March - East Medford Social

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

The Stevenson Family

Photo by Destiny Jane Photography

Aaron Reed (of The Brothers Reed)

MAR 10 | 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM

RoxyAnn Winery

3283 Hillcrest Rd, Medford, OR

Bye Bye Birdie

MAR 10 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Craterian Theater

at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts

23 S Central Ave, Medford, OR

Dave Day of Mercy Duo

MAR 15 | 4:45 PM – 6:45 PM

The Urban Cork 330 N Fir St, Medford, OR

Live at Rellik

MAR 16 | 4:00 PM

Rellik Winery

970 Old Stage Rd, Central Point, OR

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

MAR 17 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Craterian Theater

at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts

23 S Central Ave, Medford, OR

Melissa Etheridge

MAR 26 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Craterian Theater

at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts

23 S Central Ave, Medford, OR

We're on a mission to find 40 ladies over 40 years old to take the leap and sign up for a luxury fashion photography session!

Professional hair & makeup is included along with access to our extensive gown collection!

This project is all about inspiring confidence in the ladies of the Rogue Valley. Will you be part of our project?

40

40Over Project

Tyler Mikels Publishing Director tyler.mikels@thesocialpublication.com

Tim Mikels Publishing

tim.mikels@thesocialpublication.com

Neil Fletcher Production Manager neil@thesocialpublication.com

Andrea Rodgers Content Director Hannah Catindig Assistant Content Director

Alexandra Hruz Content Writer

Kelcie Ragsdale Photographer

Jason Neil Pedral Design & Layout

Business Partner Index

Attorney Rise Law Group (541) 773-3619 riselawgroup.org

Automotive

Bob Thomas Automotive (541) 734-3743

bobthomasautomotive.com

Casual Fine Dining Decant (541) 776-1234 decantmedford.com

Commercial Photography Oregon Studio Group LLC (541) 690-2710 oregonstudiogroup.com

Floral & Gifts

Corrine’s Flowers & Gifts (541) 772-7673

corrinesflowersandgifts.com

Community Youth Services Project Youth Plus (541) 476-8146 projectyouthplus.org

Dentist

Mint Dental (541) 414-6468 mintdentalmedford.com

Hardware/Sports/Outdoors

Black Bird Shopping Center (541) 779-5431

theblackbird.com

Heating & Air Conditioning

Jahnke Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. (541) 236-2531 jahnkeheatingandair.com

Home Care

Visiting Angels (541) 773-5002

visitingangels.com/medford

Insurance

Farmers Insurance - Bray Agency LLC

Amanda Bray (541) 779-4825

Insurance

Dentist

Northwest Dental (541) 779-3993 medforddentalclinic.com

Dermatologist

Dermatology & Laser Associates (541) 773 -3636 ext 1011

dermlasermedford.com

Education

Real Estate - Residential Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty Julianne Rawlins | (541)-414-3732 juliannerawlinshomes.com

Real Estate - Residential & Commercial Ford Real Estate JoLena Mikels | (541) 727-1877

teammikels.com

Residential & Commercial Cleaning

Top Notch Cleaning (541) 941-3722

topnotchcleaningllc.com

State Farm

Shannon Harris | (541) 779-3545 shannonharris.net

Jeweler

Art Fx Fine Jewelry (541) 482-1499 artfxjewelry.com

Mortgage Broker

Mutual of Omaha Mortgages (541) 414-6468

mutualmortgage.com

School

Sacred Heart Catholic School 541-772-4105 shcs.org

Senior Services

Team Senior Referral Services (541) 415-1288 teamsenior.org

Solar Installation

Sunshine Solar (541) 295-8500

sunshinesolarinc.com

Toys & Supply

Happy Alpaca Toys & Supply (541) 899-7421 happyalpacakids.com

Logos Public Charter School (541) 842-3658

logoscharter.com

Esthetician & Nurse Injector Blend Aesthetics (541) 690-0848

Eye Doctor Group Eyecare Center (541) 772-7273

groupeyecaremedford.com

Moving Company

Hall of Fame Moving LLC (541) 879-9409 halloffamemovingllc.com

Orthopedic Surgeon

Advanced Orthopedics (541) 622-8902

advancedorthopedics.com

Photographer

Destiny Jane Photography (541) 944-2181

destinyjanephotography.com

Truck & RV

Affordable Truck and RV (541) 301-6559

atrvs.com

Veterinary Clinic

Pear Blossom Veterinary Clinic (541) 776-6630

pearblossomvet.com

Expert Contributors

JONATHAN QUITT

Black Bird Shopping Center Co-owner & Vice-President

Born and raised in the Rogue Valley, Jonathan is grateful to be part of the locally unique shopping experience at the iconic Black Bird in Medford. Black Bird, known as “The Everything Store” is a family-owned business operating for almost 60 years. When not at the store, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family in the beautiful outdoor spaces of Southern Oregon.

