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Put light against light — you have nothing.
Put dark against dark — you have nothing.
It’s the contrast of light and dark
that each give the other one meaning.
~Bob Ross
EVERY YEAR, as I feel the turn of the […]
ON MOST THURSDAYS for the past decade, Scout Troop 17 has met on the Bigham Knoll Campus. Cutler has a long history with this troop—both Matt and Erich Patten achieved their ranks of Eagle from Troop 17 in the 1990’s; Matt’s two sons earned Eagles from […]
RECENTLY, we needed an empty box. We spotted one that looked to be the perfect size underneath a stack of other boxes in the far back corner of our garage, and thought perhaps we could cannibalize it. That necessitated moving several other stacks so we could work […]
THE END of every year, for me, is a time of taking stock and focusing on lessons and joys from the year behind. For Britt, 2025 was an incredible—and challenging—year.
We continued our planning for the US Hotel, launched a new website, created a new logo inspired […]
AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON settles over Jacksonville and the familiar sights and sounds of Christmas fill our streets, I’m reminded how fortunate we are to live in a community that values both tradition and fresh ideas. The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Don Litchfield as […]
WORLDWIDE, in every culture and religion, holidays are a time to enjoy with the people we love. It’s a time to observe honored traditions and customs. A time to reflect on what is most meaningful for ourselves. For those of us […]
“The things you think about determine the quality of your mind.
Your soul takes on the color of your thoughts.”
~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
WE ARE LIVING in troubled times. “Strange days indeed,” in the words of the late John Lennon. The planet, the world, our nation, our communities are all affected by […]
THE FOLLOWING is an excerpt from Cutler’s most recent market commentary:
“The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves.”
— Sarah Connor, The Terminator
Artificial Intelligence has become the most transformative force in today’s economy. The field was founded in the 1950s by John McCarthy, […]
THE JACKSONVILLE CHAMBER of Commerce extends its warmest holiday wishes to everyone.
We are actively progressing with our Victorian Christmas preparations. There’s a flurry of activity, from coordinating with neighbors to adorn their homes to ordering candy canes for Father Christmas’s visit with the children. Our trolleys are also being readied to […]
IT’S FALL, and the Britt pavilion stage has gone quiet. Our staff is in the thick of planning for 2026 (and beyond), and this is often a time when you don’t hear from us as much. But this year, we have some exciting fall and winter programs in store!
On […]
NOVEMBER has traditionally been a month for celebrating and giving thanks for the fall harvest and other blessings of the year. As Mayor, one thing I have been reflecting on is how thankful I am for the accomplishments that the city has achieved this year. None of […]
JACKSONVILLE’S DOWNTOWN is special because it feels alive. People stroll along California Street and see shops, cafés, and restaurants through big windows. The historic buildings are charming, but what makes them vibrant is what’s happening at street level.
The City already protects its historic architecture through zoning rules, design […]
DEAR PUBLISHER PARKER, Citizens of Jacksonville, and all the ships at sea,
As you know, we traditionally think of this column as a two-fisted (well, four-fisted, if you’re going to be picky about it) effort. For seventeen-odd (and some even odder) years, we’ve endeavored to enhance our little corner of this […]
ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE MOST about Southern Oregon is its four distinct seasons. While I can’t say I have a single favorite, I do have go-to activities for each. Fall is all about crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin harvests, cider brewing, and the comfort of a warm fire. […]
AS I SAT AT MY DESK over Labor Day weekend, to write my column for the October issue, I thought about how difficult it was to generate any enthusiasm writing about Fall activities with temperatures close to 100°. By the time this issue of the Jacksonville Review […]
THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX marks the transition from summer to fall, a time of preparation and forward planning. For Jacksonville’s Chamber of Commerce, this seasonal shift mirrors our own focus as we look ahead to the holidays, Victorian Christmas, and the beginning of a new year.
Over the summer, the Chamber’s efforts were […]
FROM TIME TO TIME, the entertainment industry hits upon a brilliant notion and begins to churn out product along those brilliant lines. Lots of product. Until eventually it runs out of fresh twists and begins to eat itself.
Or so it seems.
