Holidays in the Rogue Valley | Winter 2022

Make a joyful noise

LIVE MUSIC AROUND THE ROGUE VALLEY THIS SEASON HITS HOLIDAY HIGH NOTES

By Jim Flint for the Mail Tribune

As the old saying goes, music makes the world go ’round, and perhaps never so much as during the holidays.

Musical offerings in the Rogue Valley this season are varied and tempting, with something for just about everybody.

Wineries, eateries and bars will feature performances in a variety of genres, ranging from pop to rock to folk and more.

There will be musicals and plays with music staged by Oregon Shakespeare Festival (“It’s Christmas, Carol!”), Oregon Cabaret Theatre (“Christmas Carol” and “White Christmas”), Randall Theatre (“Nunsense”) and Camelot Theatre (“Matilda”).

And there are many musiconly performances scheduled, featuring themed revues, choral groups and classical music at venues throughout the Rogue Valley.

Here’s what’s happening on music stages between now and the end of the year:

SOU Percussion Ensembles: Nov. 29. Directed by Bryan Jeffs, the concert will also be livestreamed at youtu. be/rDKPGX2RVHs.

The performance is at 7:30 p.m., SOU Music Recital Hall. Tickets can be purchased at sou.universitytickets.com.

SOU Chamber Choir: Dec. 1. “Between the Light” weaves themes of stillness, darkness and sleep throughout. It will be directed by Jerron Jorgensen and livestreamed at youtu.

be/2i3jEWseMP8.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m., SOU Music Recital Hall. Tickets are available at sou. universitytickets.com.

Spectrum Concert: Dec. 3. The concert will showcase SOU’s many music ensembles, directed by Christine Lundahl and livestreamed at youtu.be/6Li_exRlk7Q.

The performance is at 7:30 p.m. at SOU Music Recital Hall.

Rogue Valley Chorale: Dec. 3-4. “A Chorale Christmas” is a four-part concert centered on themes of hope, love, joy and peace, accompanied by spoken reflections. The choir will celebrate its 50-year history with works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, R. Nathaniel Dett, Francis Poulenc, John Rutter, Egil Hovland and others.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Craterian Theater at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts, 23 S. Central Ave., Medford. Tickets are available at the Craterian box office, 16 S. Bartlett St., Medford, 541-779-3000 or craterian.org.

High School Honor Band: Dec. 4. High school band students from across Southern Oregon will perform a free concert after a weekend of events and workshops.

Performances are at 3 and 4:30 p.m. at SOU Music Recital Hall.

Siskiyou Singers: Dec. 9-11. Music Director Mark Reppert and his choir celebrate the group’s 40th anniversary with “Very Merry Mozart,” featuring Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” and

“Regina Coeli,” performed with full orchestra and soloists. The second half will include a variety of holiday favorites, including Jason Robert Brown’s “Chanukah Suite,” a jazz interpretation of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and a shimmering version of “Silent Night,” arranged by Matthew Culloton.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 at SOU Music Recital Hall. Tickets are available from choir members, the Music Coop and Paddington Station in Ashland, online at siskiyousingers.org.

Southern Oregon Repertory Singers: Dec. 17-18. “And the Stars Looked Down” will include Rep Singers’ traditional holiday mix of art music and carols, both

familiar and unique. There will be music by new composers and by established masters such as John Rutter, Bob Chilcot and Ola Gjeilo. Jodi French’s “Auld Lang Syne” will be reprised by popular request.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at SOU Music Recital Hall. Tickets are available at repsingers.org.

Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas”: Dec. 22. Music on the program is designed to take the audience back to a night before Christmas in Ireland at a time when the motor car, the television and the telephone were little more than unlikely rumors. Songs, instrumentals and dances will be performed in an at-home atmosphere.

Two shows, at 3 and 7:30 p.m., are at Craterian Theater. Tickets are available at the Craterian box office, 16 S. Bartlett St., Medford, 541779-3000 or craterian.org.

Straight No Chaser: Dec. 30. A 25th-anniversary celebration of the male a cappella group formed at Indiana University during the 199697 school year. There will be a mix of holiday staples, R&B smooth jams and stadium anthems with swagger and spirit.

The world-touring group with two gold albums and more than a billion streams will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Craterian Theater. Tickets are available at the Craterian box office, 16 S. Bartlett St., Medford, 541-779-3000 or craterian.org.

