About Whitman Parker

Whitman Parker is Owner and Publisher of Jacksonville Review and Southern Oregon Wine Scene magazines.

JANUARY CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS – compiled by Whitman Parker

City Snapshot – February 2024

THE RESULTS OF THE CITY’S annual budget audit were presented, (see city website jacksonvilleor.us for a full-length copy) revealing a healthy financial status. As summed up at the meeting, the city received the highest ranking available for fiscal management.

The report also stated, FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

The assets of the City […]

By |2024-02-01T18:18:16-08:00February 1st, 2024|City Snapshot|Comments Off on JANUARY CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS – compiled by Whitman Parker

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR – by Whitman Parker

My View – February 2024

I CAN’T THINK OF A BETTER WAY to ring in 2024 than with the Lunar New Year celebration on February 17, from 10am-3pm, on Britt Hill. Thanks to Jeresa Hren’s team at the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association (SOCCA), Britt Festivals, and some generous sponsors, (including the Review), Lunar […]

By |2024-02-01T18:18:58-08:00January 31st, 2024|Publisher's View|Comments Off on HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR – by Whitman Parker

What a Year! – by Whitman Parker

My View – Dec 2023/Jan 2024

I hope you’ll join me in reveling in the magic of the holiday season as captured on our inspiring cover. Thanks to Amy Kranenburg at Happy Alpaca Toy Store, it was created to put a smile on your face and remind us that the holidays are […]

By |2023-11-29T14:12:23-08:00November 29th, 2023|Publisher's View|Comments Off on What a Year! – by Whitman Parker

Police Predicament – by Whitman Parker

My View – October 2023

Part of what makes Jacksonville “Jacksonville” is having a relationship with town employees—office staff, public works, firemen…and cops. Over the last year, Jacksonville’s Police Department, under Chief Dave Towe, has been operating on a skeleton crew with 2.5 patrol officers and the chief. Reasons cited for a lack of police staffing […]

By |2023-09-27T10:03:06-07:00September 26th, 2023|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Police Predicament – by Whitman Parker

Congratulations Volunteers…and Welcome Belita! – by Whitman Parker

My View – September 2023

This month, our cover story on Firewise leader Linda Davis comes as Jacksonville once again finds itself in the path of wildfires surrounding the Rogue Valley. Because of Linda and her dedication to making Jacksonville a safer place to live, more and more of us are aware of what we can […]

By |2023-08-31T18:39:26-07:00August 31st, 2023|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Congratulations Volunteers…and Welcome Belita! – by Whitman Parker

Eye on the Budget – by Whitman Parker

My View – May 2023

Successful municipalities run on tight budgets…something our city staff and council have mastered due to our small tax base. At its April 13 Budget Committee meeting, staff presented their 3-year budget projections in advance of the first formal budget meeting on May 11. (If needed, follow-up meetings will be held on […]

By |2023-04-28T12:33:26-07:00April 28th, 2023|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Eye on the Budget – by Whitman Parker

A Sea of Changes – by Whitman Parker

My View – February 2023

A slew of regional changes has caught everyone’s attention recently, blowing up social media and sounding the alarm as to the future of our community. Here in town, the new owners of the Jacksonville Inn announced the closure of the restaurant… after purchasing the business less than two years ago. Perhaps […]

By |2023-01-27T15:56:02-08:00January 27th, 2023|Publisher's View|Comments Off on A Sea of Changes – by Whitman Parker

Happy Holidays… and Thank You – by Whitman Parker

My View – December 2022/January 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of year in town—having counted our blessings at Thanksgiving, it’s time to celebrate Victorian Christmas with a long list of must-do community activities and events. In this two-month holiday issue, you’ll find information on everything from the Tree Lighting ceremony to the annual Christmas Parade […]

By |2022-11-28T12:43:45-08:00November 28th, 2022|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Happy Holidays… and Thank You – by Whitman Parker

