AS I SIT DOWN TO WRITE MY COLUMN this month, I’m feeling very optimistic. There is a feeling of excitement in the air that I’m trying to put my finger on. I believe I’m feeling the changes in the weather. We are starting to feel the crisp […]
WE ADMIT IT. We’ve spent the summer complaining too much about the weather. You’ve probably wondered when the heck your Unfettered Critters would get back to their primary gig: complaining about—no, no, critiquing! —Entertainment. Yeah. We wondered, too. We’ve missed it. So, what’s been stopping us?
Well, we’ve had an unwelcome […]
IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, you’ve heard or read a fair bit from me about the acquisition of the United States Hotel building. What I’ve yet to share, though, is how that building purchase fits within the greater context of our vision for Britt in its next chapter: the […]
WITH THIS MONTH’S ISSUE being all about Health and Wellness in Jacksonville, it seemed like a perfect time to talk about Wellness Travel, which is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after vacation styles—and it’s not hard to understand why.
Imagine trading in the usual hustle and bustle of popular tourist […]
Imagine taking all the bounty from your garden and putting it in one delicious and complete dish? I think that’s just summer in your tummy! This one pan dish can be a used as a luscious side or grab a nice locally sourced loaf of sourdough and […]
A LOVELY, PHILOSOPHICAL CONVERSATION with a friend today got me thinking about the idea of receiving and being received. I never felt very received when I was growing up, not by my family and not by my peers. I was and am extremely sensitive, a deep thinker, and an even deeper […]
BUYING A HOME is one of the largest financial transactions most people will undertake. As I explained in last month’s article, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached a settlement agreement in March which took effect August 17, 2024, and will impact anyone buying or selling a home.
The […]
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ~Benjamin Franklin
WHEN IT COMES TO OUR HEALTH, we often hear the importance of regular check-ups, balanced diets, and exercise routines. But what about our financial health? Just like our physical well-being, our financial health requires regular attention and care. […]
“There are places I’ll remember, all my life,
though some have changed. Some forever, not for better.
Some have gone and some remain.”
~John Lennon, “In My Life.”
WE’VE COME TO THE CONCLUSION that Jacksonville is the center of the universe. Or at least our universe. We love the fact that—assuming you […]
For a tiny town, Jacksonville’s access to a spectrum of wellness resources is extraordinary. This September issue is a testament to many wonderful factors, opportunities and insights that contribute to our unique and optimal environment for well-being at any age.
While the natural beauty, temperate climate, and the extensive trail system just […]
SUMMER IS WINDING DOWN, and with it our annual shows on the Britt hill. There are still a handful of amazing concerts this month—plus one extra-special show on October 14!—and it’s been a pleasure to spend summer with all of you in our beautiful concert hall under the stars!
People […]
EARLY FALL IN JACKSONVILLE means school is back in session—making this a good time to be aware of our younger citizens, as they walk and bike to school. Remember, some of them are too short for you to see, especially if you drive a big SUV or […]
WHEN I MOVED HERE over 20 years ago, what attracted me was the beauty of the mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. The plentiful outdoor activities allowed me to focus on my passion for hiking, kayaking, biking, rafting and living outdoors.
As I’ve aged, I find myself with the added focus of […]
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK is the “Gem of the Cascades” and a marvel that can be explored in a single day with a well-planned itinerary. The lake is considered the cleanest large body of water in the world; its water is exceptional for its clarity and intense blue color. There […]
When photographer Martina Patella suggested “the dog days of summer” as the theme for the August cover, the assignment inspired me to curate a celebration of the dogs of Jacksonville.
As we shared photos of the sweetest faces and stories from dog owners who were full of adoration and affection, Review publisher, […]
This is the season when Jacksonville’s quaint authenticity is elevated to an even higher level of charm by the sights and sounds of two trolleys.
The tried-and-true Narrated History Trolley is a delightful ride around town through key architectural landmarks. This family-friendly activity is a mandatory assignment for every local and a […]
LIVING ON CALIFORNIA STREET, we have a front row seat to the signs of summer. As the days become longer and warmer, we notice how the sidewalks are filling with tourists, wine tasters, shoppers and locals enjoying the town. Rebel Heart Books has a bank of windows open to the […]
THE RECENT NAR SETTLEMENT has been a hot topic in the media, triggering discussions about potential changes in the real estate market. Considerable misinformation has been reported, which has created confusion over what will happen in the real estate industry.
