The Arts are fundamental to our humanity; they ennoble and inspire us, fostering creativity, goodness and beauty. The arts help us express our values and build bridges between cultures, bringing us together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or age.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have proven that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to […]
Due to the disappointing defeat of the Heritage District Measure 15-164, the Board of the Southern Oregon Historical Society, a 70 year-old Oregon institution, is forced to reorganize its operations. In a letter to Society members, SOHS President Doug McGeary stated that, “While our partners of the Southern Oregon Heritage Association have promised to struggle […]
Jacksonville artist, Walt Wirfs is the featured artist at the Art’Clectic December Pop-Up event during Victorian Christmas in Jacksonville. The art show will be held at the IOOF Hall on South Oregon Street next to GoodBean Coffee. The pop-up show will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 2 through December 18 from […]
Dee Evers, a Jacksonville resident, has taken on the mission of increasing CASA Giving Trees in Jacksonville and West Medford. “Children are the future of our nation, and are the heartbeat as well. What could be a better way to help in one’s community than with the innocent children who are victims of neglect and […]
On Sunday, December 4 from 11:00am to 4:00pm, 2016 the Soroptimist International Club of Medford is holding its annual Home Tour, featuring four wonderful homes, each dressed up for the Holidays. The homes were selected for their architectural style and festive Holiday decorations.
The homes range in style from contemporary, with beautiful decorations, to a Tribal/Asian […]
For two days each year, the Jacksonville Garden Club’s Holiday Greens Sale brings a burst of energy to the alcove next to the Post Office in downtown Jacksonville. An array of beautiful table arrangements with candles, interesting baskets decorated with bows and cones, and distinctive door swags are displayed on tables for customers to select […]
Please join us in welcoming in the holiday season…and Artist & Gardener!
An Open House for this new business is planned with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The Chamber of Commerce will make it official with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Open House is Friday, December 2 from 4:00-7:00pm with a celebratory ribbon-cutting at 6:00pm at 130 S. […]
Aaron Moffatt, a young Southern Oregonian film maker, has started his career with a visual triumph. Four years in the making, his film offers a stunning and gripping visual depiction of the amazing Kamath-Siskiyou forest. This feature length video will be the focus of the next Southern Oregon Climate Action Now General Meeting scheduled for […]
2016 Calendar of Events
Jacksonville, Oregon celebrates the holidays and our past with 2016 Victorian Christmas. The celebration begins with a Merchant Open House & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 26 and Victorian Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec 3 at 10am – and continues weekends, December 3 through December 18. Some activities continue the weekend after […]
ASHLAND, OR – Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, under the direction of Dr. Paul French, will celebrate the music of the holidays with a performance of “All Is Bright” on Saturday, December 17th at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 18th at […]
More than 1700 Jacksonville voters, representing a whopping 77% turnout, cast their ballots for candidates and measures. As of 11/9/16 at 2:00 pm, the unofficial election results are:
Born February 24, 1926 JoAnne Mitchell Elias passed away peacefully on October 5, 2016 at her home in Kensington, California at the age of 90. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Joel Elias; her devoted children Nathan, Paul, Annie, and Edy; her ten adoring grandchildren—Jesse, Joel, Eli, Lydia, Maia, Mitch, Davey, […]
Make your Holiday wreath Saturday November 26, 2016 at Hanley Farm, 1053 Hanley Road between Central Point and Medford, 11am to 3pm. Free admission! There will be wreath making kits available at $15 per kit for non-members or $10 for SOHS members. Kits include the grapevine base, choice of greens and berries, wire and clippers […]
October 28, 2016–The Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders (OAMR) recently installed Jacksonville City Recorder Kimberlyn Collins, as 2016-2018 OAMR Treasurer. Ms. Collins received the oath of office at the association’s annual conference banquet held at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites in Ashland, Oregon, on September 23, 2016.
Ms. Collins became a member of OAMR in […]
It was a bit of a culture shock, says Kazuko Young, when she and her husband moved from Tokyo to the Applegate Valley a few decades ago. But, she adds, “We love it!” However, they do return to Japan occasionally to visit family.
While attending Women’s Art College in Tokyo, Kazuko studied oil painting. But it […]
Every year, dozens of caring businesses in Jackson County participate in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Toy Drive program to brighten the lives of families here in the Rogue Valley. This year, more Rogue Valley businesses will participate in the program, collecting toys for 1600 Jackson County kids age 12 and under!
Thanks to your generosity, […]
MEDFORD, OR—At its 2016 Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 25, the Southern Oregon Historical Society honored six individuals whose volunteer efforts received accolades from the organization’s trustees, staff, and other volunteers. Two recipients were acknowledged as Volunteers of the Year; three recipients were recognized for their impact as New Volunteers; and one individual was singled […]
Voices of the Applegate is in its fifteenth year, and as so many choirs in Southern Oregon, has changed directions and directors over the years.
