John Dodero’s Urns, Cachepots, and More – at the Clayfolk Show
If you have a homeless orchid, you may need a cachepot, crafted by Jacksonville potter, John Dodero. Likewise, if you yearn for an urn, potter John may have just the thing.
Survivor: The Martian Chronicles – by Paula & Terry Erdmann
The Unfettered Critic – November 2015
Mars is an unlucky place to be stranded. The planet awaits, desolate and bleak, offering an environment with no air to breath, no water to drink (well, a little, if recent reports pan out), and no food to eat. The surface is dead. This, of course, makes Mars a lively […]
State of the Art Presence, October 2015 – by Hannah West
The Power of Art: Recovering from Trauma—We think of art as a peaceful occupation, but its power to heal a traumatized mind is revealed in the wake of war. The U.N. estimates 95,000 children have sought refuge in Lebanon, having fled to escape the ongoing tragedy in Syria. Traumatized by the conflict, they suffer insomnia […]
ART is Everywhere in Jacksonville! – by Hannah West
Have you noticed an uptick in our local art scene? From formal galleries to coffee shop displays and more, art is everywhere in Jacksonville.
CAMMY DAVIS—Artist and art advocate Cammy Davis, creator of the Jacksonville Review town map, is one of the artists in the community helping make the arts scene more vibrant. Cammy, a Jacksonville […]
New Directional Signage is Another Forest Park Improvement Project
Trail Talk – October 2015
The Forest Park is a big area, 1,100 acres to be exact. With many sloped hillsides, its actual size is even larger with twenty-four miles of trails spread-out over twenty-two trails…park hikers and bikers can really get to some far-out locations.
In the early […]
The Courage to Live a Life You Love & Be Yourself! – by Louise Lavergne
Joyfull Living – October 2015
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” ~ E.E. Cummings
It does take courage to step out of our comfort zone. Fear of the “unknown” can keep us from trying something new or stop us from taking actions that can move us out of our “rut” or […]
Thumbprint – by Michael Kell
A Cup of Conversation – October 2015
Number 30 of the 33 notable things observed over the past twenty-five years of living and doing business in a small town says,
“Understand the inherent moral contract of employing young people. With the right guidance and encouragement, any one of them just may change the world for the better.”
We’ve […]
Pusher Guy – by Kate Ingram, M.A.
Soul Matters – October 2015
When my son was in preschool I asked him about a particular boy in his class, and whether he liked him. His reply was, “No. He’s a pusher guy.”
I thought about Pusher Guy the other day because I know, and I’m not proud of this, that I am a “pusher guy”—not […]
Enjoying Year-Round Outdoor Living – by Adam Haynes
Love Your Landscape – October 2015
Finding a sense of peace and beauty in your own outdoor living area is something that most everyone dreams of creating. Doing so can be accomplished by adding a simple potted flower pot placed on a patio to installation of an infinity pool, outdoor fireplace, outdoor […]
The Boomerang Effect “Home Buyers Returning in Droves” – by Graham Farran
Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 2015
They’re back! Eight years after the real estate bust, many past homeowners who lost their homes have rebuilt their credit and are back in the market—forming America’s growing ranks of “boomerang buyers.” In the next few years, these buyers will form one of the most important segments of the […]
Remembering Our History – by Mayor Paul Becker
A Few Minutes with the Mayor – October 2015
Last month at movie night, we commemorated the Battle of Britain which took place 75 years ago. Old City Hall was so packed people were turned away because of lack of room. Following an interview with Clifford Wilton who survived that battle, we ran the film Spitfire, […]
Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery News, October 2015 – by Dirk Siedlecki
An Extraordinary Volunteer—The Friends of Jacksonville's Historic Cemetery have been most fortunate to have local resident Pam Means caring for the entire Jewish Section by herself.
