Happy – by Michael Kell
A Cup of Conversation – June 2019
We kept this big guy. Look at that face. How could we not? Mary calls him Happy. That’s fine for a house pet but not for a hunter. I’ll call him Happ when he’s in the field. It works.
Anxiety & the Power of Now – by Kate Ingram
Soul Matters – June 2019
I used to ride a wonderful horse named Sam. Sammy was an Arabian, which means that Sammy liked to bolt. If a bird startled him, or the wind blew, or a fly went by, he would react. He could go from standing stock still to galloping hell […]
A Glass Act – by Margaret Barnes
Speaking of Antiquing – June 2019
Every day we get compliments that our colored glass display window is one of the best windows in town. We have arranged the color scheme so the colors flow into each other. Viewing from the outside or the inside, the rainbow effect is indeed quite striking. Each […]
How to Lower Your Tax Rate by Owning Rental Property – by Graham Farran
Let’s Talk Real Estate – June 2019
If you just finalized your 2018 tax return and you’re now focused on how to “legally” lower your tax rate for 2019, you should read on. There are lots of tax benefits of being a landlord, most expenses are tax deductible, from finding tenants to […]
Lest We Forget – by Mayor Paul Becker
A Few Minutes with the Mayor – June 2019
Ah! Summer! That long-awaited season of warm sun, balmy winds, and blue skies. Just as Mr. Gershwin wrote:
Summertime, and the livin’ is easy
Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high
Let […]
State of the Art Presence, June 2019 – by Hannah West
ArtWalk is BACK-—The NEW Second Saturday Jacksonville ArtWalk starts on June 8, from 5:00-7:00pm! Our survey of downtown business owners came back with an overwhelmingly positive response to the return of the artwalk. Therefore we are moving forward with a second Saturday artwalk each month, with music, wine tasting, and art demonstrations throughout the downtown area. Just look […]
What’s in a Name? – by Carolyn Kingsnorth, based on research provided by Ben Truwe
Pioneer Profiles – June 2019
Part of being human is to identify things by naming them so that we can relate to them, personalize them, own them if you will. My parents named me Carolyn. To distinguish me from my mother, family members called me Lynn. To long-time friends, I’m Fox or […]
Hanley Farm Fun – by Pam Sasseen
Focus on Hanley Farm – June 2019
Historic Hanley Farm, established in 1857, is a picturesque working farm just outside of downtown Jacksonville. Owned and operated by the Southern Oregon Historical Society, the farm’s mission is to preserve the history of the people who settled the land and their contributions to the agricultural […]
June 2019 Cemetery News – by Dirk Siedlecki
The Board of Directors of the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery, is truly honored and pleased to announce the receipt of a very special memorial gift. This amazing gift was made to the FOJHC by Catherine Steigerwald, in memory of her husband, Hermann E. Steigerwald, who passed away in 2015.
Catherine, who has been a […]
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, […]
The Jacksonville Boosters Club Rocks! – by Donna Briggs
News From Britt Hill – June 2019
Using the recent words of our new Facilities Operation Manager, Andrew Mustain, “It was Rob Buerk’s generosity and leadership that we owe gratitude to for overseeing the removal of the old picnic tables and installation of the new picnic tables. The Britt Experience has always been […]
Over It – by Michael Kell
A Cup of Conversation – May 2019
I’m completely over the puppies-experience. By week two of eight, my decision-making paradigm was under major assault. In winter-time, one puppy can be a full-time job if your set up is flawed…eight puppies test the outer-limits of what’s humanly possible assuming hygiene and thoughtful care are […]
Ladies and Gentlemen, Take My Advice – by Kate Ingram
Soul Matters – May 2019
By the time you read this, school will be back in session and I will be celebrating the end of another spring break “staycation.” Two weeks without the benefit of an entertaining trip to an exotic locale—or even a lousy locale—is about ten days too many. (Okay, we […]
Know Your Antique Wood – by Margaret Barnes
Speaking of Antiquing – May 2019
The glory of antique furniture, be it a piece from the Federalist period, the Victorian era, mid-century Modern, English or American, it’s all about the wood. You identify wood by its grain. Wood can be stained any color, so it’s important to know what you’re looking at.