AMY SMITH

Corrine’s Flowers & Gifts

Amy is a native southern Oregonian, residing in East Medford with her husband and two children. Her family is deeply invested in the community and frequently attends community activities, concerts, and sporting events. For 28 years Amy worked in senior living at the Rogue Valley Manor, but made a career change in 2021 to work for her family’s business, Becker Properties, offering property management and commercial real estate and development services. She is also the Director of Operations & Co-Owner of Corrine’s Flowers & Gifts.

JARED SMITH

Hall of Fame Moving, LLC

After 8 years experience of perfecting his skills and crafts working for other moving companies Jared Smith decided to take all that he’d learned and put it into being the best, most effective moving company in the Medford, OR area. He and his team take pride in what they do and enjoy helping people move to their new home. The company motto is “We treat our customers like family and your belongings like our own,” and they mean it! Their personal touch is put on each and every move to ensure your belongings safety and surety that they arrive in your new home just the way you remember them. They know what it takes to move correctly and they do it efficiently, and aim to offer the best moving service money can buy.

SHERYL ZIMMERER

Logos Public Charter School

Since 2017, Sheryl Zimmerer has served as the Executive Director for Logos Public Charter School, the largest, non-virtual charter school in the state of Oregon. Under her leadership, the K-12 school that serves Jackson and Josephine County students has reported its highest graduation rate ever (95%) and has been voted one of the best non-profits to work for in Oregon five years in a row. Since her daughters have grown up, she now lives in Talent with her husband in the house they rebuilt after the 2020 Oregon Almeda wildfire with their two spoiled golden retrievers.

ADAM DAVIS

Northwest Dental

Dr. Adam Davis is a southern Oregon native and has been practicing in Medford for over 10 years. Before coming to the Rogue Valley he studied at BYU in Utah and OHSU School of Dentistry in Portland. Alongside his wife and four kids and the family dog, he finds joy in adventuring into the surrounding natural beauty. He loves helping his patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.

TYLER BRYAN

Northwest Dental

Dr. Tyler Bryan graduated from OHSU School of Dentistry in Portland, OR in 2004. He then completed an Advanced Residency program at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV where his primary focus was dental surgery, dental implants and IV sedation. Dr. Bryan moved to Medford with his wife and four children in 2010 where they enjoy the many outdoor activities that the area provides including hiking, biking, snowboarding, and wake surfing.

JOHN NEILSON

Oregon Studio Group

John Neilson is an experienced photographer specializing in wedding, commercial, product, fashion, portrait photography, and more. He and his team at Oregon Studio Group provide unmatched quality and service to their clients.

RISE LAW GROUP

RISE Law Group is a female owned and run business, voted best of the best in 2021 by our clients. We have experience extending over 15 years in family law, criminal law, and civil litigation. We are committed to “raising the bar” across Oregon.

CHAD DAY

RoxyAnn

Much like his father, Jack Day, Chad Day brings a thoughtful management approach and a unique set of skills to RoxyAnn Winery, drawing from his previous career in the residential and commercial construction industry and his Master’s in Business Administration from Seattle University. Chad ventured back to his hometown in 2012 for RoxyAnn’s fall harvest to help his father and oversee the family business. Chad and his wife, Oakley, have two little girls you will frequently see running around the property alongside their cousins.

SHANNON HARRIS

State Farm

Shannon Harris is a recent President’s Club award winner in Financial Services, qualifying in the top 50 out of over 19,000 State Farm Agents. With more than three decades of experience, Shannon has provided her customers with proven solutions covering auto, home, life, business insurance and other financial services and various products. Her tenured team of four is a dedicated, committed, and loyal group always willing to go the extra mile.

DIANA AUGINO

Top Notch Cleaning

Diana Augino has always wanted to be a homemaker and part of that means a lot of cleaning. She started doing what she loves and Top Notch Cleaning LLC has grown into a successful cleaning company, focusing on the motto, We Don’t Cut Corners, We Clean Them! She is a mom of 5 (which includes twins) and grandmother of 10.