On the Election – and Larry! – by Whitman Parker

My View – November 2022

If you haven’t yet returned your mail-in ballot, I’d like to remind you that I have endorsed three candidates for Jacksonville City Council: Ken Gregg, Andy Hellenthal and Ryan Hess. As I stated in my October column, all have previous Jacksonville-based civic […]

By |2022-10-27T17:00:26-07:00October 27th, 2022|Publisher's View|Comments Off on On the Election – and Larry! – by Whitman Parker

It’s Gregg, Hellenthal and Hess for Council – by Whitman Parker

My View – October 2022

Having covered City Council races since 2008, I’m familiar with what makes a good candidate and ultimately an effective councilor. This time around, I encourage you to vote for Ken Gregg, Andy Hellenthal and Ryan Hess. Please read their Candidate Statements on pages 12-14 and Mayor Donna Bowen’s monthly column on […]

By |2022-09-28T14:51:51-07:00September 28th, 2022|Publisher's View|Comments Off on It’s Gregg, Hellenthal and Hess for Council – by Whitman Parker

Various Thoughts – by Whitman Parker

My View – June 2022

This month, I wanted to circle back around and touch base on a few perennial topics that are always on my mind. During the first week of June, town will see an influx of visitors as the Britt Festival season kicks off, setting the stage for another amazing season of popular […]

By |2022-05-27T12:46:43-07:00May 27th, 2022|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Various Thoughts – by Whitman Parker

Oregon Wine Experience Has New Home

This year’s Oregon Wine Experience (OWE) will be held from August 17-21…and it has a new home! Stephen Gambee, an owner/partner of Stage Pass, and Andrea Reeder, Vice President and Executive Director of Asante Foundation, sat down with the Review to share this exciting news. This year, the Oregon Wine Experience will be held at […]

By |2022-03-31T16:09:57-07:00March 31st, 2022|Event News, Now|Comments Off on Oregon Wine Experience Has New Home

It’s Time… – by Whitman Parker

My View – April 2022

There are so many locals who rejoice in telling me that spring is their favorite time of year…it’s really no wonder since the practically perfect weather makes getting out and about a breeze. As it warms up and the hours of sunlight increase, many of us are upping the number of […]

By |2022-03-31T15:52:46-07:00March 31st, 2022|Publisher's View|2 Comments

Change, Change and More Change! – by Whitman Parker

My View – March 2022

I’m deviating from my normal column to bring you the latest news from the Jacksonville business community. At this writing, more than a dozen local businesses are shifting focus, owners and locations—here they are, in no particular order in Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!

Kubli Haus—After a major renovation by Kathleen […]

By |2022-03-02T12:07:28-08:00March 2nd, 2022|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Change, Change and More Change! – by Whitman Parker

Just When (I) Thought it Was Safe to Go Back in the Water… – by Whitman Parker

My View – February 2022

I started off 2022 unlike any other year with a phone call from an Urgent Care physician to inform me, “You’ve tested positive for COVID!” As you know, I don’t publish a January issue and generally head out of town to recharge my solar batteries. As such, I was hanging out […]

By |2022-01-28T17:23:23-08:00January 28th, 2022|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Just When (I) Thought it Was Safe to Go Back in the Water… – by Whitman Parker

A Season to Be Thankful – by Whitman Parker

My View – November 2021

All of a sudden, November is here and we find ourselves at the beginning of the holiday season—a good time to take stock of how grateful we are for our community and the positive lifestyle it offers. Every day here in Jacksonville, we are the recipients of gifts from volunteers—the ones […]

By |2021-10-27T17:34:21-07:00October 27th, 2021|Publisher's View|Comments Off on A Season to Be Thankful – by Whitman Parker

Check Out the Centerfold! – by Whitman Parker

My View – October 2021

Okay, not THAT kind of centerfold…it’s one that might save your life in case of a major natural disaster such as wildland fire, forest fire or earthquake. The full-sized, color-coded Evacuation Map on page 17 is designed as a pull-out for you to keep in case of […]