Reach freelance writer Jim Flint at jimflint.ashland@ yahoo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO

Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas” Dec. 22 at the Craterian Theater recaptures the spirit of midcentury Ireland on a Christmas Eve with songs, instrumentals and dance.

St. Nick’s approval

CENTRAL POINT THROWS ‘ONE BIG PARTY’ FOR CHRISTMAS

By Buffy Pollock Mail Tribune

This year’s Central Point Community Christmas promises a return to its pre-pandemic Yuletide celebration, complete with parade floats, visits with Santa, Christmas caroling and holiday goodies galore.

Not only will St. Nick approve wholeheartedly; he’ll even be there to help host the entire shindig.

A regional favorite, the city’s annual event is a true kickoff to the holiday season. Slated for Dec. 3, the event begins at 5 p.m. with a parade through downtown, followed by a tree lighting at 6 p.m.

Nikki Petersen, recreation manager, said both the city and Central Point Chamber will host events this year.

Downtown businesses will become a sort of “Santa’s Village” offering a fun Christmas Coin Challenge, put on by the Chamber. Starting at 3 p.m., kids can wander around to downtown businesses and get a stamp — and likely various holiday treats. At the end, a completed passport delivered to the Chamber will earn its holder a commemorative Christmas coin.

In addition to free cocoa, cookies and Christmas crafts, a slew of vendors will be on hand with food and drink and other goodies to buy. Petersen said a surprise could also be unveiled during the city’s tree lighting, which takes place behind the library and City Hall, near Second and Oak streets.

Additional activities include card-making for local seniors, before and during the event, to be delivered to assisted living and other care facilities.

“We have community members all pitch in to make Christmas cards during the event, and then we deliver them to all the senior residents in Central Point. Usually, we end up with thousands of Christmas cards,” said Petersen.

“It’s very sweet. The school dis trict gets involved in helping with

making cards, too, and then they’re all hand-delivered to seniors in our community.”

Petersen said community members can sign up their seniors, by providing mailing addresses or volunteering to make cards and drop them off at City Hall.

Petersen said the event is the city’s most anticipated every year.

“We used to MAYBE fill the area around the tree with people who came to watch. Now, we more than fill the entire block around the tree,” she said.

“It’s just one big party in the down town and a kickoff to the holidays!”

Petersen said the parade would feature the Crater High School marching band and at least two dozen parade entrants, though she’s hopeful

additional sign-ups will find the lineup closer to 40.

She noted, “We usually have some pretty elaborate floats, kids in sports

groups who dress up and perform …

Last year we had these big Clydesdale horses with Santa on a big wooden sleigh. It’s just loads of fun.”

Petersen said the upcoming holiday party, while more than a month away, can’t happen soon enough. In fact, Christmas decorations ALREADY are going up.

“We end up putting our Christmas decorations up early, like a week or so before Thanksgiving. Some people don’t really love that, but some are like, ‘Yes! You guys are my people.’”

Petersen said with a laugh.

“We’re not the biggest city, but we do have the biggest parties!”

Parade participants can sign up, for a $10 entry fee, by calling 541-6643321, ext. 130 or by emailing, nikki. petersen@centralpointoregon.gov

To participate in card-making — to give or receive — or to help sponsor the event, send Petersen an email.

For more info on the community Christmas, see centralpointore gon.gov/parksrec/page/ community-christmas and central pointchamber.chambermaster.com/ events/details/community-christ mas-lights-parade-8360

Reach reporter Buffy Pollock at 541-776-8784 or bpollock@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ orwritergal

RAILROAD SHOW

COURTESY PHOTO

Santa is a special guest at the Central Point Community Christmas.

Santa’s helpers are standing by at Black Bird Shopping Center Stumped for gift ideas? Find ideas galore at local landmark

There are few constants in this world, but the Black Bird Shopping Center has stood the test of time as Medford’s North Pole for the holidays.

Long-term employees are local folks willing to help you find what you need, especially if you don’t know what that is. Browse the eclectic selection and chat with employees who want to be helpful.

“Our Black Bird staff are known for spending time with our customers, which is why people keep coming in year after year,” says Tyler Quitt, general manager. “Our employees understand the importance of taking care of the customer.”

Like chain and online stores, Black Bird carries name-brand products. Unlike those stores, Black Bird is a family-owned, “mom-and-pop on steroids” local business rooted in Southern Oregon.