In this article, I will go over the two […]
“TO INFINITY, AND BEYOND!” In the Toy Story movies, Buzz Lightyear believes he can set a course to infinity. Buzz, of course, is a “space explorer” misplaced here on Earth with a cast of misfit toys. Perhaps Buzz is also an investor in NVIDIA. After all, the stock price […]
WE KICKED OFF JULY with our annual Mayor’s 4th of July Hot Dog Picnic! This event was started in 2017 by former Mayor Paul Becker, as a way to thank the folks in Jacksonville for their continued support of the city. I have continued the tradition for […]
Other than my dog Ina, I have three favorite dogs that I absolutely love – to eat. Hot Dogs! Each of these dogs has a unique origin story as well as tried and true toppings. Lets dig in!
The Chicago Dog
Origin: The World’s Fair in 1883 kicked-off a […]
IT’S HIGH SUMMER on the hill, and we’re having such fun already. We’ve enjoyed the fabulous Britt Festival Orchestra; welcomed legends like Willie Nelson and Ziggy Marley; enjoyed belly laughs with cast members from Whose Line Is It Anyway; and so much more. Despite extraordinarily hot weather, we’ve danced […]
TRAVELING is one of life’s greatest pleasures, offering us the chance to explore new cultures, savor exotic cuisines, and create important memories that really do last a lifetime. But while you and/or your travel agent are busy planning your dream vacation, there’s one crucial aspect you shouldn’t overlook: travel insurance. […]
BACK IN THOSE HEADY DAYS when groups like The Doobie Brothers and Three Dog Night were but burgeoning hopefuls, one of us Unfettered types harbored similar rock ‘n’ roll proclivities, and wrote a lyric that went: Everybody talks about the weather/But nobody does nothin’ about it (cha, cha, cha). The […]
This winter, when the Board of Directors revised the Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement, “vibrant” was an elusive aspiration during particularly dismal days for many of our businesses. The 2024 shoulder season felt distinctly discouraging and that period of time was darkened by the cloudy overwhelm of entrepreneurship.
Flash forward to the […]
Thursday, July 11, 2024: Britt Music and Arts Festival is proud to announce a special initiative to recognize and express gratitude to our region’s courageous firefighters who play an integral role in protecting our community. As a gesture of appreciation, Britt is offering two complimentary tickets to each firefighter for one of the following upcoming […]
SUMMER IS UPON US and the best way to enjoy it is to head outdoors to soak up the long, warm days and nights. Get your shorts, sandals, sunscreen and sunglasses on, uncover your boats and boards, and enjoy our favorite 10 Summer Outdoor Activities.
Outdoor Music—At the heart of Jacksonville […]
I AM WRITING IN OPPOSITION of the proposed 2 shotgun lot partitions that would fragment this Historic Touvelle property at 455 N. Oregon St.
The Frank Touvelle House and its entirety is an Historic Icon located on a specifically important corner of the entrance to the Jacksonville Cemetery, both playing a meaningful role in our “NATIONAL […]
Britt Season!
Just entered the start of Britt Season!
It suddenly occurs
We’ve written not one word…
About it!
Britt Season!
Say it loud and there’s music playing.
Say it soft and…and…well, there’s music playing then, too.