By |2021-09-29T17:45:10-07:00September 29th, 2021|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Check Out the Centerfold! – by Whitman Parker

It’s Like Deja Vu All Over Again! – by Whitman Parker

My View – September 2021

With deference to the great Yogi Berra and in today’s parlance, it sure seems as if we’ve “been there done that” when it comes to this pandemic. Just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water, the Delta variant emerged, exploded, and then wiped out any hope […]

By |2021-08-26T15:04:18-07:00August 26th, 2021|Publisher's View|Comments Off on It’s Like Deja Vu All Over Again! – by Whitman Parker

Reawakening! – by Whitman Parker

My View – July 2021

As town reemerges from isolation in the wake of the pandemic, every masked and unmasked person I bump into basically has the same thing to say: “It’s nice to be out and about again…visiting my friends and sharing my life with others!” Indeed, it’s the sharing of experiences that makes life […]

By |2021-07-01T12:25:03-07:00July 1st, 2021|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Reawakening! – by Whitman Parker

A Season of Hope – by Whitman Parker

My View – April 2021

Pandemic or no pandemic, you’ve got to love April—a month that marks the end of winter and the start of spring and summer. For me, there’s never been anything better than getting outdoors and hitting my favorite woodland trail with the sunshine on my shoulders (shout out to John Denver!) I […]

By |2021-04-01T14:37:45-07:00April 1st, 2021|Publisher's View|Comments Off on A Season of Hope – by Whitman Parker

It Took a Pandemic – by Whitman Parker

My View – February 2021

With 2020 mercifully in the rearview mirror, I have high hopes for the new year and feel Jacksonville will emerge from the pandemic a better place. As more of us line-up to get our COVID-19 vaccine shots, we come closer to seeing light at the end of the tunnel—and closer to […]

By |2021-01-29T16:29:27-08:00January 29th, 2021|Publisher's View|Comments Off on It Took a Pandemic – by Whitman Parker

Where Were You? – by Whitman Parker

My View – December 2020/January 2021

Where were you when you heard that President Kennedy had been shot? How about the day Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon? Do you remember the day the Space Shuttle exploded? Were you at work or at home when you watched terrorists flying hijacked airplanes into the Twin Towers […]

By |2020-11-25T12:53:25-08:00November 25th, 2020|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Where Were You? – by Whitman Parker

Sensational Slate and Worthy Causes – by Whitman Parker

My View – October 2020

I’m pleased to present this month’s issue with a special section on the 2020 Jacksonville City Council race. With so much news coverage on COVID-19, the devastating fires, economic challenges, national politics and other not-so-pleasant topics, it’s refreshing for a change to be able to endorse an entire slate of candidates…this […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:37-07:00September 29th, 2020|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Sensational Slate and Worthy Causes – by Whitman Parker

A Lasting Legacy – by Whitman Parker

My View – September 2020

Congratulations to Mayor Paul Becker, who just received the Oregon Mayor’s Association “Leadership Award” for a medium-sized city. Dating back to 1993, the award recognizes the invaluable contributions made by mayors throughout Oregon and is presented at the annual OMA Summer Conference. This year, Mayor Becker was recognized for his considerable […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:39-07:00August 26th, 2020|Publisher's View|Comments Off on A Lasting Legacy – by Whitman Parker

Cautiously Optimistic 2.0 – by Whitman Parker

My View – July 2020

In last month’s column, “Cautiously Optimistic,” I was admittedly nervous about the “reopening” of our local economy and wasn’t sure if the good news on the Covid-19 front would last very long. Fast-forward to another column and I find myself adrift in the same boat—call it “Cautiously Optimistic 2.0.” At this […]

By |2020-06-25T12:22:21-07:00June 25th, 2020|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Cautiously Optimistic 2.0 – by Whitman Parker

Cautiously Optimistic – by Whitman Parker

My View – June 2020

After a two-month print hiatus, it’s great to get back to semi-normal life with this “recovery/re-HOPE-ening” issue. Like you, the corona virus has changed my life and nothing will ever be the same. At this writing, state officials have “unlocked” Jackson County under a Phase One “reopening” of our economy—at the […]

