We’re All “Goose Babies” at Heart

It's not many restaurants that can boast "goose babies."

But Ashland's Wild Goose Cafe & Bar can, and does so with pride. "The Goose," as it's known by its regulars, has been keeping Ashland locals and visitors alike happy for 16 years with great food, drink, music—and an atmosphere so friendly it's given rise to, shall we say, many highly fruitful relationships.

"Goose babies" are the children of couples who have met while working at, playing music at, or simply patronizing the Wild Goose. The term was coined by staffer Dee Fretwell, whose own children are evidence of the phenomenon.

"There are a lot of them, and of course the ones we know about are only the tip of the iceberg," laughs owner Dal Carver, who with wife Renee has been serving up delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners since opening "The Goose" in 1999. And enjoying the company of customers who come back time and again.

Both Renee and Dal are long-time residents of Oregon; Dal moved to Ashland for college, and Renee graduated from Ashland High School. After working as a sous chef at Omar's, Renee attended culinary school in Portland. But she and Dal, who were married in Lithia Park, were eager to return to Ashland. They moved back here in 1998 to start The Wild Goose.

The restaurant's eclectic menu features diner fare done right, along with daily specials. "We bring in special seafood, wines, and other delicacies daily to keep it interesting for our regulars," says Renee.

Dal, who is also a musician, makes sure there is live music in the bar seven nights a week. He credits much of learning what makes a good restaurant to years spent on the road as a musician.

"Traveling around playing music, you get a lot of opportunity to eat in restaurants, and they all serve as a sort of example, one way or another," he said.

He and Renee have created a place with what he calls "a cozy, convivial feel" that sports the tagline "characters welcome." Beyond delicious fare available from 6am daily, there is always something happening at "the Goose," from live music to karaoke. The last Monday of the month features the Peggy Rose Singer Spotlight, where singers from around the Valley can join up with piano, upright bass, and drums. And every Sunday evening is open mic night.

The Wild Goose is open daily from 6am to 11pm; the bar is open until 1am. It is located at 2365 Ashland Street, right off Exit 14. Call 541-488-4102 for more info, see them at wildgoosecafe.com, or like them on Facebook. —M.S.

Peace of Mind at Paul Volz Insurance

Peace of mind is not always easy to find, so making sure the people and things you love are taken care of is one way to ease your worries.

Putting minds at ease is a specialty of the Paul Volz Farmers Insurance Agency. Paul is a long-time Oregon resident who moved to Ashland in 2003. He and his wife moved here when he took over Lonny Slack's Farmers' Insurance office at 450 Siskiyou Avenue, a location it had occupied since 1980.

The Volz agency prides itself on personalized service and offers a range of plans and coverages, from Home and Auto to Business and Life insurance. With so many active outdoors people in this area, insuring boats, campers, mobile homes and snowmobiles is an important aspect of the agency's business. For those looking to retire or to enhance their retirement, the Volz agency offers a variety of investment plans.

Paul believes in being part of the community he serves, and strives to offer people a place where they are comfortable talking about their insurance needs. "People can expect a friendly atmosphere where they can visit with us face to face while discussing ways to protect their assets," he said.

Paul and his wife Dee Dee were drawn to Ashland because they wanted to raise their family in a smaller, more accessible community, amidst the beauty of the Rogue Valley. He had spent years in field management for the company's corporate office before coming here.

"I worked for Farmers Corporate for 17 years in field management in Beaverton before relocating to Ashland," Paul says. "During that time, I had the opportunity to work with many successful agents and learn what it takes to operate a successful agency. I always wanted to own and operate my own business, and Farmers offered a great agent opportunity."

In true Ashland spirit, Paul likes keeping his business local.

"We are locally owned and operated, we rent space, employ local people and put our money back into a community that supports us," he says. "Our staff includes Beth Baymiller, a licensed Personal Lines specialist, and Eileen Hoadley, Billing and Marketing specialist."

Ashland High School football is one community organization that benefits from the Paul Volz agency. Paul has been president of the Ashland Football Club for more than six years.

"I helped start the organization, which raises money to help support all Ashland football programs, from Pop Warner to middle school to AHS varsity," he said. "I have also assisted with the broadcasting of Ashland High School football games. We do live audio and video feed via the Internet. All the money we raise through sponsorship of the games goes to the football club."

For more info, the phone number is 541-482-8463, and the website is www.farmersagent.com/pvolz. —M.S.