“We understand that everything is costing more, so we’ve sought the best possible deals and are passing those savings on to our customers,” Quitt says. “That’s not a common practice anymore. We want people to get savings on quality items, so they get value for their money.”

Since 1965, shopping at Black Bird has been a local tradition, especially “Black Bird Friday.” The day after Thanksgiving, the doors open

at 6:30 a.m. for some of the best sales all season. Levi’s 501 Shrinkto-Fits and high-quality socks are favorite annual bargains.

“Generations of families come to this sale,” Quitt says.

A visit to Black Bird during the holidays holds a lot of nostalgia for people in the Rogue Valley. Visitors will find special “gift central” and stocking stuffer zones.

“Our joke is we have everything but the kitchen sink, but if you want one, we can order it,” Quitt says. “We hear over and over from our customers that they went everywhere looking for something and Black Bird is the only place they found it. We are also known for being willing to order special items.”

A resource for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing as well as ACE Hardware supplies, Black Bird also has some of everything from clothing to cookware. Watch for special sales this season on Weber and Traeger grills. Other hot gift ideas this year according to Quitt include:

• Ooni pizza ovens for indoor or outdoor use

• Hydro Flask and Yeti insulated beverage bottles and coolers in every size and color

• DIY starter kits for sourdough bread, kimchi, yogurt and more

• Homebrew and wine-making supplies

• Bug-A-Salt for taking down pesky insects

Shop these brands and more all Holiday Season

Quitt says they scored some deeply discounted name-brand, quality toys for the holidays. Black Bird will pass those savings on to happy parents, looking for an affordable surprise for under the tree. Additionally, parents can find recreational supplies for kids to get outside and play.

For so many in the area, it’s a holiday experience to come to Black Bird.

“We are grateful for our longtime customers who are bringing in their children and grandchildren now,” Quitt says. “When you shop at Black Bird during the holiday season, you’re supporting local families and keeping a tradition alive.”

Savor seasonal sips

TASTE, PAIR, GIFT THESE ROGUE VALLEY WINES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Jim Flint for the Mail Tribune

Around the world, people will be raising glasses to celebrate the holiday season.

With more than 85 vineyards and nearly as many wineries and tasting rooms in the region, the Rogue Valley is a great place to be when choosing a bottle for a special occasion or to pair with a holiday dinner.

Wine is for drinking, but it’s also for sharing.

Take a bottle with you as a host or hostess gift at parties, potlucks and other gatherings.

Host a bottle swap by inviting friends over for a wine gift exchange. Have your friends bring their favorite bottle of wine, festively wrapped. Then draw numbers, white elephant style, and let the exchange begin.

Get your friends or family together for a holiday wine tasting, either at home or at a Rogue Valley tasting room.

Try out some recipes for festive wine cocktails or mulled wines.

Talk to winemakers and tasting room experts for ideas on what wines to pair with the entree for your holi day feast

And you don’t need to wait until New Year’s Eve to pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly. Sparkling wines are versatile pairing wines for holiday dinners, and mimosas are a festive starter for Christmas morning breakfasts.

When it comes to wine

pairings, there are the tradi tional selections and general guidelines. You might want to opt for a riesling with a roasted bird. The acidity can help with a dry turkey and can lessen the heaviness of gravy. And a pinot noir can add depth to the gravy’s flavor.

If prime rib is on the menu, remember red wine pairs well with any red meat.

If you’re planning a switch-up to seafood this holiday, sommeliers might recommend a dry white to complement the spicy or salty flavor of your main.

We talked with experts from five local wine mer chants for their wine pairing ideas and to get their sugges tions for gift-worthy wines.

Ashland Wine Cellar

Jim Whitaker, proprietor of Ashland Wine Cellar, 357 E. Main St. in Ashland, has a couple of recommendations for gifting.

“A 2018 Domaine Berth el-Capeau Exil des Papes

Chaeauneauf-du-Pape of the

Rhone Valley has sweet black cherry and black raspberry fruit, incense, camphor and licorice aromas,” he said, “and sells for $43.95. It has big fruit flavors, balanced with fresh acids and a long finish. Pair it with lamb.”

When choosing the recip ient, Whitaker says keep in mind this wine should mature for 20 years in the cellar.

Another gift idea is the 2018 Ca’del Baio Barbaresco Vallegrande (Piedmont), also for $43.95.

“It has mint, black cherry and spice flavors, is rich mid-palate, with dusty tannins and a firm, compact finish,” he said. It’s best from 2025 through 2042 and can be paired with short ribs or boar.

