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Rogue Rock Gym was founded in 2005 by Matt and Chrysten Lambert who recognized the need for a high quality indoor rockclimbing facility in Southern Oregon. Matt the owner and operator of the gym has over 20 years of climbing experience, from scaling big walls in Yosemite National Park, to high alpine mountains in the Himalayas. Matt grew up climbing in high quality indoor gyms in metropolitan areas around the country and modeled his facility after the best of those successful climbing gyms. RRG was Southern Oregon's first full service indoor climbing gym with 30ft tall walls, over 6,000sq ft of climbing terrain, 33 rope stations, qualified instruction, youth programs, and fitness equipment. Rogue Rock Gym is the largest indoor climbing facility between Sacramento and Portland. 

Rogue Rock Gym focuses on providing quality customer service in order to help people of all ages get introduced to rock climbing, and learn the ropes with the highest standard in safety. With over thirty years of combined rockclimbing experience our staff can provide all levels of instruction from the basic ropes to the most advanced rockcraft skills. Indoor climbing gyms are a great place to become introduced to the sport and learn the skills to be a safe climber in a controlled environment. For some climbers indoor climbing is a sport in itself, while for other experienced outdoor climbers the gym is a place to train when the weather doesn't cooperate. Indoor climbing is a great full body workout that tones your muscles and improves flexibility. The best part is that you don't even realize you are working out because it's so much fun, you only realize it the next day when your muscles are too sore to move!  

The gym is a great place to get connected with other climbers in the community, make new friends and long lasting climbing partnerships. Rogue RockGym maintains a group of two to three hundred regular members by providing an excellent product, our climbing routes! At any given time there are hundreds of climbing routes, or paths of all difficulty levels up our walls. Two-year-old children have scaled our easiest walls, yet we have climbing routes which are nearly impossible for even the best climbers. We take pride in creating excellent climbing routes that challenge climbing technique and build strength. These routes are changed frequently to always keep things fresh and unique for our regular members, and it is the quality of these routes that keeps our regulars coming back for more! 

Where did you learn from?

I've been rockclimbing for over twenty years now, and was self taught as a young teenager. Living in Chicago during high school my only option was to go indoor climbing and I would drive about an hour to the closest rockgym a few days a week. In 1999 I started working for Vertical World in Seattle where I was trained in climbing instruction and gym operation. The Vertical World organization was instrumental in developing the current standards in the indoor rockclimbing industry and the owner is currently one of the key leaders of the Climbing Wall Association which sets the indusrty standards of procedure which Rogue Rock Gym follows. 

There is allways lots going on at our gym, we host competitions that are free for spectators, we can teach any skill for any aspect of climbing, and we can take people outdoors to climb on the beautiful cliffs in southern oregon. Please visit our website for more details on all of our programs or feel free to call and speak with one of our friendly staff. Stop by the gym, you have to see the wall in person to appreciate what it has to offer!

What was the inspiration behind Alchemy Botanicals. How did you come up with the name and where did the idea all start?
    Prior to moving to Ashland in 2001, I held a private practice as a clinical herbalist/nutritionist in Encinitas, California.  While analyzing the possibility of setting up my clinical practice here in Ashland, it was clear that there were already a number of active alternative practitioners. I also observed that the community here is one that tends to self-educate and self-treat and I felt that an herb store would better serve the community. Over the last seven years that we  have been open, that vision has manifested many times as I witness how every day, many people are helped with whatever is ailing them.  The name "Alchemy" came from combining the spiritual discipline of healing with the scientific investigation of nature.

Would you tell us a little bit about how you go about choosing the products that you have in your store.
    Having been an herbal practitioner, it was simple to know where to find the best quality, organic medicinal herbal products in the U.S.  I have always tried to buy from small companies, as local as possible, where all ingredients are organic or ethically wildcrafted, pure and 100% natural. As the store expanded into aromatherapy, skincare, and gifts, my priority continued to be that we offer the finest organic products that are available the world.

