Jerry & Larry – Sensational Senior Swimmers

When CrossFit became an aggravation for Jerry Greer, at age 83,  he jumped back in the pool for his fitness routine. He’d been an active swimmer in high school and during his time in the Marine Corps. Today, he’s in the pool five days a week, and swims 1500 yards.

Around the pool deck at Superior […]

By |2023-11-29T18:07:22-08:00November 29th, 2023|Community, Now, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Jerry & Larry – Sensational Senior Swimmers

The Original Southern Oregon Grandma2Go Retires

Jacksonville Review – Dec 2023/Jan 2024

In 2015, Jacksonville resident Linda Otto founded a nonprofit to support new mothers who had no extended family members living nearby. Since then, the Grandmas2Go Family Coaches program has served hundreds of families in Southern Oregon with loving care from a volunteer grandma! By connecting the generations, this program has […]

By |2023-11-29T18:43:29-08:00November 29th, 2023|Now, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on The Original Southern Oregon Grandma2Go Retires

Mayor Recognizes Outstanding Citizens

Editor’s Note: At the January 4 City Council meeting, a standing-room-only audience packed New City Hall to pay tribute to Mayor Bowen’s yearly award recipients. On behalf of a grateful community, thank you to them and all of the volunteers who give so much to our community!

Kandee McClain, 2021 Jacksonville Person of the Year—Kandee McClain, […]

By |2022-01-28T17:30:58-08:00January 28th, 2022|A Few Minutes with the Mayor, Now, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Mayor Recognizes Outstanding Citizens

A Tribute to Margaret Lyon – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – February 2021

Margaret Lyon was born in Wray, Colorado on October 5, 1937 and left this world in Jacksonville, Oregon on December 27, 2020. After attending school for twelve years in Wray, Margaret headed off to the University of Colorado in Boulder where she majored in English and French. She would laugh remembering […]

By |2021-02-22T12:24:39-08:00January 5th, 2021|Now, Obituaries, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on A Tribute to Margaret Lyon – by Mike McClain

Helen Hein Celebrates 101st Birthday at Pioneer Village

JACKSONVILLE, OR – October 2020 – Pioneer Village held a very special party this week to celebrate Helen Hein turning 101-years-old.  Hein, a resident of Pioneer Village was able to have a safe distance celebration with fellow residents and friends, family and Pioneer Village staff.  Hein is also long-time Jacksonville native raising her family with […]

By |2020-10-27T09:36:06-07:00October 27th, 2020|Now, Sensational Seniors|3 Comments

Sue Miler’s Activist Life Continues in Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – November 2020

In 2009, Sue Miler and her, husband, Dave Doi, moved across country from Washington, D.C. to an active retirement life in Jacksonville. Like all featured Sensational Seniors, she has a compelling life story that began on October 27, 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was born into a large Catholic family, and […]

By |2020-10-30T16:39:52-07:00October 30th, 2020|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Sue Miler’s Activist Life Continues in Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Bruce Gieg Still Celebrates Work at 87 – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – October 2020

When I arrived at the home of Bruce Gieg, my October “Sensational Seniors” subject, I found him in his shop, sitting in a folding chair and repairing the power take-off mechanism of a Valley View Vineyard tractor. After walking to his nearby home and getting most of the grease off his […]

By |2020-10-01T11:55:46-07:00October 1st, 2020|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|2 Comments

Gene and Glenda Cossette Celebrate 69 Years of Marriage – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – September 2020

When I first met Gene and Glenda Cossette twelve years ago, I commented to my wife, “They look like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine,” as they were both stylishly dressed and walked with confidence and poise. Not much has changed in the past twelve years for this well-known […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:38-07:00August 28th, 2020|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Gene and Glenda Cossette Celebrate 69 Years of Marriage – by Mike McClain

Lorin Severson’s Faith and Determined Spirit Have Served Him Well – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – August 2020

Lorin Severson has experienced Jacksonville, off and on, for over 70 years, so like the Farmers Insurance ad goes, “He has seen a thing or two.” That he’s here in Jacksonville and able to sit for an interview is a bit of a miracle given his rocky start in life. Lorin […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:40-07:00August 2nd, 2020|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Lorin Severson’s Faith and Determined Spirit Have Served Him Well – by Mike McClain