Andy Phillips, at the cel lar’s shop, recommends the following holiday pairings: A 2021 Goldback Chenin Blanc (Rogue Valley) for $29.95 is crisp and fruity (pear and apple) with a clean finish. “Pair with brie, chevre

and other fresh cheeses, raw or roasted vegetables and roast turkey,” Phillips advised.

With turkey, he rec ommends a chilled 2021 Teutonic Pinot Meunier (Willamette Valley) for $36.95. “It’s a textbook T-Day wine with pretty cherry fruit and good acid balance,” he said.

A third pairing suggestion is a 2018 Northbar Cellars Tempranillo (Rogue Valley). “If you’re having prime rib, this is your wine,” he said. “It’s big, rich and complex with earth undertones.”

Grizzly Peak Winery

Naomi Fuerte of Grizzly Peak Winery, 1600 E. Nevada St., Ashland, suggests a couple of syrahs for the holidays.

“Excellent when paired with prime rib, our 2017

Syrah ($36) is deep magenta in color, a rosé that exudes aromas of ripe black plums, pomegranate, marionberry and caramelized bacon,” she said.

The wine’s tannins add balance, complexity and structure when paired with beef, and the fats in the meat make the wine even smoother.

With turkey, she recom mends a lower tannin rosé, a 2020 Syrah at $22.

“Dark and expressive, this bold, ruby red rosé is burst ing with flavors that will surprise and please any wine lover,” she said.

She says the silky, bright, fruity medium body and the snappy brown sugar finish make it an excellent holiday wine.

“The lower tannin content allows it to pair nicely with leaner meats such as turkey, but it’s still robust enough to stand up to the myriad of flavors that accompany the meal.”

For those looking for an impressive wine gift, she suggests Grizzly Peak’s limited offering of a four-vintage syrah vertical at $140.

“All the wines have won either gold or double gold,” she said, “including in this year’s Oregon Wine Experi ence competition. A vertical allows tasters to taste the effects of growing conditions in different vintages.”

The package includes a 2014 Syrah double gold, 2015 Syrah gold, 2016 Syrah double gold and 2017 Syrah double gold.

JAMIE LUSCH PHOTOS / MAIL TRIBUNE

Jim Whitaker, owner of Ashland Wine Cellar, pours wine.

Josh Kimball of Kimball’s Artisan Wines in Jacksonville says If a prime rib or steak is on the menu, he recommends a Chateau Gueyrosse 2011.

SIPS

Kimball’s Artisan Wines

Josh Kimball, shopkeeper at Kimball’s Artisan Wines, 120 S. Third St., Jacksonville, has wine pairing suggestions for three different holiday dinner entrees.

If fowl is on the menu, he suggests a Marcel Deiss 2020 Alsace Complantation (white blend) for $27.

“Alsatian wine is incredibly crowd-pleasing and especially foodfriendly,” Kimball said. “Acidity, minerality and complex structure make the region’s wines excellent choices for serving with roasted turkey.” Or any bird, for that matter — chicken, goose, duck and Cornish hens.

For game, he suggests a Guillaume Chanudet 2019 Fleurie La Madone for $24.

“Beaujolais is a wine-producing region in France featuring the delicious wines made from Gamay Noir,” he said. “The grape has a thin skin, but don’t let that fool you. It’s capable of producing a wide array of wine styles,

from the fresh and fruity to the con centrated and complex.”

If prime rib or steak is on the menu, he recommends a Chateau Gueyrosse 2011 Saint-Emillion Grand Cru for $38.

“The big flavors of roast beef really beg for red wine,” Kimball said, “and a beefy one at that. Bordeaux is a bigblended red that delivers fruity aromas of plum, cassis and dark cherry, as well as notes of truffle, dark chocolate and vanilla.”

The contrasting fruit flavors and complex notes complement the smoky and savory flavors of prime rib.

Troon Vineyard

Craig Camp, winegrower at Troon Vineyard, 1475 Kubli Road, Grants Pass (in the Applegate Valley), has two sug gestions for wines for sure-to-please gifts.

“The 2020 Troon Vineyard Syrah just received 96 points from The Wine Enthusiast Magazine,” he said. “It retails for $40. It was one of Oregon’s top-rated wines in 2022.”

The wine is produced from estate Biodynamic-certified grapes and is a richly flavored, complex wine that, while enjoyable to drink now, will

reward with five or more years of cel laring, he noted.