J.C. Whipp – Artist in Stone – by Carolyn Kingsnorth
Pioneer Profiles – October 2015
As you tour Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery during “Meet the Pioneers” on October 9th or 10th, or wander among the tombstones on other occasions, you can’t help but notice the elaborate markers that typify Victorian gravesites. Many of these are the work of stonemason James Carr Whipp. His signature can be seen […]
The Fun Continues in Fall at the Farm! – by Emma Abby
Focus on Hanley Farm – October 2015
With only a few weeks left to enjoy Hanley Farm produce for sale at the Jacksonville Farmers Market, we are gearing up for the cooler weather and seasonal changes at the Farm. With the new school year in full swing, field trips to the Farm have already begun and […]
Digging to the Point in Jacksonville – by Andrew Bastier
Digging Jacksonville – October 2015
The Jacksonville area is a unique melting pot of Oregon’s historical past. Whether it’s the first timeworn photographs of Peter Britt or the earliest Chinese settlement in the Pacific Northwest, Jacksonville continues to be a must-see historical landmark. Often overlooked are Jacksonville’s original residents, who made homes here for over 10,000 […]
Predicting the Future, Hollywood Style – by Paula & Terry Erdmann
The Unfettered Critic – October 2015
Why is a trailer like a t-shirt?
Showbiz, baby!
Every film marketer knows something about t-shirts that bear movie logos: they’re only in demand before the movie is released. Fans of Quentin Tarantino want to be “first on their block” to promote his upcoming film, so they’ll definitely wear that t-shirt with […]
No Slowing Down for Britt! – by Donna Briggs
News from Britt Hill – October 2015
Earlier this spring, I attended a private in-home concert in Grants Pass. It was a weeknight and, as usual, my day was long and hurried. I even considered not going to the concert, or going and staying for only a few songs. But, in this business, we are always […]
Healing as the Smoke Continues to Clear – by Louise Lavergne
Joyfull Living – September 2015
Because of the monumental fires in our area, all of us in the Rogue Valley have been exposed to toxins from smoke. Some of the symptoms of smoke inhalation are headaches, dry, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, runny nose, post-nasal drip or increased mucous in the throat. Most common is coughing, which […]
Facing What Is – by Kate Ingram, M.A.
Soul Matters – September 2015
“Let me embrace three, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course.” ~Shakespeare
One of the most difficult challenges in this being human business is facing what is, particularly when what is, sucks. I’m talking about times when life presents you with things you didn’t order and don’t want: […]
Bruce – by Michael Kell
A Cup of Conversation – September 2015
I watched ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award presentation honoring Bruce Jenner. The Arthur Ashe Award is named after the iconic tennis star, a man of color in a once traditionally white sport. Arthur was a magnificent athlete and like Bruce found his identity on the courts of fierce competition […]
Knickknacks, Curios, and Tchotchkes – by Margaret Barnes
Speaking of Antiquing – September 2015
These three words are heard as often as they are misspelled and misunderstood!
knick·knack: a small worthless object, especially a household ornament.
cu·ri·o: a rare, unusual, or intriguing object.
tchotch·ke: a small object that is decorative rather than strictly functional; a trinket, a small bauble or miscellaneous item.
Knick-knacks or Tchotchkes are souvenir items […]
September: Time to Catch a Second Wind for Gardening – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – September 2015
Departing summer hath assumed
An aspect tenderly illumed,
The gentlest look of spring;
That calls from yonder leafy shade
Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,
A timely carolling.
~William Wordsworth
September, 1819
If your enthusiasm and energy for gardening has waned from this summer’s triple-digit temperatures and smoky haze, then September may be just […]
Taking that first step… – by Adam Haynes
Love Your Landscape – September 2015
Sarting new outdoor projects can be daunting, whether it’s the sheer size of the task or knowing that starting something is going to be a long and time-consuming commitment.
Projects around the house and specifically yard projects linger in our minds—some get done but others […]
Biggest Bang for your Remodeling Buck! – by Graham Farran
Let’s Talk Real Estate – September 2015
Our houses are also our homes, so we believe it’s important to be comfortable in your home and have it reflect your personality and your lifestyle. Remodeling your home to your personal likes is important, but it’s also important to look at how much certain remodeling projects yield at […]
Where Liberty Dwells – by Mayor Paul Becker
A Few Minutes with the Mayor – September 2015
“Where Liberty dwells, there is my country.” Words spoken by Ben Franklin. But today? We are willing to forsake Liberty for comfort or safety. Certainly this was untrue in Franklin’s day. So conditioned to some government bureaucrat telling us how to behave, it no longer concerns us […]
Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery News, September 2015 – by Dirk Siedlecki
History Saturday in the Cemetery, Saturday, September 12 at 10:00am—Please join us for our final History Saturday program of the year as we explore Educators and Early Education in the Rogue Valley. This interesting and fun 90-minute program will be presented by Lynn Ransford and Pat Stancel and will also include a short walking tour […]
Cornelius C. Beekman, Part 4 – Pariah to Patriarch – by Carolyn Kingsnorth
Pioneer Profiles – September 2015
Although Cornelius Beekman may have been the wealthiest and most prominent man in pioneer Jacksonville, wealth and prominence did not guarantee popularity. In fact, when the railroad by-passed Jacksonville in favor of Medford in the 1880s, Beekman—previously a local hero—became something of a local pariah.