The choir has now turned over a new leaf by welcoming Harmony Sue Haynie as its new director. Harmony admits that she is not your conventional choir director and prefers teaching […]
The Jacksonville Garden Club is now taking pre-paid orders for beautiful holiday table arrangements, swags and baskets in a variety of sizes. On several days in late November, Jacksonville Garden Club members will be busy applying their artistic talents to freshly-gathered boughs, evergreens, cones and bows to make the arrangements, which […]
This year, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Pioneer Village, invite the community to thank our veterans at a very special Veterans Day Celebration. The event is on November 11, 2016 at 11:00am and will last approximately 45 minutes. This year, Pioneer Village has graciously offered to hold the event indoors at the […]
The Belles & Beaus Old West/Victorian Society of Jacksonville will sponsor their second-annual Victorian Ball on Saturday, November 5th in the US Hotel Ballroom in downtown Jacksonville. Titled, “Queen Victoria’s Royal Ball,” this year’s affair will commence at 6:00pm with a buffet dinner catered by the Jacksonville Inn. A cash bar will be available for […]
“Living in and living out,” is a theme that perfectly describes the new housing development known as Timber Ridge Estates in Jacksonville. In early October, the housing development, owned by Jacksonville resident Neil Scheuneman, was listed by Graham Farran and Ben Joffer, brokers at Expert Properties, based in Jacksonville. In choosing Expert Properties to represent […]
As a six year veteran of Jacksonville’s City Council, I have seen us become a council set on finding solutions, not creating division. It is not because we all share the same perspectives, it’s more than that. I attribute much of that success to Mayor Paul Becker’s flexibility, […]
The Fifth Annual Beekeepers Ball is the autumn 2016 event not to miss! On Saturday, November 12th, 2016 at 7:00pm, doors will open at the Bigham Knoll Ballroom, 525 East E St in Historic Jacksonville. The costume theme this year is “Just ‘Bee’ Yourself,” the night will be emceed by Maria Kelly, and is the […]
I was privileged to act as secretary in drafting the proposed, new Jacksonville charter. As the time for voters to cast ballots approaches, I must respond to some misconceptions about the new charter.
Don’t Need a New Charter! Some critics dismiss the new charter as unnecessary.
Yes, We Do. The current charter dates from 1953, contains numerous […]
After the recent approval of a $4 increase in the monthly fire protection surcharge, the Public Safety Committee investigated how this increase would affect the residents who were participating in the fire protection surcharge discount program. This program was created to ease the financial burden on citizens living at or below the poverty level. For […]
A $40,000 challenge grant from the Collins Foundation was awarded to Jacksonville Community Center (JCC) on August 11th, 2016. Cynthia Addams, Collins Foundation CEO stated, “The Jacksonville community residents’ dreams of a new, expanded center… will help continue our tradition of improving the quality of life in Oregon communities.”
This grant now enables the community to […]
From Whitman Parker, Publisher Jacksonville Review and Southern Oregon Wine Scene
The case for re-electing Paul Becker is simple: For six years, Paul Becker has been an excellent mayor, demonstrating a keen ability to listen to residents, work with staff and collaborate with committees, commissions as well as civic and business groups. He strives to reach […]
Steve Casaleggio – Candidate for City Council
To introduce: I’m Steve Casaleggio, candidate for City Councilor. My wife Susan and I made our commitment to Jacksonville by building our home here in 2005. We […]
Mayor Paul Becker – Incumbent
To begin, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the citizens of Jacksonville, for allowing me to serve as your Mayor this past term. It has been an honor and […]
On August 5, 2016, the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced that Saige Bostwick, a 17-year-old junior at Cascade Christian High School, was selected to become a member of the esteemed organization. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder […]
The Southern Oregon Historical Society is pleased to announce the October event for its monthly Tales from the Collections program. The program will take place at SOHS’s History Center in downtown Medford (106 N. Central Ave.) on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 10am to 12pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Pinto Colvig […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR – The Victorians created elaborate rituals around the passing of a loved one. Death was considered part of life’s texture, giving it essential meaning. Join Historic Jacksonville at the 1873 Beekman House between 11am and 3pm on Saturday or Sunday, October 15 and 16, to explore how Jacksonville’s most prominent pioneer family honored […]
Three haunting nights in October, Hanley Farm hosts the “The Boogeyman’s Bride,” presented by the Southern Oregon Historical Society and the Crater High School Renaissance Academy. Lantern-bearers lead groups through the farm’s dark corn field and woods, as the drama unfolds about the Boogeyman’s Bride’s deep . . . dark . . . secret. Suitable […]
The Rogue Valley Symphony will be opening its 2016-2017 season on October 21, 22, and 23, 2016. Two-time GRAMMY nominee and Avery Fisher career grant recipient Jennifer Frautschi will be featured on Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. The orchestra will also perform Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Anadyomene-Adoration of Aphrodite and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9. […]
The Rogue Valley Symphony will be performing concerts with extraordinary pianist Alexander Ghindin on November 11, 12, and 13, 2016. Cleveland International Piano Competition winner Ghindin will be featured on two works: Liszt’s Totentanz and Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The orchestra will perform a second work by Liszt, Mazeppa, and an additional […]
For Jacksonville-based artists Steve and Sue Bennett, 2016 has been a banner year! Both artists were recently honored to be juried into the highly-regarded Favell Museum Show in Klamath Falls which will hang through October 22. Steve and Sue were also juried into the Yaquina River Museum in Toledo, Oregon where the show may be […]
Join Historic Jacksonville, Inc. on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8, for the final Jacksonville Haunted History walking tours of the season. These tours have been so popular that we’re now offering five tours each night!