“Another gift-worthy wine is our 2021 Pét tanNat, a sparkling wine which was awarded 92 points and sells for $45,” Camp said.

It’s a one-of-a-kind wine produced from Troon’s estate Tannat grapes, rare in Oregon.

“It will remind you of classic French Champagne with its toasty flavors and ultra-dry style,” he said.

For pairing, Camp recommends Troon’s red and white Biodynamic blends, each selling for $25. “The richly flavored white would be ideal with turkey, and the red would be delicious with either turkey or prime rib.”

Wooldridge Creek Winery

Steve Grande, winemaker and general manager of Wooldridge Creek Winery, 818 Stage Creek Road, Grants Pass (in the Applegate Valley), says bubbles make a great gift and are perfect for celebrating.

“Our 2020 Sparkling Brut ($36) is made from 100% barrel-fermented chardonnay and offers aromas of pear, pineapple and toasted marsh mallow,” he said. “The mouthfeel is

lush and creamy as well as bright and refreshing.”

Another gift-worthy wine he sug gests is their 2017 Warrick Red Reserve ($42), blended from the best lots of that vintage and then barrel-aged.

“Composed of 50% tempranillo, 40% zinfandel and 10% malbec, it makes for a stellar food wine,” Grande said.

Pairing wines with large holiday meals can be tricky because of the vari ety of courses and flavors, but his go-to for turkey is a pinot noir.

“Our 2019 pinot ($40) displays a mix of bright fruit and cherry cola notes, along with more savory aromas of sage and cigar box, and is the wine I’ll be setting on my Turkey Day table,” he said.

For prime rib, he recommends a syrah. “Our 2019 ($40) has darker notes of incense and peppercorns that will complement the crust of a prime rib while the bright acidity, blueberry and plum flavors will rise to meet the rich ness of such a savory cut.”

It’s not too early to stock up for the holidays.

Visit your favorite Rogue Valley tasting rooms or check out websites for wineries and vineyards for ideas on wines for your holiday entertaining.

The holiday spirit

FROM GIFT-GIVING TO SERVING MEALS, COMMUNITY EFFORTS BENEFIT THOSE IN NEED

By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune

Rogue Valley residents have plenty of ways to get that warm, fuzzy feeling from volunteering or donating during the holidays.

The local Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring bells outside various stores to encourage shoppers to drop money into red kettles. Other volunteers can help as Angel Tree assistants, handing out tags to Rogue Valley Mall shoppers who want to buy gifts for kids in need, or packaging donated toys in the Christmas Tree Warehouse.

Visit volunteer.usawest. org and enter your ZIP code to browse through The Salvation Army volunteer opportunities near you.

The Salvation Army is just one of many local groups that collect donated gifts for families. At stores all around the Rogue Valley, watch for Christmas Trees decorated with tags that show the gifts kids would like for the holidays.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jackson County, which helps abused and neglected kids, has tags at almost 100 locations. Pick up a tag, then bring purchased items back to the location or to CASA’s office at 409 N. Front St., Medford between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The children and teens greatly appreciate the gifts they receive, said Erin Car penter, development and media manager for CASA of Jackson County.

“It shows that the commu nity cares about them. It goes beyond toys to include things like socks, clothing and warm coats. It’s an opportunity to make sure kids are taken care of,” Carpenter said.

She said people who want to go a step farther can host their own gift drives with friends, relatives, neighbors or co-workers, then bring the donations to CASA. Some people pick a theme, like hoodie sweatshirts for teens, sports gear or art supplies.

The Jackson County Foster

Parents Association has a Christmas tree gift tag program, as well, that brings in presents for hundreds of foster kids. Tree locations include Walmart and Rogue Valley Mall.

To learn about volunteer and donation opportuni ties to help homeless youth and their families through Maslow Project, see maslowproject.com.

The social services agency ACCESS has volunteer opportunities year-round, ranging from helping in a food bank to presenting information to potential homebuyers.

The long-running ACCESS Senior Shoebox Project is back this year after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donors and volunteers can help fill shoeboxes with gifts for seniors, people with disabilities and residents who are homebound. The shoeboxes are hand-delivered the week before Christmas.

For more information on volunteering, donating or to see a list of most needed items for the ACCESS Senior Shoebox Program, see

accesshelps.org.