Donna Schatz Remains a Tireless Worker – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – June 2020

“Sensational Seniors” subject, Donna Schatz, let me know at the beginning of my interview that she finds little value in biographical dates but, other than that, was full of interesting biographical information. Donna was born in Burns, Oregon and progressed through the Burns school system before going to the University of […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:42-07:00March 25th, 2020|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Donna Schatz Remains a Tireless Worker – by Mike McClain

Steve Carlson Keeps His Hand in the Entertainment Business – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – March 2020

This March’s “Sensational Seniors” article features Jacksonville resident, Steve Carlson, who spent 38 years in the entertainment business, most as a Hollywood actor. Steve’s beginning came on May 24, 1943 in Columbus, Mississippi, but he was only there the first six weeks of his life as his Air Force-pilot father was […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:48-07:00March 2nd, 2020|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Steve Carlson Keeps His Hand in the Entertainment Business – by Mike McClain

Jacksonville Centenarian Helen Hein Has Had Quite the Life – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – February 2020

My main purpose in writing “Sensational Seniors” articles is to honor the richness of the lives of people of Jacksonville who have been active and productive citizens of our fair town. However, for this, my 33rd article, it was I who was honored with the rare opportunity to spend part of […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:50-07:00January 30th, 2020|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Jacksonville Centenarian Helen Hein Has Had Quite the Life – by Mike McClain

Dave Doi, Longtime Activist Remains Active – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – December 2019/January 2020

“When I was a kid, I just wanted to play baseball, but I kept getting blamed for Pearl Harbor… and this was the climate I grew up in.” This quote from Jacksonville resident, Dave Doi, struck me as particularly poignant given the racial divide that our country still struggles with […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:53-07:00December 1st, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Dave Doi, Longtime Activist Remains Active – by Mike McClain

Barbara Oakes Made a Career of Volunteering – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – November 2019

When I first asked long-time Jacksonville resident, Barbara Oakes, to consent to being interviewed for “Sensational Seniors,” she replied, “Oh gosh, I have never done anything that was sensational.” Hopefully, this article will prove how wrong her initial assessment was.

Born on May 21, 1944 in Santa Ana, California, her father was […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:54-07:00October 29th, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|1 Comment

Bill Brodie: Retired Dentist Remains a Positive Part of Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – October 2019

This “Sensational Seniors” article features much-loved dentist, Bill Brodie, who retired in 2011 after 37 years of operating a dental clinic in Jacksonville. A native Oregonian, Bill was born on May 15, 1945 in the Belle Knife Hospital in Coquille, Oregon—a small hospital that his grandmother, a nurse, had started. While […]

By |2020-09-30T14:15:56-07:00September 27th, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Bill Brodie: Retired Dentist Remains a Positive Part of Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Carolyn Kingsnorth Keeps Reinventing Herself – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – August 2019

The subject of the August “Sensational Seniors” article, Carolyn Kingsnorth, has the most extensive and varied career resume of anyone I have ever met. I will only be able to touch on some aspects of her vita; hopefully, it will give the flavor of this statement. Carolyn was […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:00-07:00July 29th, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Carolyn Kingsnorth Keeps Reinventing Herself – by Mike McClain

Steve & Susan Casaleggio Exude Energy – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – July 2019

My interview with the July “Sensational Seniors,” Steve and Susan Casaleggio, took place at their Jacksonville home off Third Street. It was emblematic of their high energy, for one would make a statement and then jump up to ponder the next thought while the other took over and […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:01-07:00June 29th, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Steve & Susan Casaleggio Exude Energy – by Mike McClain

Forest Park Volunteers Stay Active – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – June 2019

This month’s “Sensational Seniors” article focuses on four retired men who dedicate hours each week doing “hands on” work at Jacksonville’s Forest Park, a 1,460-acre gem one mile out of Jacksonville. This hardy foursome, made up of a miner and three retired school teachers, acknowledges their senior advisor, […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:03-07:00May 29th, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Forest Park Volunteers Stay Active – by Mike McClain