By |2020-05-27T16:23:16-07:00May 27th, 2020|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Cautiously Optimistic – by Whitman Parker

Gone Viral…

My View – April 2020

Due to the disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis and the havoc it’s created, I’ve opted to publish the Jacksonville Review as a digital-only issue this month. If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re on our website or you’re one of our 10,500+ Facebook friends! This virus-induced issue is being produced […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:47-07:00March 25th, 2020|Publisher's View|1 Comment

Changing of the Season… and Guard – by Whitman Parker

My View – March 2020

As we head full speed into another glorious Southern Oregon spring, the air is abuzz with energy and optimism. With daylight increasing daily and Jacksonville awakening from its winter nap, town is offering up interesting seasonal events and activities for all to enjoy…read about them here!

Each month, we strive to bring […]

By |2020-02-27T11:48:59-08:00February 27th, 2020|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Changing of the Season… and Guard – by Whitman Parker

Cover-ing Jacksonville! – by Whitman Parker

My View – February 2020

It’s such a pleasure to live in a town that knows how to celebrate the little things in life and throw a party and a parade to commemorate its cultural heritage! This month, please join me in thanking our friends at the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association (SOCCA) for sponsoring and […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:51-07:00January 29th, 2020|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Cover-ing Jacksonville! – by Whitman Parker

Happy Holidays, Jacksonville! – by Whitman Parker

My View – December 2019/January 2020

As I write this column, the holidays are fast-approaching and our little town is being decked-out for the festivities. Before we know it, the lights and garland will be lit and hung, the giant tree on California Street will be aglow and Father Christmas will be greeting kids of all […]

By |2019-11-27T09:31:42-08:00November 27th, 2019|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Happy Holidays, Jacksonville! – by Whitman Parker

With Gratitude – by Whitman Parker

My View – November 2019

When one thinks of November, the Thanksgiving holiday and “counting one’s blessings” is always in the mix. For me, this makes it a good time of year to publicly thank our community leaders and take stock of what we have here. For those of us fortunate enough to live in and […]

By |2019-10-29T13:31:53-07:00October 29th, 2019|Publisher's View|Comments Off on With Gratitude – by Whitman Parker

What are YOU Grateful For? – by Whitman Parker

My View – October 2019

The most rewarding aspect of publishing the Review is meeting and working with extraordinary people who make this community special. On a daily basis, I work with our contributors and civic leaders who pen articles about the events and people that impact us all. As editor, my mission has always been […]

By |2019-09-27T10:05:47-07:00September 26th, 2019|Publisher's View|Comments Off on What are YOU Grateful For? – by Whitman Parker

Council Should Make Britt Happen! – by Whitman Parker

My View – September 2019

Although it’s early in the discussion/negotiation phase, I’m supportive of Britt Festivals’ idea to relocate its corporate offices to the upper floor of New City Hall. Please note that I was one of several community members who formed the non-profit “Jacksonville Heritage Society” nearly ten years ago. Our mission […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:58-07:00August 22nd, 2019|Publisher's View|2 Comments

Looking Up…and Hopeful – by Whitman Parker

My View – July 2019

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been looking up a lot lately, checking the skies for signs of smoke… with your fingers crossed behind your back! With “fires” literally being a hot topic and on everyone’s mind, you get what I’m talking about. Like me, you’re surely hoping […]

By |2019-06-27T13:30:18-07:00June 27th, 2019|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Looking Up…and Hopeful – by Whitman Parker

Once Again…It’s the Volunteers! – by Whitman Parker

My View – June 2019

This summer, as you take in the ambiance and charm of Jacksonville, be sure and thank the countless volunteers that make this such a special town. A case in point is on the Brill Hill, where you’ll find the Britt Society Volunteers and others taking on all […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:03-07:00May 29th, 2019|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Once Again…It’s the Volunteers! – by Whitman Parker

Ah, April – by Whitman Parker

My View – April 2019

With wildflowers in full bloom and the weather warming up, April is one of the nicest months in Jacksonville to get out and discover something new—on foot. Yes, I said on foot.