Enjoy the Colors of the Season – by Adam Haynes
Love Your Landscape – May 2019
A new, warmer season has arrived, and with it comes a chance to return to the joy of outdoor living. Many would say that this time of year is the best season, and I’d have a hard time disagreeing. It’s such an exciting time to bring […]
The Good the Bad and the Ugly – By Graham Farran
Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 2019
The Southern Oregon real estate market has seen some bumps and bruises since the west coast erupted in fires last summer. We began this year with a very slow and weak market and then it exploded. Here is a quick review of the Good, Bad […]
Reflecting on Town – by Mayor Paul Becker
A Few Minutes with the Mayor – May 2019
Recently, I was having lunch with some leading citizens when one of them, Linda Kestner, spoke about her deep love for our little town. You may recall that Linda was a recipient of our Citizen of The Year award, and if anybody can […]
Impatience is a Virtue – by Paula & Terry Erdmann
The Unfettered Critic – May 2019
With the Britt Festival’s new season just around the corner, we find ourselves jittery with anticipation. “Music,” they say, “hath charms to sooth the savage beast.” We agree, but that suggests music of the hear (see what we did there?) and now. So what, we asked ourselves, […]
Focus on Hanley Farm, May 2019 – by Pam Sasseen
May—definitely a busy month at Hanley Farm! Put Sunday, May 26, 1:00-3:00pm on your calendar for the first event in our Sundays at Hanley Farm summer series, “Growing and Propagating Heirloom Plants.” Learn from the experts—Chris Hardy, of Hardy Seeds, will speak about the importance of growing and saving heirloom, bioregionally-adapted seeds; Brad Smith of Feral Seeds discusses plant […]
May 2019 Cemetery News – by Dirk Siedlecki
As the weather warms up, so does the list of events, activities and projects for the FOJHC and our volunteers. As of this writing, the concrete slab for our new Cemetery Kiosk pavilion has been poured with construction on the pavilion itself expected to be completed in late April or early May. Please look for more details […]
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 […]
2019 Lineup Has Something for Everyone – by Donna Briggs
News From Britt Hill – May 2019
Whether you were a teenager in the 1960s, or born in 2001, Britt is the place to be this summer. Diverse, varied, and assorted, were all words used to describe the 2019 Britt Line-up at our April 11th Season Announcement Party, where our Britt family […]
State of the Art Presence, May 2019 – by Hannah West
An Art Walk Ahead?—Art Presence Art Center, Miner’s Bazaar, and more are working toward an Art Amble revival! We still have details to work out, but most California Street business owners are on board. We expect the new Jacksonville art walk to take place from 5:00-7:00pm on the second Saturday of each month.
Higher. Further. Faster. – by Paula & Terry Erdmann
The Unfettered Critic – April 2019
We recently saw the movie Captain Marvel.
Hold that thought—we’ll get back to it in a minute. But first: a few words about “comic book superhero” history. It’s complicated. Convoluted. Confusing.
And you thought it was just kid stuff!
In the 1930s, “pulp magazines” (named for the cheap wood pulp paper they were […]
State of the Art Presence, April 2019 – by Hannah West
Up and Away!—Our March-April show of uplifting art and guest exhibit of paintings by Zoe West continues through Sunday, April 28.