Publisher ’s Note

Hey everyone,,

March is here, and it’s buzzing with excitement as spring begins to wake up. As Tim and I have been getting out and about more with our communities in Medford and Grants Pass, we have been feeling so lucky to have such awesome people around us in this community. In January we had the pleasure of touring the new Pavilion at RRMC. This facility is absolutely incredible and another great addition to our health community. In February we worked with Asante Foundation to help raise funds to expand the family house. Let’s join hands and celebrate our community this month!

There’s so much happening in Medford this March - from St. Patrick’s Day fun to cool local markets and cultural festivals. The chocolate festival sounds like a winner. Let’s not forget the amazing people among us - the heroes, the kids who inspire us, and the awesome local businesses making a difference. Their stories show us how powerful we are when we come together.

Let’s keep supporting each other and making our community stronger. Whether it’s lending a hand, shopping local, or spreading positivity, let’s keep building a Medford where everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Together, we’ll make our city shine even brighter this spring.

Take care,

THE MIKELS BROTHERS (TYLER AND TIM) Publishing Directors

Meet Your Neighbors • The Stevenson Family

Nick Stevenson and Alison Mostue are both natives of Southern Oregon. They were born and raised in Medford, but it took years before this pair finally met—in another city no less!— and decided that life would be much better if experienced together.

Ali and Nick explain that their meetcute occurred in Bend, Oregon, where they were both working at the time. Their employers had offices in the same building, which helped put these two on the path toward each other. “We met when Ali overheard me talking about the beautiful drive between Medford and Bend,” Nick remembers. After connecting over their shared hometown and the joys of driving in the region, the pair started dating and eventually fell in love. They lived together in Bend for eight years and then decided mutually to move back to Medford to help grow the family business, be closer to their relatives, and start their own family. The perks of being back in the community where they grew up can’t be overstated, and Nick and Ali are thrilled at the journey they’ve been on so far.

The couple has been back in Medford for five years, and since that time, they’ve made major strides in their personal and professional lives. Ali, who grew up on Dunbar Farms, has gone back to her roots and brought Nick along with her. Ali’s mom, Emily, has spent the last several decades running the farm at Dunbar and is essential to the success of their operation. “Emily has been running the farm at Dunbar for decades and continues to do so in a partnership with Ali and myself,” Nick shares. “None of this would be possible without Emily’s commitment to the farm and decades of hard work!”

All three run Dunbar Farms and its tasting room, spending a great deal of time nurturing the business and making it better for people in the community. Ali also works full time for Jackson County in addition to her and Nick’s responsibilities

at the farm. And the couple isn’t only helping to run the farm, they’re also living on it! They reside on the property in a remodeled farmhouse that they’re continually improving. Ali and Nick are converting the basement into an office and guest suite.

The couple’s responsibilities at Dunbar Farm keep them quite busy, but these two don’t let their busy schedules overwhelm them—they pencil in plenty of time to enjoy their individual hobbies as well. “We love the community here in Southern Oregon and the great outdoor recreation opportunities in our backyard!” they say. “We both love to mountain bike, ski, snowboard, do yoga, and travel. We love to go skiing or biking with friends, then go to a winery or brewery afterwards!” The couple regularly goes on hikes around the farm with their dog, Brix.

by Alexandra Hruz

They also enjoy tackling projects together—which is something they say is always on the docket at Dunbar Farms! When they’re not busy with one farm task or another, Ali says that she enjoys doing various arts and crafts projects, and Nick likes collecting nostalgic artifacts from the 1990s, including vintage video games, books, and movies.

As Medford natives and small business owners, this pair knows the power and importance of supporting businesses in their area. They say that as owners of a local winery, they are partial to other wineries in the area—Nick and Ali love that Dunbar is located near other amazing wineries like Roxy Ann Winery and Padigan. The couple shares that one of the most magical aspects of running Dunbar Farms and the tasting room there is how they’re able to make connections with friends, neighbors, and visitors to the area. “We see thousands of community members every year who come to our farm to enjoy beautiful views, live music, great wine and other beverages, and some of the best lunch and dinner in town,” Nick explains. “We feel really lucky that our farm is surrounded by such a lovely neighborhood and wonderful people!” The couple adds that they spend most Saturday nights pouring wine and listening to music at the tasting room—they invite everyone to come say hi! They are located at 2881 Hillcrest Rd; Medford, OR 97504. Whether you’d like to experience their food, drinks, live music, or other events and activities, visit their website at dunbarfarms.com for more information.