Recently, the television arm of the biz has stumbled, face […]
JACKSONVILLE HAS BEEN BUSY in 2025 updating its land use rules and city codes. These changes affect how people build, remodel, and plan for the future. Some updates deal with safety, like floodplains and wildfire risk. Others prepare the city for long-term growth through boundary planning and housing […]
ONE OF THE JOYS of living in Jacksonville is the sense of steadiness you feel walking down California Street. The historic buildings, the brick sidewalks, the same courthouse tower that’s stood for more than a century—time moves a little slower here. For many residents, that’s part of our town’s […]
LOOKING FOR A SPOT in Jacksonville that’s cozy, welcoming, and consistently open—even on a Monday? Look no further than The Wine Lounge at Jacksonville Inn, located at 175 E. California Street, Jacksonville, OR 97530. Whether you’re a longtime local, here for a weekend getaway, or enjoying a staycation […]
OUR FAVORITE RIVER to kayak is the Wood River, located about 90 minutes from Jacksonville in Klamath County. Nestled amid the pine-fringed slopes of the southern Cascades, the Wood River is an aquatic gem. Stretching just 18 miles from its headwaters to Agency Lake, this spring-fed waterway offers paddlers a […]
OREGON’S SHORTAGE of available homes, especially affordable homes, results from decades of building too little housing, which has led to a multitude of problems: a growing homeless population, unaffordable rents and Oregon median home prices over $500,000.
According to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, the state needs about […]
From Mike and Laurie Thornton, Jacksonville Residents & Business Owners
We’ve heard the conversation around the proposed North 3rd Street pedestrian plaza, and we want to add our enthusiastic support for this vision. As longtime Jacksonville residents and active participants in downtown life, we believe a thoughtfully designed […]
THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT (“OBBBA”) was signed into law on July 4th. There’s a lot to digest in this bill, which means it will certainly have an impact on households, small businesses, and our retirement plans right here in the Rogue Valley. Let’s break down some of […]
FOR MORE THAN FOUR DECADES, Dr. Douglas Naversen has called Jacksonville home—a place where he’s built a thriving dermatology clinic, run countless miles, and built meaningful connections. You may have been fortunate enough to speak with Dr. Naversen, who has many stories to share about his life, or maybe […]
THROUGH OUR amazing powers of anticipatory perception, Dear Readers, we already detect you muttering, “Hey, Critics—haven’t you talked about television food shows before?”
Well, yes. But in our defense, please note that we’ve only mentioned food shows in passing while filling column inches about other stuff. We’ll be more specific this […]
THE PURCHASE AND RENOVATION of the historic U.S. Hotel by the BRITT Music & Arts Festival organization has seen great local interest and much conjecture. In the coming months, you will see the changes that accompany the renovation of a historic building. These will take form in […]
AS BRITT PREPARES to wrap up for the season, community is on my mind. For the last several months, we’ve welcomed tens of thousands of patrons to over 40 concerts and events, representing a wide demographic of ages, backgrounds, and interests. On nights when the stars shine and the […]
AS THE SUMMER ROLLS ON, the Chamber of Commerce continues to focus on promoting our unique, historic town to the Rogue Valley and throughout the Pacific Northwest using social media and our new website. Our marketing and advertising focuses on Jacksonville as a destination with “must-do activities” when visiting Southern Oregon. […]
I KNOW I usually write about wineries—but I had to take a detour to talk about Churro Rush, because this charming little spot in downtown Jacksonville absolutely deserves the spotlight. It may not be nestled among vineyards, but don’t worry—your glass won’t go empty. They serve wine, cider, […]
THIS SUMMER marks the last opportunity for visitors to descend to Crater Lake’s shoreline via the Cleetwood Cove Trail—the park’s only route to the water—before a major multi-year rehabilitation effort begins.
Since opening in 1960, the 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail—the only legal access to the water—has suffered from decades of wear […]
As music director, Huynh will serve as principal conductor of the BFO’s summer season, shape long-term artistic planning, and help expand the orchestra’s reach and relevance across Southern Oregon and beyond.
Jacksonville, OR – Wednesday, August 6, 2025: The Britt Music & Arts Festival announced today that American conductor Norman Huynh will become the fifth music […]
ONE SUNDAY MORNING, the 13-year-old, half blind Australian Shepherd was walking quietly on the lawn at Nunan Square. As her 85-year-old owner, Linda, watched in horror, a doe came out of hiding and knocked Krispy down. When the dog rolled in pain the doe pummelled her head […]
THE WILD AND SCENIC ROGUE RIVER is one of the most iconic waterways in the U.S. Designated in 1968 as one of the original eight under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, it remains protected and free-flowing, known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and abundant recreation.