April is National Poetry month!—People had such fun last time that Art Presence unleashes Poets on the Loose for a second year. On Saturday, April 13, you can expect to find poets and poetry enthusiasts […]
It Takes a Village… – by Donna Briggs
News From Britt Hill – April 2019
The Britt season goes on and on thanks to the 90 volunteers who show up on the Hill night after night. These volunteers are all members of the Britt Society, a separate non-profit organization with their own Board of Directors and 300 fantastic and active members. Recently two such […]
Blooming Trails – by Clayton Gillette
Trail Talk – April 2019
Spring is fully upon us and the wildflowers sing out to their admirers. After a long, cool winter, where the warm days seemed hesitant to ever re-appear, we are now in full stride toward a beautiful spring. The trails beckon.
Ample moisture this past winter should produce an abundance of plant growth […]
Obstacle or Opportunity – by Kate Ingram
Soul Matters – April 2019
“Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.” ~Joseph Campbell
Pop Quiz: A big rock drops in the middle of your life—illness, loss, divorce, financial trouble. Do you view it as:
- A) An obstacle, a random blow of misfortune?
or, B) An opportunity, a part of your path?
Your answer to this question is all […]
Attracting Birds – by Adam Haynes
Love Your Landscape – April 2019
Attracting desirable birds to your landscape can be a simple and enjoyable job with spectacular results. There are several easy steps you can take to create an environment in your landscape plan where birds will frequent and gather.
The first consideration is planting specific trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials that […]
Pickety Place Stays True to Vintage – by Margaret Barnes
Speaking of Antiquing – April 2019
An “antique” is an item of value that is at least 100 years old. A “collectible” is termed vintage to reflect the era or decade from which it comes.
With the insurgence of reproduced antique and vintage items flooding the area, it feels like the “real thing” is being ignored, pushed […]
Rules on Removing Trees in Jacksonville – by Sandy J. Brown
On Real Estate & More – April 2019
Trees play an especially important role in enhancing our quality of life. They provide screening from structures, privacy, are an effective sound barrier and can limit noise pollution. Trees improve air quality by acting as natural air filters removing dust, smoke and fumes from the atmosphere by trapping […]
Oregon “First” in Statewide Rent Control – by Graham Farran
Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 2019
Oregon enacted the nation’s first statewide rent control measure on February 28th, 2019, handing a victory to those who say low-income people are squeezed by the housing crunch in many major US cities and believe rent control is the answer.
On the other hand, landlords and developers argued that rent […]
Memory Issues – by Mayor Paul Becker
A Few Minutes with the Mayor – April 2019
Why is it, the older one gets, the more difficult it is to remember recent events while the easier it is to remember something in the distant past? I guess this is true for almost everyone except maybe politicians who, when faced with questions about the present […]
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 […]
Hanley Farm Spring Plant Sale – by Pam Sasseen
Focus on Hanley Farm – April 2019
Southern Oregon Historical Society presents Hanley Farm’s annual Heritage Plant Sale on April 27 and 28, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Earlier this year, SOHS volunteers propagated starts from as many as 70 different varieties of plants from the farm—available for you to purchase and bring a bit of history […]
April 2019 Cemetery News – by Dirk Siedlecki
I am pleased to report that plans for our Cemetery Kiosk project continue to move forward. A contract has been signed to have a concrete slab poured which will serve as a foundation for the new pavilion. This work should be completed in April at which time construction of the pavilion can begin. We are […]
March & April Classes at Shooting Star Nursery
All classes begin at 10:00am and are located at Shooting Star Nursery unless indicated otherwise. Space is limited, so please be sure to register at www.roguevalleynursery.com/class. A minimum of 5 attendees is needed for a class, otherwise the class may be canceled. See ad this page.