These approximately one-hour docent-led tours leave from the Jacksonville Visitors Center at the corner of North Oregon and C […]
MEDFORD, OR — Boosted by ideal concert weather, the 2016 Britt season saw a solid response from the community, with steady ticket sales, strong membership support, and new Business Partnerships. Britt will continue to build on this momentum with new projects planned for 2017.
“In recent years the Board and staff have taken a progressive approach […]
You may have seen the “For Sale” sign on Thai House Restaurant in Jacksonville and are wondering what’s going on! After years of running one of the best Thai Restaurants in Southern Oregon, the owners are headed for San Francisco.
Although we’re sad to see Kai (Chauwalit Srivarawong) & Oh (Sunsanee Charoenyothin) leave, we are so […]
Please join Travel Expert Anne McAlpin and Jo Parker of WillowCreek Gifts, in making a difference for seniors in the Rogue Valley. Two years ago, Anne suggested the idea for a “pay-it-forward” scarf donation program. The program turned-out to be a huge success with 130 new and gently-used scarves being donated to the Scarves-for-Seniors program. […]
The Forest Park and the City of Jacksonville have been the beneficiaries of two Eagle Scout projects this year. An Eagle Scout project is one of many requirements a scout must complete to achieve this highly-respected rank. As defined by the Boy Scouts of America, the project purpose is “To learn leadership skills, or to […]
BLM is hosting a National Public Lands Day event on the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail—with help from SUTA on Saturday, September 24, 2016, from 8:30am-1:00pm.
Volunteers will help re-route a steep section of trail that currently goes over the tunnel. At the 2014 Public Lands Day event, we re-routed the trail on the other side of […]
With the return of crisp cool mornings and the change of the trees, we are reminded that fall is right around the corner. There is no greater harbinger of the harvest season than the annual Oktoberfest at the Bigham Knoll campus. Celebrating its 9th year, Oktoberfest has become a community festival beseeching us to enjoy […]
The fun and whimsical work of many local artists will be featured at “furnARTure,” a benefit for The Studio at Living Opportunities. We’ve invited local artists to “recycle” traditional furniture, using their creative skills to turn dozens of pieces into “master” pieces for this signature event. The resulting blend of art and furniture becomes furnARTure, […]
In the November General Election, Jacksonville voters will elect three City Councilors and a Mayor. Three candidates have filed to run for City Council. Just minutes before press time, the Review confirmed that Councilor Jocie Wall will be challenging Mayor Paul Becker for the mayor’s seat. Since the filing deadline is on August 30, (well […]
On October 22, at 6:00pm in the US Bank Ballroom, 100 lucky guests will be treated to an amazing evening comprised of dinner, prepared by Platon Mantheakis of the Jacksonville Inn, an enlightening video presentation by Paul Bissett on the distilling and creation of single malt scotch, a sampling of 5 wonderful and varied scotches, […]
The Jacksonville Community Center train is leaving the station: The City Planning Commission and HARC have given their unanimous approval to the project; building permits are just a few weeks from being granted; visibility for the community center is increasing; and a major campaign to raise donations from individuals and […]
“Yes, we know it is about 100 degrees, but we are getting in the Christmas Spirit now,” says Sandra Flowers, who’s helping organize Jacksonville’s 2016 Victorian Christmas. “I’m just like Santa and keeping a list and taking names!” she adds.
To make the Victorian Christmas event a success, organizers, musicians, parade entrants and regular “busy bees” […]
Well-known and celebrated artist Gabriel Mark Lipper will be holding the first in a series of Plein Air workshops, using Jacksonville’s historic core as his students’ inspiration and canvas. “I love painting outdoors, and I love Jacksonville. We are going to have a great weekend,” says Lipper, a 41-year-old artist with deep roots in the […]