Recreational Opportunities from Parks and Rec

If you've ever strolled through the North Mountain Park Nature Center on a beautiful spring day, taken a mid-July dip in the Daniel Meyer Pool, or ventured onto the ice rink in Lithia Park on a cold winter day, you've enjoyed one of the many activities made possible by the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission (APRC).

With a mission "to provide recreational opportunities and preserve and maintain public lands," the APRC's 39 full-time staff care for the 785 acres that make up the commission's 18 parks and 41 miles of hiking and biking trails. And they assist with the recreational programs that promote healthy living through recreation, the arts and educational programs.

"We are fortunate to have wonderful staff, many of whom have been with us nearly three decades," says APRC Promotions Coordinator Dorinda Cottle. "But many of our activities would not be possible without the help and dedication of our volunteers. Our VIP (Volunteer in Parks) program offers a volunteer experience for almost anyone."

The APRC began in 1908, when Ashland voters set aside land for Lithia Park and authorized the Parks Commission, a five-member elected board of Ashland residents, to oversee it. The APRC is still administered by a board of five Ashland residents, and is now supported in part by the Ashland Parks Foundation, established in 1995.

APRC runs two seasonal outdoor facilities: Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink in Lithia Park, open November through February, and Daniel Meyer Pool in Hunter Park, open June through early September.

Year-round operations include The North Mountain Park Nature Center, the Ashland Senior Center and the Oak Knoll Golf Course.

The Nature Center offers programs and exhibits on local natural and cultural history and sustainable living, beautiful gardens, nature trails, and picnic and play areas.

The Ashland Senior Center, in Hunter Park, is open weekdays from 8:30am to 3:30pm, with lunch daily through the Food & Friends program. "The program helps older residents live more independently and continue as contributing members of the community," says Dorinda.

Oak Knoll Golf Course, minutes from downtown Ashland, has been a local favorite since 1928. Golfers of all abilities find the regulation, par 36, nine-hole layout fun and challenging. The course offers tournaments, lessons, and leagues, and recently added footgolf.

APRC also provides special programs for people with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities. And APRC facilities can be rented for private events and meetings.

For more information about what the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission has to offer, call 541-488-5340, or go to AshlandParksandRec.org. You can also see them on Facebook at AshlandParksand Rec. —M.S.

Expert Tree Care at Canopy

Ah yes, trees. They provide cover and shade, they’re beautiful to look at, they’re home and nourishment for a lot of animals, and … oh yeah, they lock up nasty CO2 molecules and then convert them into oxygen. And according to treesaregood.com, did you know that trees “have a dollar value of their own that can be measured by competent plant appraisers? If your trees or shrubs are damaged or destroyed, you may be able to recapture your loss through an insurance claim or as a deduction from your federal income tax.”

At Canopy LLC, a tree care service based out of Talent, owners Christopher John and Kevin Scott agree with all the above. Their motto? “Considering the care of trees is an enhancement of our community, the nurturing of a precious resource, and a work of art.”

Chris is a certified arborist, forester, landscaper and restoration specialist who has had a nearly lifelong love affair with the natural environments. He has been professionally caring for it for nearly 15 years. He lives in Talent with his wife and two daughters.

Kevin has been involved with arboriculture for over twenty years. He has an affinity for all things rooted in the earth and sees trees as an asset whose implications go far beyond our generation.

The services that Canopy provides are numerous. There is, of course, the pruning and removal of trees.

“We specialize in the fine pruning of large and small trees,” Chris said. “It’s our favorite job. Pruning can revive and beautify mature trees and set young trees on the path to optimal health and longevity. A proper pruning can transform the look and feel of a landscape and can be a work of art.”

Sadly, trees eventually die or become diseased and have to be removed. “We have the experience, skills and equipment to remove trees in the tightest of places with zero damage to the surrounding structures and landscapes,” Kevin said. “You won’t even know we—or the offending tree—were ever there. We also offer stump grinding services.”

In addition, Canopy offers expert help with planting recommendations. They can source a specimen and get it going and growing for you. “We have planted thousands of trees and would love to put our experience to work for you,” Chris said.

Risk Assessment is another important service, as the guys can recommend what should or should not be done with a prized tree that’s suddenly showing signs of wear and tear.

They can also help determine why a tree is dying. “We have a plethora of tools in our bag to treat all manner of insect, fungal, bacterial and cultural issues affecting the health of trees,” Kevin said.

For a free consultation, call 541-631-8000. You can also see more at www.canopyarborcare.com. —C.H.