Sure, it’s a nice experience to drive through our historic town in a car and marvel at the historic buildings […]

By |2019-03-27T13:40:20-07:00March 27th, 2019|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Ah, April – by Whitman Parker

Celebrate the Shamrock and So Much More! – by Whitman Parker

My View – March 2019

When it comes to fun and interesting things to do in Jacksonville, the month of March certainly comes in like a lion…and remains that way!

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring a day-long event, “Celebrate the Shamrock,” on Saturday, March 16. Thanks to participating merchant-members […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:08-07:00February 27th, 2019|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Celebrate the Shamrock and So Much More! – by Whitman Parker

Happy Year of the Pig – by Whitman Parker

My View – February 2019

Happy 2019—the Chinese New Year of the Pig! This month, we celebrate Jacksonville’s Chinese heritage with another sensational Chinese New Year celebration on February 9. Our good friends at the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association, led by Jacksonville local Jeresa Hren, have another full day of festivities in-store for the entire […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:10-07:00January 30th, 2019|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Happy Year of the Pig – by Whitman Parker

Happy Holidays, Jacksonville! – by Whitman Parker

My View – December 2018/January 2019

For this citizen-publisher, Christmas came early on November 6 at the very moment the Jackson County Elections Commission released the vote count on the meals tax. Thankfully, the ballot measure was rejected by a massive 2-1 margin, sparing our restaurants and retailers the agony of losing local customers and their […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:12-07:00November 27th, 2018|Publisher's View|Comments Off on Happy Holidays, Jacksonville! – by Whitman Parker

An Attitude of Gratitude – by Whitman Parker

My View – November 2018

I’m pleased to bring you the Review’s first-ever “gratitude issue”—a celebration to showcase many of the incredible organizations that make Jacksonville such a unique and wonderful place to call home. Having worked for the bulk of the summer and fall to help defeat the meals tax ballot measure, I’m thrilled to […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:15-07:00October 23rd, 2018|Publisher's View|Comments Off on An Attitude of Gratitude – by Whitman Parker

Don’t Ruin Jacksonville – by Whitman Parker

My View – October 2018

“I live in Rogue River and visit JV often. I love South Stage Cellars and the shopping. If this meals tax gets passed, I will no longer come to this darling town.”

“My friends and I visit Jacksonville often and dine there regularly. Eating out has already begun stretching my limited […]

By |2018-09-27T09:10:45-07:00September 27th, 2018|No Meals Tax in Jacksonville, Publisher's View|1 Comment

YES to Candidates, NO on Meals Tax

My View – September 2018

I’m pleased to announce that three outstanding citizens have applied to run for three open City Council seats. At press time just days before the filing deadline, the candidates are current HARC Chair Donna Bowen and City Council incumbents Ken Gregg and Jim Lewis. In the October Review, learn more about […]

10 Years! Celebrating a Decade – by Whitman Parker

My View – July 2018

I’m honored to have been publishing the Review for ten years! Admittedly, I’m a bit puzzled as to where the last decade went and how time seems to be speeding up, but that’s a topic for a future column.

Back in July 2008, my wife, Jo and I were new to the […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:22-07:00June 27th, 2018|Publisher's View|Comments Off on 10 Years! Celebrating a Decade – by Whitman Parker

NO to a Meals Sales Tax! – by Whitman Parker

Editor’s Note: The following analysis and editorial is presented by publisher Whitman Parker regarding a 5% Meals Tax proposal. Please note that he invited the proponents of this measure to answer questions numerous times, but they declined the opportunity. The Jacksonville Review believes that a meals tax is ill-advised and urges Jacksonville citizens to NOT […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:22-07:00May 18th, 2018|No Meals Tax in Jacksonville, Now|6 Comments
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