What makes Alchemy Botanicals unique in both the herbal industry and the skincare industry.
    In the herbal world, we are very unique in our offering of bulk tinctures.  In fact, I believe we are the only store in the US that offers customers and practitioners the ability to make their own individualized extract formulas.  This is very important because each person presents with his or her own set of symptoms and health concerns.  For example, one menopausal woman may also experience migraines and anxiety where another may have joint pain and insomnia.  One menopausal formula may not serve both of their needs.  At Alchemy, we can make the formula match each of these women's needs.

    In the spa and skincare industry, we are also very unique in that we offer several different lines of skin and hair care products that are totally organic and free of toxic ingredients, such as synthetic fragrances, paraben preservatives and sulfates.  There still aren't a lot of options available in our country for high-quality and completely pure skincare products.
    
    Here at Alchemy, we are equipped to help a client be radiantly healthy from the inside out.  We offer a staff of trained herbalists; a spa that performs organic facials; a nurse practitioner and herbalist on staff for consultations; the finest quality medicinal herb and skincare products available on the market.


Do you see a trend of people taking their health care into their own hands, could you discuss this a bit.
    Taking responsibility for one's own health is the essential first step to healing. According to a survey by the Consumer Healthcare Products Associations, Americans say they are increasingly comfortable managing their own health care needs.While there is no substitute for a physician, Americans are taking control of minor medical problems with safe, reliable over-the-counter medications, including herbal preparations.  This is crucial as the baby boomer generation ages.  Also, surveys have shown that the majority of Americans take dietary supplements.  My father was a doctor and the patients he treated in the 60's and 70's were not nearly as educated as the public is now.  Information is right at our fingertips now!
    
What is your favorite product that you sell?
    By far, my most favorite line that we carry at Alchemy is Eminence Organic Skincare of Hungary. This is an organic skincare line which contains the highest possible levels of all-natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables, hand-selected to guarantee their highest quality. Using Eminence products is like using a raw-food diet for your skin and most everyone sees a difference in the radiance of their skin's health within weeks.  It is incredible!  This is the line that we use for facials in our spa.
    
Share a little bit about the Alchemy Dispensary?
    The dispensary is our bulk service of creating individualized tea, tincture, essential oil and flower essence formulas for both individuals and practitioners, based on the needs of the individual.

Tricia, can tell us a little bit about your own background how you blend modalities of healing and wellness. You have experience in several areas from esthetician, clinical herbalist, clinical nutritionist to shamanic practitioner.
    As a clinical practitioner, I do combine all of these healing modalities.  I am a Certified Clinical Nutritionist through the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists, a Professional Herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild, a licensed Esthetician as well as a reiki and shamanic practitioner. I guess you could say it is my medicine bag of offerings, gleaned from almost 20 years in the field of alternative health. My devotions now are to providing high quality service and products at Alchemy and to my family.
    
How do you get young people involved in taking more responsibility for their heath and consumer choices. If they do not have direct exposure from either their family or friends.
    Education - one of our primary functions is to provide education to our clients. In addition to educating our customers in the store through classes and lectures, we also write articles for several publications and speak on radio programs. Offering community classes has always been a passion of mine.

1. What does the Jackson county commissioner do?

If you look at the responsibilities, the list includes water supply issues, forest planning, air quality, emergency management, economic development and on and on. But the real impact of the County Commission is how it affects every family in the county. The County Commission has responsibility to see that the roads you drive to work and take the kids to the park are safe, to make sure the air you and your family breathe is clean and that every building in the county is built according to code so when your family goes in the building, they are not in danger. The Commission spends a $290 million budget and part of it is your property tax payments. Do we really know how that money is being spent? Your readers should be asking the Commissioners to be more accountable. As a Commissioner, I will be accountable.


2. Jim, can you give me an example of a change you would implement if elected in as the new Jackson County Commissioner?

It is tough to make immediate changes because I would be only 1 of 3 Commissioners, but one of the first things I would like to do is change the meeting time and place of Commission meetings from every Wednesday morning at 9:30 am in Medford to evening hours around the county. I would like to see much more participation from all the communities in Jackson County and we can't do that by requiring people to come into Medford during working hours to speak to the County Commission. We need to have evening meetings in Eagle Point, in Rogue River, in Jacksonville and Central Point and other cities and to get communities involved in county discussions. The County Commission should be going to the people, not requiring the people to come to them.