Stan and Judie Lyon’s Active Lives Continue in Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – May 2019

The May “Sensational Seniors” article features Stan and Judie Lyon. Both native Californians, Stan was born in San Diego on April 15, 1939. Stan’s mother oversaw the home while his father had a long career as an electrician with Rohr Aircraft. Stan and his younger brother were especially […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:04-07:00April 26th, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Stan and Judie Lyon’s Active Lives Continue in Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Jim Lewis Remains Committed to Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – April 2019

This edition features longtime Jacksonville city official, Jim Lewis, whose dedication to service is a model for us all. Jim was born in Wray, Colorado on May 8, 1945; his father was a career Naval officer and a decorated World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veteran. Jim’s mother was […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:05-07:00March 27th, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Jim Lewis Remains Committed to Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Lyn Boening Has Left Her Mark – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – March 2019

“Jacksonville is such a delightful place to live. Good people come here to live and then do great things for our little town.” This was how my interview started with long-time Jacksonville resident, Lyn Boening, this month’s “Sensational Senior.” Like all Sensational Seniors, Lyn has an interesting life story to tell […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:08-07:00February 28th, 2019|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Lyn Boening Has Left Her Mark – by Mike McClain

Larry Jung Retires After 33 Years at Jacksonville Presbyterian – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – December 2018/January 2019

The First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville (JPC) hosted a large gathering on October 21 to say thank you and bon voyage to their pastor, Larry Jung and his wife, Sally, for their 33-years of service to their church and the community of Jacksonville. Larry has easily been the longest serving […]

By |2018-11-28T17:03:42-08:00November 28th, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Larry Jung Retires After 33 Years at Jacksonville Presbyterian – by Mike McClain

Dave Mills Embodies “Hard Work” Ethic – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – October 2018

Jacksonville resident, Dave Mills, has a compelling story about how hard work, determination and a supportive spouse will allow anyone to be successful. Dave Mills is proof of this—while in high school, he started as a “lot boy” for the Medford Skinner-Butler Cadillac dealership and just recently retired as the co-owner […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:15-07:00September 27th, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Dave Mills Embodies “Hard Work” Ethic – by Mike McClain

Terry And Paula Erdmann’s Retirement Is A “Trek” – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – September 2018

This month’s “Sensational Seniors” subjects are well-known Jacksonville residents Terry and Paula Block Erdmann. While their monthly Jacksonville Review column “The Unfettered Critic” provides insight into their Hollywood days, it touches only the surface of this intriguing couple. My two-hour interview with them covered their wonderful journey through the backdoor of […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:16-07:00August 31st, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Terry And Paula Erdmann’s Retirement Is A “Trek” – by Mike McClain

Larry Smith: Lifelong Teacher – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – August 2018

The “Sensational Senior” candidate for this month is arguably Jacksonville’s best known and loved citizen, who through 51 years of teaching has positively impacted thousands of young lives. As always, my approach is to start from the beginning, and in Larry’s case, his was on July 3, 1940 when he and […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:19-07:00July 30th, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Larry Smith: Lifelong Teacher – by Mike McClain

Linda Graham Keeps Scheffel’s Toys Alive – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – July 2018

My Sensational Seniors feature for this issue of the Jacksonville Review, Linda Graham, just gets under the wire as a senior, but she had a compelling story to tell. A native Oregonian, her life began on April 7, 1956 at the old Sacred Heart Hospital in Medford. Her parents were Jim […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:20-07:00June 29th, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Linda Graham Keeps Scheffel’s Toys Alive – by Mike McClain

The Two “Macs” Who Celebrated Life! – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – June 2018

In this month’s “Sensational Seniors” article, I honor the spirit of two well-known and well-loved Jacksonville ladies, Lou McBride and Donna McNurlen, known by their business name as the “Two Macs.” It’s only fitting that these two long-time friends and self-motivated and hard-working entrepreneurs both passed away in January of 2018. […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:22-07:00June 5th, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on The Two “Macs” Who Celebrated Life! – by Mike McClain

Jerry and Nell Mathern: Jacksonville Institutions – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – April 2018