The […]
Tuesday, July 22, 2025: Britt is proud to announce its second year of a special initiative to recognize and express gratitude to our region’s courageous firefighters/other fire personnel who play an integral role in protecting our community. As a gesture of appreciation, Britt is offering discounted Lawn tickets to the following upcoming shows: Dirtwire on […]
Do you like classic cars? Then mark your calendar for Saturday, August 2, 2025, when the Southern Oregon Historical Society will be displaying “Cars through History,” between 10am and 3pm, at SOHS Hanley Farm, located at 1053 Hanley Road in Central Point, just outside of Jacksonville.
This is not just another car show! Fifty cars will […]
IN A PAST LIFE, I was very active in the Arts Council of a small Northern California city. When asked why I was so involved, it was easy to answer. Art is an expression of life! Art is all around us, sometimes we don’t even notice it, […]
AUGUST IS UPON US, and with it 15 Britt shows and our fundraising gala to support the US Hotel capital campaign. It’s a big month! As always, there’s truly something for everyone this month, but there are a few highlights I want to share.
The August 8 show, Waxahatchee, is […]
THE PROTECTION of historic buildings is important to save history for future generations. Experiencing a space where history happened is crucial for fostering the shared connection that builds a stronger community.
Jacksonville is one of the best-preserved historic towns on the West Coast, designated as a National Historic Landmark […]
OREGON IS a phenomenal place to live. The quality of life in Southern Oregon and the community of the people who live here are both amazing. Oregon, however, is not a great place to die! Oregon is one of just a handful of states (16 states and Washington DC) […]
Summer is in its crescendo here in Jacksonville. The harmony between the magic of Britt and the timeless charm of our landmark town swells with vibrant energy. There is a happy synergy bringing residents and visitors into shared celebration.
The impressive line up of 15 Britt shows this August provides countless opportunities […]
AS DEDICATED Entertainment Geeks, we’ve reviewed movies, music, plays, weather, books, dogs, and, of course, TV. It seems the only topic we haven’t appraised is TV commercials.
Until now.
The commercials that (unfortunately) stick with us the most come from Big Pharma, possibly because they shell out Big Bucks to create jingles […]
WE’RE GETTING to that time of year when the sunshine lingers a little longer and the valley is buzzing with weekend guests, family visits, Britt concerts and impromptu adventures. And if you’re looking for that perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine, host out-of-town friends, or […]
Step outside anywhere in Jacksonville and you’re likely to hear live music drifting through our historic streets. Our charming landmark town has earned its reputation as a musical haven, where world-class performances and intimate acoustic sessions create the perfect soundtrack to both everyday life and special occasions.
July brings the crown jewel […]
As spring transitions into summer across our beautiful Rogue Valley, Jacksonville’s 2025 Trolley Season rolls into full swing. Our cherished trolleys connect visitors and locals with the unique ambiance that only Jacksonville can provide during these perfect June days.
This season is the perfect opportunity to thank Brian Dunn for his service […]
AS MORE BUYERS consider rural properties for privacy and a slower pace of life, some encounter a common but unfamiliar feature: the private well. Unlike municipal water systems, private wells are managed by the homeowner—and that means buyers need to be proactive when it comes to understanding water […]
NEARLY ALL the businesses operating in Jacksonville are small businesses. That’s not unique—in fact there are over 33 million small businesses in the U.S. that employ roughly 60 million people (and account for 99% of the firms in the country!). Many business owners pour everything into their business and […]
From Carolyn Kingsnorth, President, Historic Jacksonville, Inc.
Did you have a chance to experience the conversion of Jacksonville’s North 3rd Street into a pedestrian plaza on May 31st? The food trucks, crafts, music, and streetscape created a fun vibe enjoyed by many. The idea was to simulate the closure of […]
From Kristene Cutts, David Doi, Don and Faye Haynes, Nancy Mansfield, Anne Mitchell, Allen Moore, Bruce and Cindy Picton, and Janice Slater
We are pickleball players who are Jacksonville residents. When we read the Mayor’s recent article in the Jacksonville Review, we felt the need to clarify some things. We […]
ONE OF THE (possibly weird) things I adore about running arts organizations is flyby problem-solving. I often joke that we should gather arts administrators together, open a couple bottles of wine, and set out some of the world’s “unsolvable” problems. My bet is that at least one of them […]