Current news from the Jacksonville Review
MEDFORD, OR — At this time, in line with other outdoor venues throughout the country, Britt Music & Arts Festival will no longer require masks, COVID testing, or proof of vaccine for our patrons at our outdoor venue in Jacksonville, Oregon. Masks are still optional. Ultimately, it is each patron’s decision whether or not to […]
Jodi Geigle, formerly of Sterling/Umpqua Bank, has launched a new business designed to help others in a different capacity than her 17 years at the bank. With a true servant’s heart, Jodi’s new company, Errands by Angel, literally rose from the ashes after she lost her home in the 2020 Almeda Fire. Afterwards, Jodi left […]
Thanks to Jacksonville resident John Howell, the old symbolic cross in the cemetery has been restored and is once again standing proudly over the Catholic Section. In July 2021, while John was walking his dog, Willie, he noticed the cross was in a state of disrepair. Not one to sit back, John decided to do […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR — Britt Music & Arts Festival announces its first installment of concerts for the 60th Anniversary 2022 season this summer. The first of two season announcements presents a broad array of musical artists, including a return visit by ZZ Top, jazzy pop singer-songwriter Norah Jones, electric blues band Blues Traveler, a night of […]
Britt Music & Arts Festival announces the selection of a new President and CEO. The Britt Board of Directors is excited to introduce Abby McKee, who will become the new head of operations at Britt beginning May 1, 2022. After eleven years, current President and CEO, Donna Briggs, is retiring.
“Abby is the right leader for […]
Editor’s Note: At the January 4 City Council meeting, a standing-room-only audience packed New City Hall to pay tribute to Mayor Bowen’s yearly award recipients. On behalf of a grateful community, thank you to them and all of the volunteers who give so much to our community!
Kandee McClain, 2021 Jacksonville Person of the Year—Kandee McClain, […]
Featuring New Commission from Sebastian Chang & Star-Spangled Guest Artists
MEDFORD, OR — The Britt Festival Orchestra (BFO) announces its 2022 60th Anniversary summer season, anchoring Oregon’s Britt Music and Arts Festival with three weeks of exhilarating open-air programming in historic Jacksonville, Oregon. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director Teddy Abrams, the 2022 season opens […]
In case you’re wondering where the 80+ year-old scale from Scheffel’s Toy Store is, we have the answer. Emily Grimes, whose family has lived in Jacksonville for 8 generations, took the scale to Discovery Park/Rogue Jet Boat Adventures in Central Point for safekeeping. At some point, she hopes the scale will return to Jacksonville’s Beekman […]
A lock on your door. A lock on the front door to your house is something we often take for granted in our country. In northern Mexico, many families live without the peace-of-mind a simple lock can bring. For more than 30 years, the High School Youth Group from Jacksonville Presbyterian Church has traveled to […]
“The times, they are a changing”—and the Southern Oregon Historical Society is changing with the times! We need a new logo to reflect the new SOHS, and you are invited to create one for us.
Because of the broad public that we serve—members, volunteers, community individuals and organizations, school children, visitors, and guests from all over—we […]
Since Helena and Marc Lopez’ move to Southern Oregon from Escondido last October, despite Covid setbacks, business plans for her new store, Trotting Fox Boutique, have clipped along nicely—as if they were meant to happen.
“I thought about getting back into real estate, because I did that in California, but I was not really feeling it,” […]
“I did not know
The rude cashier’s son
Was expelled from school yesterday
I did not know
The careless driver who pulled in front of me
Just got word that his wife was in the ICU
I did not know
My sarcastic remark
Had hurt my friend so deeply
I do know
That I easily forget
How tender we all […]
What could feel cozier against an autumn chill than sipping on a mug of something hot and snuggling deep beneath a sumptuous quilt? It’s time to stow the lighter spread and bring out the stack of hand-wrought covers for warmth and winter comforts.
