”
Zach grew up in Minnesota but fell in love with Oregon during a family trip one summer. After graduating from the University of Puget Sound in 2000, he and his girlfriend had heard good things about Ashland and decided to pay it a visit. He’s been here ever since, getting back into photography and, of course, owning his own business.
“Much of the first year was spent connecting with artists and finding artwork that speaks to me,” he said. “We are one of the few galleries in town that can really show large paintings. I have also completely redesigned the website (bohemiagallery.com) to better show what Bohemia is all about and to allow customers to browse art that’s here but not currently out on the floor/walls.”
On the framing side, Zach’s goal is to offer quality custom framing at a fair price. He uses conservation-grade materials whenever possible to protect, preserve and enhance artwork.
“There are a lot of options when it comes to custom framing, and we love for people to be involved in the process and have fun with it,” Zach said. “We like to make each piece look its best. Right now we’re offering 15% off any graduation-themed project through July, which includes diplomas, photos, programs, caps, tassles, etc.”
The phone number at Bohemia is 541-488-5227.