Peace House in Ashland operates the Uncle Food’s Diner community meal program. Volunteers can sign up to cook or serve food, or volunteer at another event or in the office. See peacehouse. net.

Other organizations like churches also offer meals, including holiday dinners. Check with your local church about events.

To help animals, consider volunteering or donating through Friends of the Animal Shelter in Jackson County. You can walk dogs, pet cats, foster an animal while it awaits adoption, do office work, help with fundraisers and much more. Call 541-774-6651 or see fotas. org.

Southern Oregon Humane Society has similar volunteer opportu nities. See sohumane.org or call 541-779-3215.

Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541776-4486 or valdous@ rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.

MT FILE PHOTO

Medford police help transport toys donated by the community for abused and neglected kids served by CASA of Jackson County.

‘A sense of tradition’

DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT USHERS IN HOLIDAY REVELRY IN ASHLAND

By Morgan Rothborne Mail Tribune

From the day after “turkey day” to the first day of the new year, the city of Ashland would like to extend an invitation: For holiday charm and cheer, look no further.

As the sun sets at 5 p.m. Nov. 25, Santa’s arrival will inaugurate a month of festivities.

After a short procession through the streets, Santa will take his place in the Ashland plaza in time for the Festival of Light’s “grand illumination” — over 1 million twinkling lights turning on at once, bathing Ashland with a glow that Katharine Cato, director of Travel Ashland, described as an enchantment.

The lights, she explained, are a backdrop, creating an ambiance for the city as it transforms itself into a hol iday destination — as it has for three decades.

“There’s a legacy; there’s a sense of tradition,” she said, “It’s just an abundant time of year.”

This year, events are back. After two years of the pandemic casting a wet blanket over every in-per son fete, Ashland can offer a litany of events for the 2022 holiday season. Cato said Travel Ashland and Ashland Chamber of Commerce are delighted to offer more than last year’s lights, shopping and takeout.

Activities

Ashland Rotary Centen nial Ice Rink opens Nov. 19 for the season. “First Frost”

— traditionally the grand opening event for the rink — will wait until Dec. 17, due to fickle weather this time of year and staffing issues, said Lonny Flora, recreation director for Ashland Parks and Recreation.

This year’s First Frost will begin with discount family skate time at 4 p.m., followed by performances from mem bers of the Southern Oregon Figure Skating Association. After watching the profes sionals, everyone will be welcome back on the ice to skate into the night accom panied by live music.

Throughout the season, it’s best to check the rink’s schedule on its website before going out to skate, Flora explained. The rink is sometimes occupied by events like hockey practices, discount skating, known as “cheapskates,” or “Frozen Tots,” time for little ones to learn at a slow pace. The schedule and more informa tion can be found at ashland. or.us/icerink

Beginning the first day of December, Rogue World Music offers a multidimen sional sensory experience in celebration of winter. On Rogue World Music’s site, or through an app available for smartphones, music is available to play in coordination with a series of art installa tions throughout Ashland. A map and suggested routes will be available for enjoying overlapping dimensions of creativity celebrating the season of quiet, peace, joy and giving. For more information, see rogueworldmusic.org/ rwmhome.

Theater

Showings of Charles Dickens’ indispensable “A Christmas Carol” begin Nov. 17 at Oregon Cabaret Theatre. Performances of the classic will continue until New Year’s Eve. The theater will also feature performances of “White Christmas,” the 1954 musical adapted to the stage, running

from Dec.1 to Jan. 1. For tick ets or more information, see oregoncabaret.com.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival will join in the holiday celebrations with showings of the raucous musical “It’s Christmas, Carol!” running from Nov. 23 to New Year’s Day. The festival’s website described the play as “hilarious songs from the twisted minds of your favorite OSF clowns, ‘Carol!’ is a fun, uplifting and music-filled romp.” For tickets and more informa tion, see osfashland.org/en/ productions/2022-plays/itschristmas-carol.aspx.

All three plays are charac terized by their respective theaters as suitable for families and children but, in something like a movies’ PG-13 rating, expect occa sional innuendo.

Cuisine

After a season stuffed with cake, cookies, booze and all other dietary sins, probiot ics are available en masse at the Brine, Brew and Barrel Festival.

“It’s a multicultural fer mentation festival,” Cato explained, “kombucha, beer, kimchi, everything pickled.”

The festival will be Jan. 13-15 at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites this year, where fermented treats will be not only consumed, but made. For the price of a ticket, attendees can get their hands dirty making beet kvass and fermented vegetables by the jar.