For nearly 35 years, visitors and residents of Jacksonville have discovered beautiful, American-made […]
The Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association, SOCCA, will not be presenting the Chinese New Year celebration in Jacksonville in February, 2022, Year of the Tiger. This decision was based on multiple factors, including the unpredictability of the pandemic and the difficulty in enforcing the current statewide COVID-19 guidelines given the nature of this community event. […]
Please join members of the Jacksonville Woodlands Association for the annual Scotch Broom pull on Friday, February 11, at 10am. We’ve been doing this for about 15 years, and it’s now become a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s easy to pull plants we find because they’re small, but on the other, […]
MEDFORD, OR — In honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Britt Festival Orchestra (BFO) in 2022 and in recognition of Teddy Abrams being honored with Musical America’s 2022 Composer of the Year Award, Britt Music and Arts Festival will establish a $500,000 Britt Festival Orchestra Fund. The fund will be used to support the […]
Like many of you I had many reasons to approach this Christmas season with angst and disappointment, especially given the ravages of Covid-19 and a United States divided like we have not seen since the Civil War (why it was called civil, I will never know). What changed all of this for me and renewed […]
OCTOBER 27th, 2021-JACKSONVILLE, OR—THE JACKSONVILLE INN is pleased to announce the appointment of John Blevins as Head Chef of the iconic Rogue Valley restaurant. Blevins will oversee kitchen operations for new owners, ADLO RESTAURANTS, LLC, a partnership of local Rogue Valley residents Corey and Amy Donovan, Jeremy and Randee Leever, Shaun and Crissie Olson and […]
Trails in valley bottoms are buried in yellow maple leaves. Streams are coming to life after a long, hot summer. It’s truly a wonderful time of year to be in Forest Park. This fall, we’re sharing the park with a family of black bears, as I discovered during a close encounter with them last week […]
“This is a life-changing course. It helped me move from … paralysis to empowerment and to action.” Thus commented a recent graduate of SOCAN’s Master Climate Protector course.
Declining snowpack and summer rainfall, ongoing western drought, increasing wildfire risk. Are these dastardly Hallowe’en tricks from Mother Nature or are we the culprit? If you would like […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR—Experience a Victorian Christmas this holiday season at the historic Beekman House Museum, located at 470 E. California Street in Jacksonville, Oregon. This early 1870s residence, home to Jacksonville’s wealthiest pioneer family, is decorated for a 19th Century Christmas celebration, and you’re invited to visit. Between 12 noon and 3 p.m. every Saturday and […]
McKee Bridge Historical Society will once again dress up McKee Bridge with greenery, garland and glistening lights to celebrate the 2021 holidays. Star Ranger Station and the 1936 community kitchen at the picnic grounds will be decorated and lighted too. Everyone is invited to visit from December 17 through New Year’s Day and enjoy the […]
Every year, dozens of caring businesses participate in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Toy Drive program to brighten the lives of families here in the Rogue Valley. Last year, the Salvation Army partnered with the Jackson County Toys for Tots and provided gifts for over 3400 local children. This year, more businesses will participate in […]
“This is a life-changing course. It helped me move from … paralysis to empowerment and to action.” Thus commented a recent graduate of SOCAN’s Master Climate Protector course.
Declining snowpack and summer rainfall, ongoing western drought, increasing wildfire risk. Are these dastardly Hallowe’en tricks from Mother Nature or are we the culprit? If you would like […]
December is a special time of year in Jacksonville as the town decorates and lights up for the holiday season. The Jacksonville Garden Club is happy to announce that the annual Holiday Greens Sale will be back in its traditional spot in the alcove next to the Post Office on Friday, December 3, from 10:00am-3:00pm. […]
Over the years, the City of Jacksonville’s Development Code was revised multiple times by multiple authors to reflect the changing of the community. However, with so many incremental changes, the Code became complicated and burdensome, and in some cases, contained conflicting or inconsistent requirements. The City started […]
The Jacksonville Garden Club is preparing to bring some holiday cheer to our homes and businesses! Early in December, creative members will be making beautiful wreaths, table arrangements, entry baskets, and swags, featuring fresh natural greens and cones, holly, bows, candles and festive decorations. Customers who have purchased these lovely greens in the past know […]
For many, the wreath is a symbol of eternity, an unending circle of life, growth, and everlasting life. Traditionally, we post wreaths on our front doors as an invitation to family and friends to join in our holiday festivities. This year, as in years past, SOHS Hanley Farm invites […]
Graduates of the Southern Oregon Climate Action Now Master Climate Protector (MCP) course are certified when they turn their understanding about climate science into action by promoting understanding in the community or promoting real greenhouse gas reductions.
SOCAN’s November Monthly General Meeting will be devoted to an evening of inspiration as three MCP graduates who have […]
MEDFORD, OR — The Britt Festival Orchestra (BFO) is excited to announce two new changes as it prepares for the 60th anniversary of the Britt Music & Arts Festival in 2022. Britt announces that a new General Manager of the BFO has been hired. And, the BFO is moving its storied and popular orchestral music […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR – October 2021 – Pioneer Village will be holding a ceremony and birthday party for Helen Hein who will be turning 102 years old. The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance on Thursday October 21st at 10:30AM for a special ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of the new Hein building on […]
Jacksonville’s Everest Smith has spent 11 years as a member of Boy Scout Troop 5. “I can easily say it has been the highlight of my childhood and teenage years. I have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting.” Readers of the Review know that this award does not come easily—the […]
“We planned for the baby and the business, but we really did not plan for the pandemic.” Trevor and Jessie Driskell’s long held dream was to take over the Mustard Seed Café—to run their own business. On March 1, 2020, that dream came true. Soon after, the world changed. Jessie shares their story.