3. One of the most important issues I see facing the county is how to develop its economy so that people are making a livable wage. What are some ways to grow opportunity for this to occur both immediately and long range.

The first thing we have to do is develop and enhance our local workforce. While we try to attract new business and information technology businesses to the county we have to produce the technology trained workforce to supply the new business needs. We are building the infrastructure needed such as the airport expansion but we have to prepare the needed workforce as well and that means the county has to link with school districts and training programs. The changing economy also shows a need to look at our railroad resources to move people and goods. The county needs to be a major player in addressing alternative transportation and energy solutions, such as wind, solar and rail.


4. The County Commissioners recently voted themselves a 26% salary increase, then changed their minds. What is your view on this?


I have been walking door-to-door in the county because I think voters want to be able to meet and talk to local candidates before they vote for or against them. What I hear the most from voters is their anger at the County Commissions giving themselves a 26% salary increase while the county is seeing higher costs and rising unemployment. You just don’t give yourself a raise when everyone else is suffering.  Two Commissioners, including my opponent, said they would not take the increase “this year”. Which means, of course, the day after the election, if my opponent wins, he can change his mind and take the increase. There was no vote taken so he has not rejected the increase. This is political chicanery.


5. Give me one example in your past history of how you were able to join up as part of an existing organization and bring about a significant change?

When I became Executive Director of the Jackson County Library Foundation, the Foundation was supporting many library programs but hadn't taken the lead in a needed area, which is early literacy. My background included early literacy work in another county where I directed a School Readiness program which coordinated programs to prepare children from birth to 5 to be ready to begin kindergarten. So, working with the library staff, the Foundation secured a three-year grant to conduct Babies in the Library, a program to teach new parents the skills to read to their pre-walking babies. The program has been a huge success after the first year and we will see the results in four more years when those babies begin kindergarten. If they have been prepared by this early literacy program they will be ready for school and will succeed in school and will become a valuable part of our future workforce.


6. How do you build bridges between the communities in the valley? What exists already and what can be strengthened?

Our county is huge, over 2,800 square miles and almost 200,000 people. Over the years we have built more barriers between communities than bridges. It is my view that the County Commission has the responsibility to find common ground for all communities to build on, and should be the governmental body to start the discussions.  We all have some common needs, such as taking care of our communities, taking care of our children and fostering accountability and openness.  The County needs to work with all the Chambers of Commerce, the countywide development groups such as SOREDI and RVCOG.  It will take time, it will take energy and it will take patience to build the bridges and that's where I want to begin.


7. How do you build connection and link up with the large financial power base in Medford?  What are their underlying interests and how can you meet this while serving the community?

Again, you first have to find the common ground. Medford is our county seat and our largest city. But so much of the Medford business community relies on the success of other business aspects in the county. The attendees at the Oregon Shakespearean Festival in Ashland have an impact on Medford and other communities, the people who come to run the Rogue have an impact of Medford and other communities. If you are in business, you have to see that your business success is a shared business success. No one stands alone. That should be the role of the County Commission, to bring all the financial interests to the same table and make decisions that benefit all. In Jackson County, small business is large business because that is the foundation of our economy. We have to connect them all.


8. Any last thoughts or comments?

I appreciate the chance to talk with you about my vision for the future of Jackson County. It is a future where there is open government, a sustainable economy, a strong education system and a safe, healthy environment. All those things require some changes in the way we conduct business. We have been doing business the same old way for many years, what is called the "good ol boy" network. The "good ol boy" network hasn't succeeded, we see that in rising costs and rising unemployment, so the "good ol boy" network has to go.

To really start a discussion as a last thought, I would like to see the current County Commission system changed to a five member Board and for them to run non-partisan. I think we should be voting for the most qualified person regardless of party affiliation and I would hope we change our Home Rule Charter soon to accomplish that.

When I first started LocalsGuide I had a basic idea. Create media online, then put it in print!

