The Bank That Is Different

As you pass through the doors to the Bear Hotel Artworks Museum, the Disney type atmosphere that surrounds you immediately stimulates your senses. Just the name Bear Hotel conjures up images of Disney’s Country Bear Jamboree.  Oh, but it’s so much more.  Encounter small alien creatures as they prepare to become future Mars astronauts anxious to blast off in their larger-than-life rocket ship.  Come face-to-face with Bigfoot in his cave.  Stop for photos at one of the thrones. You will also see upward of 20 shields painted with scenes from American history and over 30 doors painted with the history of Oregon.  You won’t believe the magically transformation on a vast array of Harley-Davidson choppers.  Don’t be startled by the talking Volkswagen painted with polar bears.

Evergreen Federal Bank in Grants Pass, Oregon is synonymous with “Bear Hotel” and its display of public art on the streets of downtown Grants Pass.  Representing a ‘one of a kind’ community facility, don’t attempt to rent a room at the Bear Hotel.  You see its not really a hotel at all.  It houses community artwork, as well as artist studios, and offers a unique meeting space.  The brainchild of retired Evergreen Federal Bank President Brady Adams, the Bear Hotel was a nickname that local artists gave to the Evergreen rented warehouse used for production and storage of the original Grants Pass Bear Fest, a tradition which began in 2003.  Later, when a permanent facility was established, a community events and meeting facility was added and the name “Bear Hotel” stuck.

Bear Fest is a celebration honoring Southern Oregon’s black bear.  Life size bears start out as plain fiberglass figures, then are magically transformed by local artists into colorful, embellished creatures that are publicly displayed on the downtown streets for all to see, touch, and enjoy throughout the summer months.  You will find over 60 of the wildest bears you will ever encounter.  Each of the bears includes an adorable bear cub as a companion and each is inscribed with the artist information. Visit www.bearfest.org for more details.

Last evening the Bear Hotel was transformed into a banquet facility for an evening to honor the employees of Evergreen Federal Bank.  Mouth-watering catered food selections included such favorites as chicken cacciatore, steak, salad, garlic beans, french bread, and chocolate chip bread pudding.  Handing out a plethora of prizes and individual service awards dotted the evening.  The desire to become an employee of Evergreen was evident by the number of 5-30 year service awards distributed by Jeffrey Hyde, the current President.   

Founded in 1934, Evergreen Federal Bank strives to be “the bank that’s different”.

President Jeff Hyde leads the team with a three-prong emphasis to the business.  1) Provide a place to keep your money;  2) Provide a place to get a real estate loan; and  3) Commitment to helping the community.   From Concerts in the Park to Wildlife Images, Evergreen has always been there to help. Not just monetarily, but a majority of the time with the employees volunteering their personal time.  Evergreen Federal Bank has raised millions of dollars for local non-profit organizations.  You will see their dedicated employees involved in everything from food drives to homeless shelters, fund-raising for medical equipment to projects that enhance the parks and other public spaces throughout the city. 

Evergreen Federal Bank continues to expand its influence within the Southern Oregon area by offering 2 locations in Grants Pass and other branches in Brookings, Rogue River, Cave Junction and Medford.   

Find out more about Evergreen Federal Bank and the Bear Hotel at:

https://www.evergreenbanking.com/default.htm

A Wine For Every Occasion

Troon Vineyard is not just another destination with fantastic views. As one enters the tasting room you are immediately greeted by the effervescent and knowledgeable personalities of the staff.  You find yourself surrounded by the seemingly endless number of varietals and blends lining the shelves.   Troon is known for it’s innovative blends, which includes their flagship white, Vermentino.  Other selections include Zinfandel, Malbec, Tannat, Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah.  Quality and pride of product become increasingly evident with every head turn. Trying to count the plethora of accolades and awards bestowed upon Troon is difficult due to sheer numbers.  Their website lists an astonishing 95.

Steering the helm of the Troon team is Chris Cunningham.  Although a recent transplant from North Carolina, Chris is by no means a stranger to the Applegate Valley, having spent the majority of his youth here.  With a background that includes a wine and hospitality industry educator, manager of fine dining wine programs and a stint as Vice President of a winery in the Yadkin Valley, filling the shoes of General Manager seemed a perfect fit for a fine winery such as Troon.

Passionate, dedicated and not afraid to push the envelope, Stephen Hall joined the Troon team as their onsite winemaker, overseeing the wine and vine decisions of the day-to-day operation with a yearly production of 10-12,000 cases.  With a resume that includes 5 years at Robert Biale Vineyards making Zin, Petite Sirah, Syrah and little gems like Sangiovese and old vine Barbera, Stephen brings a passion for creating the best wines available and believes that the wines speak for themselves.  Watch for the release of a 2014 Troon Sangiovese.

Dick Troon was the true pioneer and visionary of Troon Vineyard.  At the time seeming a bit crazy but whose vision and hard work made it possible for those who followed to build upon his success.  When he originally arrived in Southern Oregon he looked upon Grants Pass as a great place to live. Growing up a farmer and an engineer by trade, he quickly turned toward wine after a trip to Healdsburg, California. He was impressed with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel and given his agricultural roots thought these grapes could be grown successfully in Southern Oregon.  

Troon firmly believed he could do it better. Introducing one of the first vineyards into the Southern Oregon area, he planted Cabernet and Zinfandel in 1972 and the vineyard operated as such until he began a winery in 1993. Troon operated the vineyard and winery until 2003 when it was sold to good time friend and fishing buddy Larry Martin.   Dick Troon passed away in 2011, but his vision continues through the Martin family with the construction of an aesthetically stunning facility completed in 2005.

Druid’s Fluid tops the offerings at Troon as the #1 selling wine in the State and represents nearly half of the total Troon sales.  Offering both a red and a white variety, Druid’s can be labeled as “The Wine for Everyone”.   The red represents a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel and makes it perfect for entertaining or nightly wine.   Containing hints of vanilla and pie spice, black cherry and blackberry make up the aromatics.  The Zinfandel adds a bright, zesty quality, while the Merlot and Syrah give it depth and richness.  Druid’s White represents a blend of Riesling, Viognier and Gerwurztraminer with aromatics of fresh pear.  

True to the Troon pioneering spirit experimental varietals new to the Southern Oregon area, like Tannat, and the newest release Vermentino, have been planted by the Martin family. Vermentino is a crisp white wine with aromatics of crushed stone, lemon zest and wild flower.  The stainless steel fermentation process preserves the wines acidity and bite. 

Offering possibly the best views, tasting room, staff and products, Troon represents the Applegate Valley Wine Trail most popular destination and could easily top the list as the Crown Jewel of the Applegate Valley.  Enjoy future Troon releases by becoming a Cellar Dweller member.   Learn more about Troon Vineyard at www.troonvineyard.com

Just starting as a blogger

Even though this is my first official blog, I am a 41 year veteran of travel whose genesis began fall 1978.  Simultaneously owning 3 travel agencies and a motorcoach tour operation,  a love of culture has taken me to well over 100 countries on 6 continents. 

I have taken over 45 cruises, am a member of Cruise Critics, and spent 3 years traveling the United States in a 5th wheel.  In April, 2015 I will headed to Peru for 10 days to experience Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Uros floating islands, Iquitos and spent 3 nights at Samiria EcoLodge on the Amazon.  I am a freelance travel writer and active member of the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance. 

When not travelling you can find me taking a language course, playing golf, target practicing, rafting the river, assisting my children with life's problems or just pampering myself at a spa.  

Contact me at ssparlin@dakotacom.net or phone 520-878-8923.