“It was bad […]
Musical America announced today that Teddy Abrams—the galvanizing conductor now in his eighth season as Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra—has been named Conductor of the Year for 2022. Louisville Mayor Greg Fisher congratulated […]
Creative animal lovers have been making the most of staying indoors during this summer’s extreme heat, smoke and COVID precautions. These generous souls have produced and donated an incredible array of artisanal items for Friends of the Animal Shelter’s Howl-O-Ween and Holidays […]
Despite pandemic and wildfires, the 2021 Britt Season comes to a successful close.
MEDFORD, OR — Overcoming multiple challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and several weeks of wildfire smoke in the region, the Britt Music & Arts Festival has completed an outstanding season filled with amazing music and artists. Britt thanks its patrons, members, business […]
UPDATE, OCTOBER 15, 2021 – Slightly over $3,200 was raised for the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery at the October 9, auction held at Belita Space during Jacksonville’s Art Walk. Our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Chris Anderson for creating his beautiful and artistic bowls and for supporting our organization. Thank […]
Life can be electrifying! One of the most effective actions individuals can take to address the climate crisis is to electrify their lives as much as possible. While this is very effective, even if our electricity is produced in a fossil fuel-powered generation facility, it is even more effective if our electricity is generated by […]
In cooperation with the Oregon Health Authority, the City of Jacksonville will facilitate a series of COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Jacksonville New City Hall, 206 N 5th Street, Second Floor Assembly Room (ADA Accessible). ANYONE MAY PARTICIPATE for a first or second vaccine. Your name and birth date are all that is required. […]
A pair of treasured, historic Jacksonville inns are now welcoming guests with new owners. The McCully House and the (Judge) Touvelle House are open for business, and everyone’s working behind the scenes to pamper and impress weary travelers. I dropped in recently to discover how they arrived at this momentous juncture and hear their plans.
The […]
MEDFORD, OR — The Britt Music and Arts Festival’s Board of Directors is announcing the planned retirement of Donna Briggs, President and CEO of Britt Music and Arts Festival, effective December 31, 2021. Briggs informed the Board leadership of her intentions to retire earlier this year.
Former Board Chair, Mike Burrill Jr., stated that “Briggs started […]
The Jacksonville business community is a vital part of the fabric of town and makes it unique and a contributing part of our quality of life. There are many changes happening this month—some a result of the pandemic, some a result of natural life changes and some for pure economic reasons. Below is a summation […]
AUGUST 25, 2021-JACKSONVILLE, OR – JACKSONVILLE INN is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Mailley as the General Manager of the iconic Rogue Valley restaurant. Mailley will oversee restaurant operations for new owners, ADLO RESTAURANTS, LLC, a partnership of local Rogue Valley residents Corey and Amy Donovan, Jeremy and Randee Leever, Shaun and Crissie […]
Local columnist and features writer, Peggy Dover, is pleased to announce the release of her novel titled Stone Revival, set in post-WWII England.
All aboard for a visit to the rail village of Rakefoot Crossing, a most unlikely location for espionage, kidnapping, and deception.
Glory Stone is content with her life as a country vet’s wife and […]
JERICHO, N.Y., Sept. 7, 2021 – 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS) has announced plans to hire more than 10,000 team members nationwide for seasonal positions across its gourmet foods and gifting brands to […]
(Salem, OR) – The Oregon Water Resources Department is asking Oregonians who rely on wells for their water use to report their dry wells or low producing wells online. Visit our Dry Well webpage at www.oregon.gov/owrd/drywell and click on the link to report your dry well.
Reported information helps the Department understand changes in aquifers […]
Medford, Ore., September 3, 2021 — Following her four-chair-turn appearance on NBC’s popular singing competition “The Voice,” DANCIN Vineyards & Winery will present two performances by Chicago-based blues & soul singer/songwriter Katie Kadan on September 15 and 16 at 5:30 pm.
In-person seating was limited to DANCIN wine club members […]
On Saturday, September 18, from 3-7pm, 2021, Todd Lovett and Leslee Parr will host a showing of their artistic collaboration, “Off the Charts,” at the Artist and Gardener shop at 130 South 3rd Street, Jacksonville. The public is invited.
Leslee Parr, PhD, Professor Emeritus, San Jose State University: I have always believed that scientists and artists […]
Join the Jacksonville-Applegate Rotary Club for their Rotary Poker Run on Friday & Saturday, September 17 & 18, 2021, 1-7pm. Winners will be announced at Rotary BBQ, Sunday, September 19, 1-3pm, at Rellik Winery. Players will purchase a scorecard at participating Jacksonville wineries (no purchase required). At the last winery, players will make the best […]
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that in the book industry, romance is the genre of hope. I’m often asked what makes a romance and I can say one thing for sure, it absolutely has to have what’s known as an HEA, a Happily Ever After. Peril, conflict, miscommunication, and pain can all be tolerated if […]