A bloody Mary break fast buffet bar and a lecture sharing the ins and outs of probiotics and the gut round out the event. For tickets and more information, see oregonfermentationfest.com

The Ashland Chamber of Commerce website features a list of restaurants’ holiday hours to help with schedul ing a relaxing night out amid all the holiday cheer. See ashlandchamber.com/Page. asp?NavID=781.

Reach Mail Tribune reporter Morgan Rothborne at mrothborne@rosebudmedia.com or 541-776-4487. Follow her on Twitter @MRothborne.

Aiden Barker, Ella Barker and Joann Udyzcz play with toy lights while waiting for Santa’s parade before the Festival of Light’s “grand illumination” in downtown Ashland. MT FILE PHOTOS

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their way through downtown Ashland for the annual Festival of Light Nov. 25.

Your guide to holiday events

Clayfolk Show & Sale: The 47th annual fall Clayfolk Show and Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18-19, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Medford Armory, 1701 S. Pacific Highway, Medford. Look for everything from functional housewares to jewelry and sculpture created by more than 60 artists from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Also look for day demonstrations by ceramic artists. Admission is free. A portion of sales go towards annual scholarships for ceramics artists enrolled at a college or art school, as well as ceramics books and videos donated to Jackson and Josephine county libraries. See clayfolk.org.

Ice Skating: The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, located at 95 Winburn Way, across from the Lithia Park playground in Ashland, will open for skating Nov. 19, weather permitting. Admission is $5, $4 for ages 6-13, and free for ages 5 and younger. Skate rentals are available for $3. Concessions will be closed. The annual First Frost celebration will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and will feature live music, figure skating performances and more. All changes in participation requirements, scheduling, skating lessons and programs will be posted to the website. Call 541-552-2258 or see ashland.or.us/icerink for schedule and admission information.

Letters to Santa: Children can deliver their letters to Santa and receive a letter back from the jolly man himself. Children can drop their letters off at the Special

Delivery North Pole mailbox at the Santo Community Center, 701 N. Columbus Ave., Medford, or mail them to the same address no later than Friday, Dec. 16. All letters must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Santa will mail back a personalized letter in time for Christmas. For further information call 541-774-2400 or see playmedford.com.

Operation Joy: The Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual “Operation Joy,” which invites the community

to provide holiday cheer for elderly Community members with a holiday card. Pick up blank holiday cards at the Chamber office, 1995 N.W. Vine St., Grants Pass, along with a resident list, write a cheerful message, and return the completed cards to the chamber before Wednesday, Dec. 21, to be delivered. The chamber asks that writers forgo names and generally address cards as “Dear neighbor” or “Dear Friend.” For further information, email cswafford@grantspasschamber.

org or call 541-226-3101.

GingerBread Jubliee: The annual event, which gives artisan and community gingerbread bakers a chance to show off their skills and win prizes, also helps fund shows at the Craterian Theater through an auction of the entries. The event kicks off with a dinner gala and live auction at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. The gingerbread creations can be seen in-person from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts, 23 S. Central Ave. Admission for the gingerbread tour is $3. For further information see craterian. org/support-us/gingerbread-jubilee; for further details about the gala and tickets email aspen@craterian.org or call 541-857-8624.

Community Thanksgiving Celebration: A community Thanksgiving celebration will be held from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Olsrud building at the Jackson County Expo, 1 Peninger Road, Central Point. Features include a community dinner, dancing, a performance by comedian Horace HG Sanders and live music by Tyrone Hendrix and The PDX Soul Collection, Bishop Mayfield, Frankie Hernandez, and Jym Duane. Tickets are $25, $35 and $12 for children 12 years are younger. VIP seating packages available. For further information and tickets see communitythanksgivingcelebration.com or call 763-318-9978 or 541-324-9692.

MT FILE PHOTO

“GingerBread Farm Jubilee” by Melisa Corcoran at the annual GingerBread Jubilee at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts in Medford. See listing this page.

