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LOCAL Owner of local pest-controlLOCAL business digs creepy-crawlies LOCAL
hane Graves, a 37-year-old Paradise resident approaching 17 years of experience in pest control, isn’t made the slightest bit squeamish by cockroaches, rats or black widows. During a recent interview, the owner and sole employee of Graves Pest Control—opened for business just last month—even expressed admiration of his adversaries, particularly those of the insect variety. “I’ve always been into insects and nature,” he said. “Yes, I do kill them and control them for people, but there’s a reason they’re here: They’re part of the ecosystem. You have to respect the bug.” But, largely due to a nasty experience early in his career, Graves draws the line at entering close, dark places on his hands and knees. On a sweltering midsummer day during Graves’ second year working for a local pestcontrol company, duty called for him to crawl underneath a building on The Esplanade to eradicate a particularly resilient flea infestation. Graves—wearing two layers of clothes, gloves, a mask and glasses—was already sweating when he entered the crawl Local space. Local “As I’m crawling, I’m getting fleas in my ears, fleas in my nose, fleas in my eyes,” he recalled. “Luckily, the mask was over my mouth, or else I would have been swallowing fleas.” Graves was unaware that the crawl space’s dirt surface gradually rose toward the building overhead, the space closing in tighter as he inched along. At the end of his crawl, where the dirt met the bottom of the building, he got stuck.
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“I had a panic attack and bumped my head,” he said. “I had to sit there for five minutes and do some breathing techniques so I didn’t lose it. When I got out, I told [my boss], ‘I can’t do that anymore.’” Got pests? Call Graves Pest Control Appearing very at 961-2847 or send an much relieved, email to gravespest Graves explained control@reagan.com. that the power sprayer he now uses has a range of about 30 feet, making nightmarish crawls underneath bug-infested buildings no longer necessary. For Graves, a husband and father of three children—including twins with special needs—the decision to open his own pestcontrol business was made with his family in mind. The longtime amateur cook briefly considered going back to school to pursue a career in the culinary arts, but ultimately decided he could best support his children by staying in the field he knew best, even if it involves battling creepy-crawlies on a daily basis. “If you want to go anywhere, having your own business is where it’s at,” Graves said, adding that, despite the inherent risk of launching a business, he’s found the challenge tremendously rewarding thus far. “I was nervous at first, but having my own business is exactly where I want to be.” —Howard Hardee howardh@newsreview.com
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LOCAL Shane Graves spent 16 years with a local pestcontrol company before launching his own business, Graves Pest Control, last month. PHOTO BY HOWARD HARDEE
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As Chico’s oldestMONTHS local IN nursery, MONTHSThe IN Plant BUSINESS Barn has served theBUSINESS community for over three decades. Something surprising and delightful can always be found at the Plant Barn whether it’s inside the hundred year old barn, the 16,000+ sq. feet of greenhouses, or anywhere else on the two acres of botanical bliss. Owners, Denise Kelly and Rolf Weidhofer, have been making some amazing changes over the last few years. They have created a new event space, a classroom area, expanded the gift shop and created charm in and around every corner. The Plant Barn is well known for having one of a kind and unique offerings as well as an extensive array of annuals, perennials, seasonal vegetables and fruits. The gift shop is filled with new treasures every week. Cut flower bouquets are offered seasonally and custom planted containers can be special ordered.
Phillip whom add up to almost 250 years of horticultural expertise. Come talk to the Flower Floozies 7 days a week for inspiration and whimsy. Never grow up and keep having fun!
Most of what The Plant Barn carries is grown onsite guided by the expertise of Sally Greenwood who has worked her magic in these greenhouses for almost 30 years. She is joined by the rest of the amazing employees Nancy, Paula, Rebecca, Karol, and
406 entler ave / (530) 345-3121 / chico www.theplantbarn.com
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Now celebrating 21 years, Franky’s was originally built with “family” in mind. Nick Andrew and Kevin Riley started Franky’s back in1992 with the concept of a casual and friendly “Cheers” type atmosphere in a restaurant setting. When Nick was young and still living at home his mother would make spaghetti every Friday night. Today Franky’s still uses the family recipe for their delicious meat sauce. Franky’s offers a diverse wine selection and a full bar that is unrivaled in the North State. Franky’s bartenders are renowned for their knowledge of cocktail preparation and offer a dizzying variety of martinis for those that like their drinks, “Up,” “Over,” “Neat” or whatever your preference may be.
Franky’s is the perfect choice for dates, business lunches, family dinners, birthdays, or whatever the occasion may be! Get together and enjoy friends, family and fine food and drink at Franky’s. A little bit of Italy, hidden right here in Chico!
The menu offers a variety of freshmade pasta, caesar salad, fresh-tossed pizzas and so much more. With deals for students and families too, there is always a meal to satisfy everyone at Franky’s.
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506 ivy st / open mon-sat at 11:30am, sun at 4pm take-out: 898-9947 reservations: 898-9948 www.frankyschico.com February 20, 2014
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