Since arriving back in Southern Oregon five years ago, Ali and Nick have made major strides in putting down strong roots. And the future looks bright for them: Not only are they excited to continue nurturing their business at Dunbar Farms, but the pair expect their first child together in the spring of 2024. With this thrilling arrival on the horizon, this soon-to-be-trio knows their days will continue to be filled with adventures, love, and laughter.

Spring is in the air so get outside and enjoy it!

Whether it’s yard work, hiking, fishing or just chillin’ in the backyard, Black Bird has it all!

We invite you to come visit our one of a kind store with eclectic merchandise and superior customer service!

theblackbird.com

(541) 779-5431

1810

At

Michael Dode

At just nine years old, Michael Dode, a vibrant fourth grader from Griffin Creek Elementary, already has a world of interests and experiences that many might envy. Born into a family where education is cherished—his mother is a teacher at his school and his younger brother, Harrison, nicknamed Rizz, is in kindergarten— Michael is thriving in an environment rich with learning and adventure.

Mathematics stands out as Michael’s favorite subject, a testament to his analytical mind. But his interests extend far beyond the classroom. A true lover of the outdoors, Michael has a passion for baseball, fishing, and hunting—activities he often enjoys with his family. The baseball field at Lithia & Driveway house his favorite diamonds, and he’s an ardent fan of the Beavers, the Dodgers, and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Michael’s love for sports is matched by his commitment. He has been playing baseball for five years, football for three, golf for one, and basketball for two. The biggest challenge he faces is balancing his time between different sports, especially when seasons overlap. Yet, he relishes the competition and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team.

Off the field, Michael has a variety of other interests. He is an avid collector of rocks, a hobby that aligns with his aspiration to become a geologist. He’s also a fishing enthusiast, often joining his dad and grandpa on trips. His happiest memory is catching a 30-inch, 14-pound salmon on the Umpqua River, his first salmon and a significant achievement for someone his age.

Family plays a central role in Michael’s life. Together, they’ve explored numerous states, with a memorable vacation to Hawaii and a road trip through national parks like Craters of the Moon, Yellowstone, and Glacier. Closer to home, camping at Lake of the Woods and hiking spots like Mt. Ashland, Table Rock, and Roxy Anne are family favorites.

At home, Michael has a fox red lab named Hope and two Betta fish, adding to the warmth of his family life. He’s also an active member of his community, having participated in a neighborhood running club this past summer where he impressively ran 18 miles over two months.

Michael’s culinary tastes match his love for the outdoors. He loves steak, which he claims “My dad makes the best

by Addy Williams

steak on the BBQ!” and away from home his go to meal is a Double Double from In-n-Out with a Neapolitan shake. His favorite movie is Gran Turismo, and he’s a fan of the TV show Dude Perfect, which he got to experience live last summer in Sacramento!

In terms of music, country tunes capture his heart, reflecting his connection to the simplicity and beauty of nature. His favorite animals—a black tail buck deer, an eagle, and a salmon—also mirror his love for the wild.

As he looks to the future, Michael dreams of visiting Alaska, drawn by its abundant wildlife, fishing opportunities, and the chance to embark on a moose hunt. His adventurous spirit, coupled with his love for the natural world, paints a picture of a young boy who is not just living life but embracing every bit of it with enthusiasm and joy.

Expert

Bob Thomas Automotive Inc.

O1. Safety First

Your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be the top priority. Regular vehicle maintenance helps ensure that all safety-critical components are in good working order. Brakes, tires, lights, and suspension systems are just a few examples of components that can deteriorate over time. Keeping them well-maintained reduces the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures. Whether you’re driving in extreme winter conditions or during the scorching summer heat, knowing your vehicle is in optimal condition provides peace of mind.

18 Your Local Community Magazine

2. Saving on Repair Costs

Preventive maintenance is often more affordable than major repairs. When you follow a regular maintenance schedule, you catch and address issues early, before they become costly problems. For instance, changing the oil and filters at recommended intervals prevents engine damage and ensures that your vehicle runs smoothly. Neglecting these basic maintenance tasks can lead to engine wear, which may eventually require costly repairs or replacements.

3. Improved Fuel Efficiency

Proper maintenance can boost your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, saving you money at the gas pump. Clean air filters, wellinflated tires, and a well-maintained

engine all contribute to better fuel economy. Over the course of a year, these small savings can add up significantly. In addition to saving money, you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint by consuming less fuel.