Jerry and Nell Mathern have lived in their 5th Street Jacksonville home for 46 years and, in those years, have endeared themselves to many of us who call Jacksonville home. Jerry’s life started in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on June 22, 1939. Jerry’s father tried his hand at a number of […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:27-07:00March 30th, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Jerry and Nell Mathern: Jacksonville Institutions – by Mike McClain

Jerry Ferronato Has Served Jacksonville Well – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – March 2018

When my wife and I moved to Jacksonville six years ago, we met numerous fine Jacksonville citizens and in so doing several names were frequently mentioned; among them were Pete Dahl, Lee Lewis, John Braislin and Jerry Ferronato. Unfortunately, I missed out on the opportunity to meet Pete, Lee and John […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:29-07:00March 1st, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Jerry Ferronato Has Served Jacksonville Well – by Mike McClain

World War II Pilot Paul Parker Turns 95

Sensational Seniors – February 2018

This “Sensational Seniors” article features the engaging personality of Paul Parker, who celebrated his 95th birthday on December 21, 2017. Paul resides in Pioneer Village and is a Jacksonville treasure, and is one of our few surviving World War II veterans. Paul has a story to tell, beginning with his birth […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:32-07:00January 26th, 2018|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on World War II Pilot Paul Parker Turns 95

Carl Nelson’s Signature on the Moon Helps Define Him! – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – December 2017/January 2018

This December “Sensational Seniors” article features well-known and involved former Jacksonville citizen, Carl Nelson, whose 36-year career with Hughes Aircraft is a story in of itself. First, however, it is important to start at the beginning, and in Carl’s case this begins on October 22, 1928 in the remote farming […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:34-07:00December 1st, 2017|Now, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Carl Nelson’s Signature on the Moon Helps Define Him! – by Mike McClain

Joan Long’s Lifetime Goal: Make a Difference – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – November 2017

One of the first things Joan Long showed me in her Pioneer Village living room was a small book by Deidra Riggs, Every Little Thing. Joan said the book’s theme, that one can make a positive difference wherever they are, has been her lifelong goal.

To understand how this has played out […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:39-07:00October 27th, 2017|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Joan Long’s Lifetime Goal: Make a Difference – by Mike McClain

Turning the Tables on the Teacher: Mike McClain – by Mira Wingfield

Sensational Seniors – October 2017

Editor’s note: Since starting this column, “Sensational Seniors” back in 2016, Mike McClain has featured many of Jacksonville’s most respected and admired citizens. This month, in honor of Mike’s writing success, his dear friend, Mira Wingfield, thought it was time to […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:42-07:00September 27th, 2017|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Turning the Tables on the Teacher: Mike McClain – by Mira Wingfield

A Strong Faith Keeps Mac and Peggy Peffley Grounded – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – September 2017

The first 30 minutes of my interview with Mac and Peggy Peffley was spent touring their expansive Singler Lane home to see their extensive eclectic art and southwestern pottery collection, which reflects their world travels and experiences. Then it was time to get busy with the life stories of two more […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:42-07:00September 6th, 2017|Now, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on A Strong Faith Keeps Mac and Peggy Peffley Grounded – by Mike McClain

Bo Atkinson Remains a Classic Warrior – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – August 2017

Robert Atkinson, known in Jacksonville as “Bo,” first moved here in 2000 with his effervescent wife, Iris, and the two immediately became a popular and well-known couple around town. Bo’s quiet and unassuming manner belies the fact that he had a distinguished career in the army as a helicopter pilot and […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:47-07:00July 28th, 2017|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Bo Atkinson Remains a Classic Warrior – by Mike McClain

Mary Ann Byrne: World Traveler, Book Lover and Conversationalist – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – July 2017

When I entered Mary Ann Byrne’s stately historic Jacksonville home on California Street to begin my “Sensational Seniors” interview, I was greeted with, “I have always lived in and loved older homes and, while they take a good deal of tender care and are expensive to maintain, they help define who […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:49-07:00June 30th, 2017|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Mary Ann Byrne: World Traveler, Book Lover and Conversationalist – by Mike McClain

Lou Mayersky: The View from the Top is Stunning – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – June 2017

