Biz Beat 3-13-2014

Last week in this column we wrote about a late-night flight coming into Eugene Feb. 23 that was diverted to Portland. It took a few tries before we found someone to talk to at the Eugene Airport, but it appears we talked to a fellow who was ill-informed. The flight did not arrive after midnight so the tower was still open, there actually was a malfunction of the Automated Surface Observing System at the airport. ASOS is owned and operated by the Federal Aviation Administration, not the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And city taxpayers do not pick up the tab for overtime when the tower is asked to stay open after midnight to accommodate delayed flights. The airport is owned and operated by the city but has a “self-supporting enterprise fund” from fuel taxes, parking fees and other revenues, according to Cathryn Stephens, deputy director of airport services. One thing we did get right: “Ultimately it is the pilot’s decision on whether to land,” Stephens says.

Eugene Weekly’s free Spring Wellness Summit will be from noon to 6 pm Saturday, March 29, at Cozmic, 199 W. 8th Ave., sponsored by International Fitness and 20 other local businesses and health care providers. Bev Smith of Kidsports will be among the speakers, and the event features fencing and martial arts demonstrations, organic makeup makeovers, group yoga, live music and much more. Booth and table spaces have all been reserved, but for more information, call 484-0519.

Urban Waxx is a Portland-based company that does nothing but body waxes and the company will be expanding into Eugene with a store in the new Woolworth Building at 940 Willamette St. The store expects to open April 4. A Brazilian costs $70 the first time but only $50 for “maintenance.” What’s a Brazilian wax job? Use your imagination or read all about it at urbanwaxx.com. “It’s impossible to make us blush,” reads the website.

Biologist and “It’s About Time” author and illustrator David Wagner will lead a workshop on “Draw Your Own Nature-Themed Greeting Cards” from 1 to 4 pm Saturday, March 15, at the yurt in Alton Baker Park. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Nearby Nature. Contact info@nearbynature.org or call 687-9699.

The nonprofit Reality Kitchen has gone through big changes since it began in the Whiteaker neighborhood, then moved out to West 11th and is now in the former Wild Plum Bakery building at 645 River Rd. Reality Kitchen’s mission is to provide job skills training and a supportive gathering place for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To finance that mission, the organization runs a bakery and food service and puts on events. Businesses served include Sam Bond’s Garage, Tap and Growler, Rye Restaurant, Bricks in the 5th St. Public Market, Mothership Food Cart, Sam’s Place and Sam’s on Franklin, Agate Lab, LCC Food Services, Growler Guys, Grid Iron, Stacy’s Covered Bridge, Ax and Fiddle, Village Green and Blairally Vintage Arcade. The new location also serves as an incubator for other small businesses. Contact Jim Evangelista or visit realitykitchen.org.