Last month in my article with Bill and Darlene Welch of Deluxe Awning, I began discussing  some of my ideas behind how a media democracy can function. I specifically brought up the idea of individuals stepping forward to tell their own stories and creating their own media.

I also mentioned that this month I would be introducing you to Joy & Larry Marshall now shown in the photo to the left.

I had initially received a phone call from Larry Marshall who began by giving me a little bit about his and Joy’s background of their company, Marshall Fundraising Management, being involved in helping support and connect nonprofits (aka NPOs) around the Rogue Valley with donors. 

The Marshalls had moved here from Malibu, CA, about 5 years ago. They had met there 10 years ago and committed themselves to the concept that they would have a “new life adventure” every 5 years. After their Malibu lifestyle ended, they researched moving up to So. OR and did so, initially in their RV towing their Land Rover, along with their ‘kids’, Toby, a Cockerpoo and Sebastian, a Ragdoll cat. They now reside in So. Ashland, where they have both their home and office.

In Malibu, both had taken an early retirement hiatus from their business careers and traveled on the Concorde’s only “Adventure Around the World…Beyond First Class” (it ceased flying shortly thereafter), as well as other special trips. While in a retirement mode, they created their own foundation, “Marshall Family Foundation to Make a Difference”, supporting their personal causes, including children, animals, healthcare, fine and performing arts and the environment.

When they settled here, however, they became inspired to go back into the business mode and formed 2 businesses, Fun Lifestyles (www.FunLifestyles.com), marketing “fun and functional lifestyle toys 4 big kids” [such as portable spas and pet strollers, etc. for travelers, (primarily sold on Online)], and relaunching Larry’s former business, Marshall Consultants, the first PR-oriented executive search and management consulting firm with regional, national and global clients. However, Joy was not being fulfilled by these ventures and felt compelled to re-enter the non-profit field. “Once you have non-profit blood in your veins (it’s a little different red than normalJ), you’ll always need to feel like you’re making a difference”. Larry has joined her and, while their other businesses continue to a limited degree, they are now focusing on their fundraising and events management enterprise as their next lifestyle adventure.

Over the past two months I had the opportunity to meet with Joy and Larry several times to discuss some of these issues. One of the ideas that we came to was the creation of a monthly column, “Doing Well By Doing Good” (which is their consulting firm’s slogan), that would highlight some of the issues and opportunities confronting NPOs and offer some creative solutions, thus creating connection and networking with the public and the local nonprofits. In a new approach for LocalsGuide, I have invited Larry and Joy to share their own voice first person within this introduction, so that they can share a little bit more about their own background and services that they are bringing to the community.

I will conclude by saying, JOIN UP!
Create a group online and begin to communicate with one another. As communities grow and change, technology is enabling us with creative ways to stay connected--Use it!  Now for Joy & Larry.

Many of us Know Jeff Golden as the previous host to the Jefferson Public Radio program the Jefferson Exchange.  When he left the “Exchange” to pursue new endeavors I wondered what Jeff was doing with himself. When I called him to inquire I learned that he had recently completed his 4th book “Unafraid”. This is an interview that I conducted with him about his latest work.

Locals Guide (LG):   So..UNAFRAID: A Novel of the Possible…What made you take this project on?

Jeff Golden (JG): It continues an invitation I extended to people with my last book, as If We Were Grownups (www.asifweregrownups.org), to pull ourselves out of the pit of cynicism that most of us have slipped into over years of political involvement.  I run into plenty of smart people who think the game is over and the bad guys won, and they have politics and the media wired their way so that we’ll never get our country back.  If we believe that — and I think many of those currently in power desperately want us to believe that — then of course, it will be true.  I want us to try out another possibility:  that if we’re alert, overcome the distracting issues waved in front of our face like red flags to keep us divided, and work tenaciously together, we can push this country much closer to the representative democracy it’s supposed to be.

LG:  Was that the theme of As If We Were Grownups?

JG:  Yes.  The subtitle of Grownups is “A Collection of ‘Suicidal’ Political Speeches that Aren’t”.  It lays out a series of speeches on hot-button issues to suggest that Americans are ready to hear much more about real solutions to real problems than political consultants think we are.  It undermines the view that we’ll only vote for candidates who treat us like children who demand instant gratification.  It puts forward a kind of confidence that we’re capable of thinking of our self-interest in much more mature and sustainable ways.