I had just started my interview with Lou Mayersky, my June “Sensational Seniors” candidate, when he had me look at several tall fir trees outside his dining room. “You know,” started, “too many people want to improve their view by cutting trees down. That is a terrible waste of the beauty […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:52-07:00May 30th, 2017|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Lou Mayersky: The View from the Top is Stunning – by Mike McClain

Iris and Shirley Demonstrate How Friendship Endures – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – May 2017

In 2012, a college friend of mine from over 50 years ago co-authored a book on how men can achieve true friendship and set the tone in the introduction by penning, “Whereas women very naturally share themselves with friends through acceptance and self-revealing conversations, men shy away from intimacy.” For this […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:55-07:00April 27th, 2017|Now, Sensational Seniors|2 Comments

Mayor Becker’s Community Spirit Is Infectious – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – April 2017

Jacksonville Mayor Paul Becker’s transition from New York City to our small village is a story of finding one’s place in the world and is replete with the usual ups and downs, triumphs, defeats, sadness and elation. Paul was born in 1929 on the upper West Side of New York City. […]

By |2020-09-30T14:16:55-07:00March 29th, 2017|Now, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Mayor Becker’s Community Spirit Is Infectious – by Mike McClain

Marge Wall: Jacksonville Quilt Lady, Still Sewing Strong – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – March 2017

Marge Wall, the owner of Country Quilts here in Jacksonville, decided to take it a little easier this January and close on Sundays. So now, instead of operating her quilt store seven days a week, she cut back to six. And this is a woman who will turn 83 this April. […]

By |2020-09-30T14:17:00-07:00February 28th, 2017|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|1 Comment

Jacksonville’s Tony Hess Gets Things Done – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – February 2017

I knew when I scheduled my “Sensational Seniors” interview with Tony Hess that I should allow ample time for it…I wasn’t disappointed! And while I thought I already knew quite a bit about Tony, I quickly realized that I’d just scratched the surface.

Eighty-one year old Tony Hess was born in Toledo, […]

By |2020-09-30T14:17:03-07:00January 31st, 2017|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Jacksonville’s Tony Hess Gets Things Done – by Mike McClain

Jim and Georgene Van Orsow: Setting the Bar for Living a Full Life – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – December 2016/January 2017

For this month’s column, I only needed to cross the street to interview our close neighbors and friends, Jim and Georgene Van Orsow, another senior couple living a rich and varied life here in Jacksonville. Jim was born in Fairbault, Minnesota but moved to Oregon at age 2, so considers […]

By |2020-09-30T14:17:05-07:00November 30th, 2016|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Jim and Georgene Van Orsow: Setting the Bar for Living a Full Life – by Mike McClain

Jerry Evans: Iconic Jacksonville Businessman Does Not Quit – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – November 2016

Jerry Evans and his wife, Linda, have owned the Jacksonville Inn for over 40 years. In that time, Jerry has stayed home a total of 173 days or, to put it another way, he has averaged less than 5 days a year at home during the past 40 years. This must […]

By |2020-09-30T14:17:07-07:00October 24th, 2016|Featured Stories, Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Jerry Evans: Iconic Jacksonville Businessman Does Not Quit – by Mike McClain

Russ and Margaret Lyon: Enjoying a Third Career and Aging Well – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – October 2016

Because Jacksonville is replete with “Sensational Seniors,” I only needed to walk to the end of Shafer Lane to interview my good friends and neighbors, Russ and Margaret Lyon, of the well-known Daisy Creek Vineyard, for this column.

Their life story is one of determination and overcoming obstacles, while maintaining a finely-tuned […]

Mira Wingfield: From Bucharest to Jacksonville – by Mike McClain

Sensational Seniors – September 2016

There have been many positive aspects of our move to Jacksonville some four years ago. For a village of 2,800 people, it offers a host of outstanding restaurants and watering holes, it is a walkable town with miles of trails and there is a spirit of volunteerism that surpasses anything I’ve […]

By |2020-09-30T14:17:08-07:00October 5th, 2016|Sensational Seniors|Comments Off on Mira Wingfield: From Bucharest to Jacksonville – by Mike McClain
Go to Top