For years, Jacksonville had looked forward to […]
More FUN at the Farm! – by Emma Abby
Focus on Hanley Farm – September 2015
It’s been a full and rewarding summer thus far, with many new and returning visitors to the Farm enjoying its many offerings. All three sessions of summer camp went-off without a hitch as campers learned about their local heritage through the Hanley family’s story, as well as homesteading, farming […]
Artifacts 11: Mourning Buttons – by Carol Knapp
Digging Jacksonville – September 2015
This “mourning button” is one of the many artifacts found during repairs to my own home, the historic Booker House on South Oregon Street. Black attire, including buttons, was popularized by Queen Victoria following the death of her husband, the beloved Prince Albert. She reportedly wore mourning clothes for the rest […]
Las Vegas: The Final Frontier – by Paula & Terry Erdmann
The Unfettered Critic – September 2015
If you’ve encountered us on the streets of Jacksonville within the past twelve months, you may have overheard us in heavy discussion about the meanings of words like “trapunto” and “boucle.” Or you may have heard us contemplating the virtues of double-sided tape in the dressing room. Or the reason […]
News From Britt Hill, September 2015 – by Donna Briggs
August has been such an exciting month on the Britt hill, and we have much more to look forward to, as summer extends into September. We are fresh off of an exciting Classical Festival, and I hope you were able to join Teddy Abrams and the Britt Orchestra during their three weeks of music-making. The […]
State of the Art Presence, September 2015 – by Hannah West
Prints vs. Originals—The question of whether to buy original art work or giclées (prints made with inks that won’t fade for 100 years, usually on acid-free paper) for your home is one worth considering. The debate usually centers on the higher cost of original art. Art Presence founder Anne Brooke’s opinion is that buying original […]
Lawn Envy – by Michael Kell
A Cup of Conversation – August 2015
Truth be known, I suffer from lawn envy. Dad had it in spades as does my brother. The neighbor’s greener, thicker, well-manicured grass drives us crazy. If there is a deeper-seated reason for this petty neurosis, I’d rather not know. At least I’m talking about it which is the […]
Living in Awe – by Kate Ingram, M.A.
Soul Matters – August 2015
Sometimes the Universe is not subtle. In the past eight weeks, I was privileged to watch three pairs of birds build their nests close to our house, lay their eggs, and fledge their young. At the same time, a half dozen monarch caterpillars joined us in the kitchen where we’ve watched […]
Inside, A Treasure Trove Awaits! – by Margaret Barnes
Speaking of Antiquing – August 2015
When you walk into Pickety Place, undoubtedly, the first thing you see are the glass display cabinets filled with shiny baubles.
There are silver and glass trays filled with all sorts of treasures.
People gravitate first to the side of the glass where the sterling silver pieces are displayed. Most of the […]
Retaining Walls: Down to Earth Benefits – by Adam Haynes
Love Your Landscape – August 2015
Retaining walls offer stunning aesthetics and down-to-earth benefits by beautifying your home, helping with erosion control and water drainage, and providing privacy to outdoor living areas. Retaining walls also increase the value of your home, which is a great return on your investment.