LG:  And how did Grownups lead to UNAFRAID?
JG:  Grownups is non-fiction, kind of an alternative political handbook.  UNAFRAID aims to stimulate a broader audience than the small slice that looks at a bookstore’s Political Science shelves.  I wanted to tell a story that would make general readers turn pages.  And, it came to me that one good vehicle to do that would be the answer to a question that has teased me for forty years.  Given the radical change in America’s attitude and identity that took place on the afternoon of November 22, 1963, how would the world have turned out if JFK had lived through Dallas and served two terms as President?

LG:  So UNAFRAID is an alternative history where everything turns out perfectly?

JG:  It’s an alternative history, but you don’t have the ending quite right.  JFK is transformed by the shooting, and his perspective shifts to see the futility of the kind of power he’s sought his whole life.  He decides to see what he can do in his remaining five years in office to nudge America’s walk much closer to its talk.  But he has to do all that in the world that exists, with a Cold War going on and people like Richard Nixon fanning the flames of fear with some success.  So there’s a real-world tension surrounding all the issues he tackles.  The core of his job is to appeal to the part of us that has breadth and generosity, that’s determined to leave a decent and safe world to our kids and their kids, rather than appealing to us to, say, “go shopping so that the terrorists don’t win.”  Leadership is very much about what part of human nature leaders call out to, and their decision about that shapes the history that follows.  We can see that clearly in our current mess.  But that doesn’t mean that the Kennedy in UNAFRAID wins every struggle and everybody lives happily ever after.  That would be a fairy tale instead of a “Novel of the Possible.”

LG:  In calling it “A Novel of the Possible,” are you trying to draw clear boundaries for what is and isn’t possible in politics?

JG:  I can’t do that, and I don’t think anyone else can, either.  There aren’t clear boundaries.  They shift with the historical moment, the kind of leaders who are calling to us, how courageous and determined we are to give what we can.  My worry, though, is that we’ve been shooting far too low.
    This uncertainty is at the crux of the tension between JFK and his pragmatic brother Bobby in UNAFRAID.  In one passage, Bobby is reminding Jack of Bismarck’s definition of politics as the Art of the Possible.  Jack hears that and says “But what is possible? Where is that line? Because every line gets drawn by men, limited, small-brained, spectacularly fallible men.  Everything we claim to know about what’s possible is guesswork.  What the experts give us is expert guesswork, rooted mostly in a past that doesn’t exist anymore.”  

LG:  The what-if question most often asked about JFK is whether he would have gotten us out of Vietnam much earlier.  What do you think?

JG:  What I think is in UNAFRAID, and if I told you now I’d undercut the raging curiosity that I’m sure is rising at this very minute in every single person reading this interview.  And, I sure don’t want to do that.  I will say, though, that anybody who’s getting curious can get a little satisfaction by going to www.unafraidthebook.com and clicking on the link that says EXCERPTS: Come sample the world of Unafraid.

LG:  You say “the historical course the country could have taken.”  But it didn’t take that course, and what’s done is done.  So will UNAFRAID hold much interest for those who may not be all that interested in the history of the Kennedy years?
JG:  What I can tell you is that I’m getting a really wonderful reaction from readers from about 20-80 who have all kinds of things to say about their reading interests.  There are, first of all, close similarities between then and now on some issues, particularly Vietnam/Iraq, the debate over how America should use its power in the world, and the connections between big government and big business.  They also tell me that by reading about the back-and-forth political forces back then, they get the sense not only that past history could have turned out differently, but that we have some real choices about the course America will take from this point forward.  One reader said it this way on amazon.com: “He has changed one fact of November 22nd and created the story that could have happened. This gives us a vehicle for our imagination and our emotions to take the rebuilding of our country into our own hands.”  I really appreciate that.
 
LG:  There was a feature in the Medford newspaper a month or so ago with the headline “Jeff Golden:  Is he Actually a Cock-eyed Optimist?”  Are you?