March 9, Spring Cleanup in the Garden—We like to leave […]
The Buzz About Buttons – by Margaret Barnes
Speaking of Antiquing – March 2019
Buttons have played a part in all of our lives since before we can even remember. One of the first dexterity tests we are given as small children is buttoning our own clothes, along with zipping our zippers and tying our shoes. Remember those cloth books we had […]
Where There’s Smoke, There Isn’t Always Fire! – by Graham Farran
Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 2019
A lot of outdoor enjoyment was lost last summer due to the smoke-filled skies in our valley, but what is noteworthy is how few homes have been destroyed by forest fires in Southern Oregon compared to the homes lost by fires in California. Every summer, we have many lightning-caused […]
Focus on Hanley Farm, March 2019 – by Pam Sasseen
This year, we are delighted to announce that The First Tuesday Pub Talks will continue and that Hanley Farm welcomes “Sundays in Spring,” hosted by the Family Nurturing Center’s Farm and Food Programs.
The Pub talks are free monthly historical talks sponsored by the Southern Oregon Historical Society, and are held at 7:00pm on the first […]
March 2019 Cemetery News – Dirk Siedlecki
A Busy Year Ahead—We have a pretty full schedule lined up for 2019 which includes our History Saturday in the Cemetery program, our Tuesday Evening Cemetery Strolls and our Memorial Day programs, along with our Meet the Pioneers Living History Tours. Each of these programs provides an opportunity to share the rich history of the […]
The Legend of “Aunty” Zany Ganung – by Carolyn Kingsnorth
Pioneer Profiles – March 2019
“Aunty” Zany Ganung is a Jacksonville legend. According to that legend, Zany returned to Jacksonville in May of 1861 after an “all-nighter” nursing one of her physician husband Lewis’s patients. What did her weary eyes behold but the Confederate Palmetto flag hoisted on a California Street flagpole across the street from […]
The Year of the Pig – by Sarah Sissum
Digging Jacksonville – March 2019
The Southern Oregon Laboratory of Anthropology (SOULA) is celebrating the Year of the Pig by revisiting some of the archaeological findings made at their 2013 dig of the burned dwelling along Main Street in Jacksonville’s Chinese Quarter. Those who have read previous articles may recall the discovery of thousands bones at […]
Listening For the Oracle – by Kate Ingram
Soul Matters – March 2019
There’s a popular book out by Gabrielle Bernstein titled, The Universe Has Your Back; I gotta say, it doesn’t always feel that way. There are times when things are definitely not going my way and the Universe just doesn’t seem to give a rip. But then, just when I’m about to […]
A Few Minutes With the Mayor, March 2019 – Mayor by Paul Becker
The women seen dining here are members of the “Jacksonville Belles and Beaus Old West Society.” They celebrate history by donning costumes for almost any era dating back to the Civil War—but with an emphasis on the Victorian days. You’ve seen them in Jacksonville’s Christmas and Chinese New Year parades; at other times strolling sidewalks […]
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 […]
New Twists on the Orchestral Season – by Donna Briggs
News From Britt Hill – March 2019
Think classical music is old, stale or boring? Been there done that? Or never wanted to? Well come and see how exhilarating, relevant and FUN orchestral music can be for adults and children alike. The entire season beginning July 23 will highlight music inspired by our natural environment and […]
State of the Art Presence, March 2019 – by Hannah West
“There is a notion that artists are born with the ability to draw. No one arrives in this world with that gift! Drawing is a skill that must be learned. It is not hard, but requires mental discipline.
“Drawing will develop a cooperative process between your mind and your eyes. The mind must relinquish the role […]
“Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” – by Paula & Terry Erdmann
The Unfettered Critic – March 2019
Our unfettered readers often ask, “How do the two of you write together?” Our stock answer is that one of us starts the piece, then gives it to the other, saying, “This is finished.” The other reads it, usually yelling, “This is terrible. It has to be rewritten from word […]
February 2019 Classes at Shooting Star Nursery
All classes begin at 10:00am and are located at Shooting Star Nursery unless indicated otherwise. Space is limited, so please be sure to register at www.roguevalleynursery.com/class. A minimum of 5 attendees is needed for a class, otherwise the class may be canceled. See ad this page.
Saturday, February 2, 10:00am, Promoting Privacy with Plants,with Bonni—Feeling the […]