If you are planning to construct a retaining […]
Uncover the Secret: Demonstration Gardens at the Extension – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – August 2015 – The Demonstration Gardens at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center
“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.”–Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden, 1911
Speaking of secret gardens, did you know there are 20 demonstration gardens just five minutes from downtown Jacksonville? It’s true! […]
Understanding the Role of Reverse Mortgages in Funding Your Retirement – by Graham Farran
Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 2015
Most people don’t know what a Reverse Mortgage (RM) is, and because they are a relatively-new financial mechanism for seniors in the United States, there is a lack of understanding. The reality is that RM’s may be an answer to one of the biggest economic problems facing the United […]
Just Who Is the City Of Jacksonville? – by Mayor Paul Becker
A Few Minutes with the Mayor – August 2015
The idea crossed my mind the other day that many who read this column haven’t met many of the dedicated people responsible for making our City work as well as it does. And dedicated is the word. I realize this sentiment runs counter to much of what […]
State of the Art Presence, August 2015 – by Hannah West
Express Yourself!—Creative self-expression is a part of life most of us treasure, whether it’s drawing, cooking, or gardening, or attending dance classes, plays or concerts. Most people enjoy doing creative things because it provides opportunities to connect with friends and family, meet new people, and broaden one’s horizons. Those challenged to find time to express […]
Cornelius C. Beekman, Part 3 – A Man in His Prime – by Carolyn Kingsnorth
Pioneer Profile – August 2015
Cornelius C. Beekman was arguably the wealthiest and most prominent of the pioneers who settled Jacksonville. Although most closely associated today with banking and the bank that bears his name, banking was only one of his many enterprises.
Early in his career, after saving $3,000, Beekman looked for other investment opportunities. On […]
Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery News, August 2015 – by Dirk Siedlecki
History Saturday in the Cemetery, August 8—Now in its 5th year, this very popular and well-attended program is offered on the second Saturday of each month, May through September. The 90-minute presentation includes a history talk followed by a short walking tour to grave sites relating to the featured subject. The August topic will be, […]
Artifacts 10: The Cuttlebone Conundrum – by Jorden Peery
Digging Jacksonville – August 2015
As an archaeologist, I am constantly making unlikely, but fascinating connections between my work and things that I come across every day. Perhaps the least likely of these connections came to me on a sunny, tropical morning on a beautiful beach in South Africa. Like most beachgoers, I enjoy combing for […]
Fun Events at Hanley Farm!
Focus on Hanley Farm – August 2015
What better way is there to spend a lovely August evening than a concert on the lawn at Hanley Farm?! This affordable, family-friendly event has all the components of a perfect summer evening: farm-fresh food from the Farm Kitchen, local craft brews on-tap, live music, horseshoes, badminton, and plenty […]
Outlasting the Smoldering Doldrums – by Paula & Terry Erdmann
The Unfettered Critic – August 2015
Reluctant to step outside without a straw hat, sunscreen and a handheld, battery-powered portable fan? Yeah, us too.
We’re not the first to despair over the hot sun in the summertime. In 1933, Songwriter Irving Berlin composed “We’re having a heat wave.” Ethyl Merman sang the song in the film Alexander’s […]
Epic Season On-Tap for Britt Orchestra – by Donna Briggs
News From Britt Hill – August 2015
By the time you read this News from the Hill the Britt Orchestra will have already arrived here in beautiful southern Oregon. As you can imagine, our Music Director Teddy Abrams has been working tirelessly over the past several months to make his vision a reality. The first rehearsal […]
OSF’S Pericles – Theater At Its VERY BEST! – by Lee Greene
When I saw Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s (OSF) production of Pericles in the Thomas Theatre for the first time, everything about it was SO outstanding: the profound story, performances so good by ALL the actors, theater technical arts so perfect, music that so effectively heightened the emotional impact of the piece, that it defied my expectations […]
That’s My Story and I’m Stickin’ To It – by Kate Ingram, M.A.
Soul Matters – July 2015
I know a guy—I bet you know him too—whom I’ll call Billy Bob. Billy’s story, repeated ad naseum, goes something like this: “My parents were awful. They didn’t love me the way I needed them to. My troubles are a direct result of their lousy parenting. I’m hurt and angry and […]
On the Clock – by Michael Kell
A Cup of Conversation – July 2015
It is interesting how we memorialize the end of things. What is it about the last day or last goodbye or last play of the game that gets our attention? Could it be because we innately understand everything in life has an expiration date so the passing of even […]
Happy Birthday Pyrex! – by Margaret Barnes
Speaking of Antiquing – July 2015
In 2015, PYREX turned 100 years-old.
Like many innovations and excellent ideas, it’s invention was a fluke.
Chemists at Corning Glass Works, in Corning New York, were working to develop heat-resistant glass that could stand-up to extreme temperature changes for […]