JG:  I’m not completely sure about the “cock-eyed” part.  It depends which day you catch me.  I can sink into discouragement and cynicism like anybody else.  But what fueled both Grownups and UNAFRAID is the feeling that we’ve been sleep-walking, and absorbing the attitude of the bitterest and most disillusioned among us, whether it’s Rush Limbaugh or Ralph Nader.  Yes, our national politics have been purchased wholesale by the wealthiest narrow interests in the country.  But what enables them to hang onto that power election after election is the widespread belief that we can’t do anything about it.  I remember some of the desperately discouraged people who called me when I hosted the Jefferson Exchange, who explained to me in great detail how corporations have taken over the system, and because of their comprehensive networks and their control of the media that’s supposed to be telling us what’s happening, we’ll never get our country back.  And sometimes after hanging up I’d have a vision of Dick Cheney at his Undisclosed Location, feet up on the desk, listening to the show on computer (I’m sure he listened in every day).  And after hearing this long passionate explanation of how it’s all over and there’s no point to standing up and getting politically active, I could see Dick high-fiving an aide and saying “Yes! Another one down!”
    That’s part of what fuels me through all this.  And the truth is, none of us know on the front end what we can and can’t accomplishment.  And I find that the folks who are optimistic and active seem to be having a whole lot more fun than the pessimists who sit back with their arms folded, explaining so intelligently how we’ve already lost and there’s no real hope.  I’d rather hang around the folks who are having fun.

LG:  Anything else?

JG:  I really hope that folks who are intrigued with the notion of what politics and public life could be will take a look at UNAFRAID.  The samples at www.unafraidthebook.com are quick and easy to read.  See what you think.

LG:  Thank you.

JG:  And you.  I’ve enjoyed this.

Jeff Golden lives in Ashland, Oregon. Please visit his website to learn more about his work. www.UnafraidTheBook.com

Tags: Jeff Golden

Currently:

I am in a stage of enormous complexity. So focused and in a deep state of marvel. The next issue of LocalsGuide is going to be the most amazing yet, because it will be the closest I have ever come to making any sense with the bigger picture.

I can't wait for you to see it. It's been a crazy time of no sleep, endless streams of development and growth. Hyperlocal into niche. Niche into networks. Global Networks! 

How is that Local You might wonder?
We will all soon find out.

Citizen media, press releases, community networks, neighboorhood directories. I'm not exactly sure here what I've stumbled upon but I know one thing.

 It's not stopping and its only growing bigger and bigger complex yet simple. With or with out me this model will not die.. it's here to say and this is giving me some rest in this big wave of motion.

I'm personally making a big change of opening up, and starting to ask you all for help. The media model as it currently is can be changed and we can change it. We can change it in the next 5-7 years for sure. Plus there is money to be made. Lots of it.

Money which can improve the standard of living for many people around the planet. Money which can build more sustainable systems and better solutions to  the current situations.

I wish I knew where to begin on how exactly all of this is going to work but I do know that I have to put things up for grabs at this point. Let you guys move in to help

Organizing, delegating, assigning, helping create leadership, spreading the word. 
Over the next month I will begin writing and openly sharing all of my models. 
  

I want you to be there with me because I can't do it alone, and I don't have all the answers.

I'm one person with a ton of ideas and little bit of craze to stay up all night and try to explain them.

It's time to grow, get money, get attention from greater sources. Pull in the community and the world into the equation.

I am not exactly sure how to proceed other than knowing how to map and blueprint this thing. That I have been developing since pre  Passport2  or any other project. 

It's time to have a little chat in which I can share just a little bit more about what the hell I really have been planning here with LocalsGuide and to find out what you see, how we can surf this wave together.

This is what happened to my neighbors house last night.
This is a really clever marketing idea...



YOU'VE BEEN FLAMINGOED!

One of your friends has paid a donation to the Ashland Christian Fellowship Youth Group in order to have this flock of flamingos come live at your house for a while.

If you ignore them, they will fly away (eventually). However, if you would like to see this flock "fly" to someone else's yard (of your choosing) then please call us.

We will come and pick-up your donation and the flock will "fly" where ever you want.

