Meredith Myrick: An Esthetician With Intention

The largest, fastest growing organ in the human body is one you see most easily: the skin. Skin defends you from a plethora of harmful things each day yet typically commands our least attention. Beautiful skin starts with healthy skin and a skin care specialist can help attain outer beauty.

Meredith Myrick is an Oregon certified esthetician specializing in skin care, products and expert spray tanning, but her journey was not easy.  Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 47 Meredith opted for a bilateral mastectomy.  Within two years Meredith sensed her goals changing, prompting a new direction in her life, but what? 

As Meredith struggled through her cancer battle, Oregon was responding to public concern over tanning beds causing skin cancer and passed a law banning tanning beds to anyone under the age of 18 without Doctor’s permission and oversight of a licensed esthetician.

After learning of this new law, Meredith felt pulled down the path of becoming a licensed esthetician, specializing in spray tanning. 

Upon completion of her studies at the Hollywood Airbrush Tanning Academy in Southern California, she returned to Grants Pass, landing her first job at Le Belle Vie Salon where she perfecting her skills on family, friends and relatives. 

When you first meet Meredith she will identify your skin tone, texture, nationality and purpose for the tan, allowing her to select your perfect tint.  Looking for a soft and natural Mediterranean glow?  Perhaps you are Native American, African America or in the 2% of our population that have Vitiligo.  Meredith will create the perfect tint for you and uses only clean, non-fragrant products.     

After perfecting spray tanning techniques and moving into a new location at HeadQuarters Day Spa, Meredith began adding skin care treatments and techniques to her list of services, creating customized “cocktail facial peels”. 

Have wrinkles, stretch marks, or acne scarring?  Try out her new non-ablative and effective treatment called Collagen Induction Therapy: Micro needling (CIT).  Not a laser or deep chemical peel, CIT requires minimal down time of usually four to seven days.  CIT produces significant, measurable and sustainable results, by stimulating the body’s own production of collagen, reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. Results last as long as 5–10 years or more. 

Another technique, Celluma RX Biophotonic therapy, is an FDA approved light emitting diode (“LED”), technology based on NASA research.  The low-level-light energy delivers proven therapeutic wavelengths of blue, red and infrared light energy proven to be beneficial for relief of arthritis, muscle spasms, muscle and joint pain, muscle tissue tension, joint and muscle stiffness, diminished local circulation, anti aging and inflammatory acne vulgaris. Meredith is now setting her goals for Deep Skin Chemical Peels as well as Facial Massages. 

With a personal goal of “making the client natural looking and enhancing the beauty that they already possess”,  Meredith can help you attain your outer beauty.  Contact Meredith at info@meredithscustomspraytans.com or phone at 541-761-2968.  Check out her website at http://www.meredithscustomspraytans.com/

Opening Night At Barnstormers

 

Tonight was opening night of Sam Shepard’s True West, directed by Emily Gisler.  The venue was Barnstormers:  Oregon’s oldest continuing community theatre located on Evelyn Avenue in Grants Pass.   As I entered the main door to the theatre I was immediately struck by the intimacy of the venue.  With a seating capacity, which I counted as just under 100 and a very narrow walkway dividing the audience from the stage, one is able to become totally immersed in the story.

Seats were padded with arms and quite comfortable.  A unique feature was the food and beverage service provided before the opening curtain and during intermission.  A selection of red and white wines was complimentary as well as coffee and water.  Also offered on a complimentary basis was a variety of foods which included a mozzarella, cherry tomato and basil salad, various chips, fruit plates that included grapes and sliced apples, and desserts.

The play itself was unique in the fact that the two main male characters, which were brothers in the play, were double-cast.  Every other performance they switch roles.  There is no way not to ask yourself how long it took the actors to memorize both parts. 

The story line was a character study that examined the relationship between two brothers over the span of three days.  One brother a successful family man and the other a nomadic drifter, each brother represented a different product of the family.   By the end of the story their roles became reversed and each man found himself admitting that he had somehow always wished he were in his brothers shoes. 

The performance comprised 2 acts with 9 scenes and ran an hour and 20 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.  Dylan O’Hara and Stewart Towle played the two brothers, Lee and Austin.  The other two actors included Laura Erb who played Mom, and Davey Kashuba who played Saul Kimmer. Pre-purchased tickets were $15.00 per person.  For further information check them out at http://www.barnstormersgp.org/

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.