4. Prolonging Vehicle Life

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your vehicle. By caring for the engine, transmission, and other crucial components, you can enjoy your car for many more years. For example, regular engine oil changes prevent internal damage, while maintaining the cooling system prevents overheating and engine failure. An older, well-maintained vehicle can save you from the financial burden of purchasing a new one.

by Brian Thomas

5. Maintaining Resale Value

If you ever decide to sell or trade in your vehicle, proper maintenance plays a significant role in determining its resale value. A well-documented maintenance history assures potential buyers that the vehicle has been cared for and is less likely to have hidden issues. This can result in a higher resale price, giving you more return on your initial investment.

6. Adherence to Warranty Requirements

If your vehicle is under warranty, neglecting regular maintenance can void your warranty coverage. Manufacturers typically specify certain service intervals and requirements to maintain warranty eligibility. By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure that any unexpected issues are covered, reducing the financial burden of major repairs.

Conclusion

Regular vehicle maintenance is a year-round commitment that ensures your safety, saves you money, and prolongs the life of your vehicle. By addressing issues early, you can prevent costly repairs and enjoy better fuel efficiency. Furthermore, a

well-maintained vehicle retains its resale value and stays within warranty coverage. As a responsible vehicle owner, it’s essential to prioritize maintenance, not just as an occasional task but as a continuous practice throughout the year. Your vehicle will thank you with reliability and longevity, and you’ll drive with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure its well-being.

August

August, a standard poodle, is more than just a pet; he’s a heartwarming story of transformation and joy. Anne and Taylor weren’t always dog people. In fact, they had vowed never to own one. But in 2019, everything changed. Feeling that one of their children needed the companionship of a dog, they stumbled upon a 9-monthold male poodle. The breeder, having decided not to keep him, offered the Cropper family a chance to bring him into their lives. Their children were incredulous, wondering if it was some sort of prank. But no, it was real, and so began their journey with August.

Naming him was a family affair, with ideas tossed around during the ride home from the breeder. Somehow, they landed on the name August! It didn’t carry any special significance at first, but now it’s impossible to imagine him with any other name. He also goes by ‘Auggie’ or ‘Auggie Doggie’ that suit his playful nature.

At 5 years old, August has firmly established himself as a beloved member of the family, which includes parents Anne, her husband Taylor, and their children Blaine, Roger, Carter, Clara, and George. His favorite treats are anything he can sneak off the kitchen counter, and he has a soft spot for stuffy chew toys. But, more than toys, he loves interacting with the kids, whether it’s chasing them around or becoming the perfect body pillow for snuggles.

August’s joy is infectious. He’s always ecstatic to see Taylor return home, initiating playful chases. Their favorite shared activity, though, is simply snuggling together. He’s like a living, breathing body pillow, offering comfort and warmth.

While he enjoys walks around the neighborhood, his preferred playground is the yard, where he can roam freely.

Describing August as spoiled might be an understatement. He often ends up sleeping in one of the children’s beds, sometimes leading to 12-year-old Carter sleeping on the floor, not wanting to disturb August. The family is cautious with treats, but August has a knack for finding forbidden snacks.

Grooming August is a delight, given his breed’s distinct coat. They often style him with a poof of hair on top and sometimes the “boots” on his legs. Once, they even turned his fluffy ears and poof hot pink for Halloween, which Anne said was amazing!

Photo by Red Aspen Photography

by Addy Williams

His presence has been transformative for the family, turning them into avid dog lovers. He’s friendly, loves people, and radiates happiness. His antics, like the time he devoured all of the French cookies and chocolates from their Paris trip, are both naughty and endearing. While he’s not much for tricks, he’s an expert at sounding the alarm when anyone nears the house.

One of their fondest memories about August was their son’s reaction when they first considered bringing August home. “Is this a trick question?” he had asked, unable to believe they were actually getting a dog. As for the challenges of pet ownership, dealing with trash raids can be frustrating, but the joy he brings, especially to the kids, makes it all worthwhile.

August, in essence, represents the unexpected joys of life. His presence proves that change, even when it challenges longheld beliefs, can lead to beautiful and fulfilling experiences. His breed, ideal for those with allergies, has been a perfect fit for their family. In every wag of his tail and each mischievous escapade, August reminds us of the happiness and love that pets bring into our lives.

Sacred Heart Catholic School

NOW TOURING PRESCHOOL THROUGH 8TH GRADE

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