Name: Casey Bonsi
Company: Origami Catering Company
Web: Origamicatering.com

Can you tell me a little bit about what your company does?

Origami Catering Company offers two services. We are a sushi wholesaler that provides grab-n-go sushi boxes to grocery stores, coffee shops and cafeterias; and secondly, we are a sushi catering company that provides sushi for catered events. In the mornings we produce fresh sushi on a daily basis. We package our products, and deliver them to retailers. In the afternoons and evenings we cater sushi parties--everything from potlucks to weddings. At catered events we set up a sushi buffet and can provide flower arrangements and dj services. This year we will be a food vendor at the Summer Solstice Reggae Festival in Selma. With the help of our main sushi chef, Markos Photinos, we are becoming more involved with festivals,  concerts and outdoor markets. Keep an eye out for us next year at the farmers' market in Ashland and Medford.



When and Where did you learn to make sushi?

I started making sushi 15 years ago at Shoji's, a sushi bar in Eugene. A Japanese woman, Yoshi Gillespi, introduced me to the trade. Five years later I developed a menu for a friend of mine who opened Oh's Osaka in Medford. I worked at Oh's and the Kat Wok for a number of years, but it wasn't until I moved to Seattle that I really honed my skills. I was the only non-Japanese sushi chef working for Seattle's sushi legend, Shiro Kashiba. Shiro was the first person to bring sushi to Seattle in the late 60's and soon became an international restaurant consultant. My apprenticeship with Shiro put my skill level into perspective. Although I'd been making sushi for ten years prior to working at Shiro's, I was an amateur. I had yet to comprehend the mastery of this trade.


What's your favorite roll?

My favorite roll is the Kimbab. It is a Korean sushi roll made with sesame oil. The oil mixed into the rice dramatically changes the flavor and the consistancy. The rice becomes less sticky so the roll must be rolled with the seaweed on the outside. Inside the roll are a number of vegetables with or without fish or meat. I like using shitakes, spinach, carrots, green onions and tamago (omlette). We'll be adding the Kimbab to our selection this summer.

What was the inspiration behind the name Origami Catering?

I decided on the name Origami because of the similarities between the art of paper folding and the art of rolling sushi. Both mediums involve bright colors, a delicate size, an intricate craftsmanship and an attention to detail. Both disciplines create something complex out of something quite simple: a square piece of paper; fish and rice. With origami, if the paper isn't perfectly square, it creates problems. With sushi, if the rice isn't perfect, the sushi fails. With only a few ingredients in sushi, flaws are more easily detected and demands a higher level of perfection.


What is the most interesting Sushi roll you have ever heard of being made?

The most interesting kinds of sushi are usually not the rolls. Some of the more interesting sushi dishes I've seen are ones served alive or ones that are dangerous to eat.  Whenever the element of death is introduced at the dinner table, yours or the fish's, people's interest peaks. Lobster, spot shrimp, geoduck and abalone are often served alive. In Korea, the live baby octopus which is notorious for suffocating people while climbing out of their throats is an interesting dish. Shirako, the fish sperm sack is a sushi favorite in Japan, and so is Fugu, the poisonous blowfish. However, the most interesting dish I've seen is one Shiro discovered in Alaska. Each year Shiro harvested herring eggs with the Yup'ik Eskimos. When the herring came to spawn, pine branches would be placed in the surf to collect the eggs. Shiro would then marinated the branches covered with fish eggs in a brine. It was a dish that Shiro believed captured the flavors of region--a flavor of the ocean and the mountain and the season.


Where can locals buy your product and find out more about you?

Our sushi is available at the Ashland Food Co-op, Shop'n Kart, and SOU. This summer our sushi will also be available at the Extreme Juice Bars in Medford and Food 4 Less. Locals can find out more about our business in the 2008 Rogue Flavor Guide and on our website at www.origamicatering.com.

Tags: Sushi

We are needing some more content in this months issue which covers your favorite place to eat breakfast and why?

Though we had quite a few great reviews submitted.... a few of the dining experiences were less than great.

Please tell us where you like to eat and why.

Also big thanks to everyone who participated. It was great!

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