OKAY, MOVING ON. It’s late—July already. That beautiful stage on the hill has been sweetly resonant for weeks, with the Britt […]
IMAGINE JETTING OFF to your dream destination without paying a dime for flights or hotel stays. Sounds too good to be true? Think again! With the right airline and hotel credit cards, you can turn those daydreams into reality. These cards offer a variety of rewards, from free flights and […]
Straight up I’m going to be honest and admit I borrowed this recipe from King Arthur Baking Company because it’s perfectly great and perfectly easy. I’ve used this recipe for years and it never fails. Plus, you can doll it up like I’ve done by adding edible […]
AS A PARENT of a 15-year-old, learning to drive has been an adventure. Recently, when we were sitting in traffic I said to my daughter, “If traffic makes you upset, just remember that you are part of the problem!” It is often helpful to think of our individual impact […]
THE BRITT SEASON is well underway, and I hope you’ve joined us for an event or two (or more)! Highlights for me already have included our neighborhood kickoff party, The Hill is Where the Heart Is; witnessing two amazing conductors leading the orchestra; and of course, the magical experience […]
June 20, 2024
Dear Editor,
As the Postmaster of Jacksonville, Oregon I am writing to express the unwavering commitment of our postal staff to serving our wonderful community. With the 4th of July approaching, a time when we celebrate our nation’s independence and the freedoms we cherish, it is also a fitting moment to reflect on the […]
MY FAMILY AND I just came back from a fantastic European trip where we explored Germany, Switzerland, and France. Although we adored the City of Light, the highlight of our journey was the 8 days leading up to Paris. During this time, we ventured out of our comfort zone, rented […]
JUST THE OTHER DAY, one of us was saying that he’d like to see a good caper movie, like The Sting, or Ocean’s Eleven. Something with a lot of action that raises adrenalin levels and makes you think. Coincidentally, Netflix sent us an ad boasting about a bunch of “action-packed […]
Summer dining is a wonderful time of year with fresh ingredients easily available. For me, it’s a time to combine ingredients that just work when they’re together. I often give more thought to my side dishes than I do the main course. Here are three favs that […]
I RECENTLY HAD A BIRTHDAY. A big one. An “oof” one. Birthdays are a mini, private New Year’s event; you tend to review the past and think about your dreams for the future. In my contemplations leading up to the day, I discovered, to my chagrin and unhappiness, that my future […]
THERE ARE FEW HOMEOWNERS that would be willing to purchase a home without homeowner’s insurance. However, there is a growing number of homeowners in Oregon who are facing higher annual premiums or have had their policies canceled when they came up for renewal, with some insurers no longer […]
CUTLER ADVISES OVER 2000 INDIVIDUALS. As you can imagine, we have clients across the political spectrum. And they are all worried about the election. Democrats are worried about Trump, Republicans are worried about Biden, and Independents are worried about both of them! As we get asked on a daily […]
LIVING IN SOUTHERN OREGON means we get to enjoy all four seasons. However, our summer season can be a cause for worry, with the danger of wildfires. Summer thunderstorms, wind, warmer temperatures, and carelessness, are the main causes of fire in our area. We aim to help […]
WITH THE PENDING SALE OF JACKSONVILLE’S U.S. HOTEL, a cornerstone of the town’s National Historic Landmark District and the first building to undergo major restoration in the 1960s, it seems appropriate to revisit the 19th Century larger-than-life character most associated with this 1880 landmark—Madame Jeanne DeRoboam Laugier Guilfoyle Holt.
Born in Bordeaux, […]
FOR THE LAST 18 MONTHS, Britt’s board and staff have been working behind the scenes on our new strategic plan, outlining all our big dreams for the next five years. After 8 months of drafts and revisions, the plan was unanimously approved last month, and we’re thrilled to start […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR — Britt Music & Arts Festival has announced its full line up for the 2024 season, and all shows are now on sale to the general public. Shows newly added to this final general public on-sale include legendary hip-hop duo Atmosphere, folk artists Ray LaMontagne & Gregory Alan Isakov, and award winning soul […]
THE EXCITEMENT for the coming season at the Britt Festivals continues to grow. To add to the already extraordinary events, the festival has added “Art at the Britt.” During the Classical Season, eight Fine Artists will display their art in the lower Britt Garden area prior to the concerts and during […]
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the second-annual Parade of Inns on Sunday, May 19, from 1:00-5:00pm. Six beautiful historic Jacksonville inns have graciously agreed to participate: Jacksonville Inn, Kubli Haus, Magnolia Hotel, McCully House Inn, Orth House Inn and TouVelle House Bed and Breakfast.
This event invites ticket holders to […]
Lemon anything is a personal favorite of mine. Now, mix a little lemon with mascarpone and whipping cream and I am swooning. If you are looking for a decadent and delicious spring recipe that you can make in advance… look no further. Please note, this is a […]
I REALLY ENJOY talking to people who are new to Jacksonville or just in town for a weekend vacation. Frequently, they ask me about a good place to eat. Here are a few suggestions for Jacksonville restaurants that are owned and operated by locals who pour their heart and soul […]
IT’S NOT AS THOUGH our TV is always on.
Granted, it’s active most evenings, as we watch a movie, or a favored weekly program.
But during the daytime…
Okay, okay—it’s on then too—providing comforting background noise to our daily activities, like waves slapping a pristine shore, or soft breezes rustling leaves of forest […]
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S recent debut of “Icon of the Seas” —the biggest ship in the world—inspired me to write about one of my favorite topics this month: cruising!
As many of you may know, a cruise can be an amazing vacation option, offering many benefits that cater to both seasoned travelers and […]