Turkey Trot: The annual Southern Oregon Turkey Trot 8-mile run hosted by the Southern Oregon Runners, kicks off at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 — Thanksgiving Day — at a new location this year, the Cummins building (the old Talent WalMart), 300 W. Valley View Road, Talent. The event includes a kids Turkey Dash, which starts at 7:45 a.m., the 8-mile run at 8 a.m., 5k Run/Walk begins at 8:15 a.m., and 2-mile family fun run/walk that starts at 8:30 a.m. Admission is $20, family pricing available. A food drive for the SOU food bank will be held and a portion of the proceeds will go to SOR’s Shoes for Student Runners Program which provides shoes to middle and high school athletes who would like to participate in cross country and/or track but cannot afford proper running shoes. Packet pick up and registration will be offered from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23. No day of registration will be offered; packets can be picked up same day from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. For further information and/or to sign up see sorunners.org/sorevent-info or email racedirectoramber@ gmail.com.

See bit.ly/soturkeytrot for registration and course maps. Bring cans of food the support the ACCESS food bank. A Turkey Trot also is held in Grants Pass and fea tures 5K and 2-mile runs. The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. at the YMCA, 1000 Redwood Ave., Grants Pass. See grantspassymca. org for registration and details. Siskiyou Woodcraft Guild: The Siskiyou Woodcraft Guild will present its 41st annual Harvest Show of Fine Woodwork ing, held Thanksgiving weekend from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Carpenter Hall, 44 S. Pioneer St., Ashland, across from the Bowmer Theatre. See furniture, carvings, turned bowls and more made by over 15 guild members guild members from local, domestic and imported wood. An ongoing virtual gallery show featur ing the opportunity to view and purchase work is also available on the guild’s website. Admission is free. See siskiyou woodcraftguild.org.

Railroad Show: Explore railroad history and hobby model trains at the 43rd annual Rogue Valley Railroad Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, in

Seven Feathers Event Center at the Expo, 1 Penniger Road, Central Point. More than two dozen exhibits will display model trains, toy trains, local railroad history and more. Look for model train vendors, a swap meet, raffles and more. Admission is $5, $1 for ages 6 through 12, free for ages 5 and younger. Proceeds benefit the programs at Medford Railroad Park. Email rogueval leyrailroadshow@gmail.com or see @ roguevalleyrailroadshowmedfordpark on Facebook.

Wreath-making at Hanley Farm: Learn to make your own holiday wreath during Southern Oregon Historical Society’s annual family-friendly event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Hanley Farm, 1053 Hanley Road, Central Point. Wreath-making kits will available for purchase. Kits include a grapevine base, choice of greens and berries, wire and clippers. Volunteers will be on site to give wreath-making advice. Warm drinks and snacks for purchase. For details, see sohs.org.

Beekman House Christmas Tour: See how Christmas was celebrated in the late 1800s and learn about holiday tradition origins during guided tours from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 26-Dec. 19, at the historic Beekman House, 470 E. California St., Jackson ville. One-hour tours will begin every 20 minutes. Learn the Victorian origins of popular Christmas traditions and about typical Victorian presents the Beekmans exchanged, find the good luck German pickle on the Christmas tree, hear how Clement Moore and Charles Dickens reinvented the holiday and sample one of Mrs. Beekman’s sugar cookies. Also look for “Mrs. Beekman’s Christmas Bazaar,” which has antiques, collect ibles, old-fashioned toys, hand-crafts, holiday items and more available for purchase. Admission to the “bazaar” is free. Tickets for the tour are $10, $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Tours are not recommended for children under 6 years, and groups are limited to eight people at a time. You do not need to go on a tour to attend “Mrs. Beekman’s Christmas Bazaar.” For tickets and further information see historicjackson ville.org/victorian-christmas. Proceeds from both the tours and the bazaar go toward maintenance of Jacksonville’s historic buildings, programs and events. For questions call 541-245-3650 or email info@historicjacksonville.org.

Kick off the holidays with us!

Safeway | Providence Festival of Trees returns in person this year with all the sparkle, fun and holiday spirit you remember:

F Spectacular, uniquely decorated trees

F Teddy Bear Hospital

F Live entertainment F Pictures with Santa Public Show Medford Armory 1701 S. Paci c Hwy., Medford Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(On Sunday, kids 12 and younger get in free!)

Proceeds bene t patient services at Providence Medford Medical Center.

ProvidenceFoundations.org/medfordfestival

Magical Christmas Murals: Downtown Grants Pass will sparkle with the fiber-optic dazzle of 20 musical Christ mas murals and giant nutcrackers through New Year’s Day. The murals weigh 400 pounds each and include sound systems that play the old-fash ioned Christmas music. The murals, created by local artisans, are 12 inches thick, 10 feet tall, 5 feet wide and are wired with miles of fiber optic cable and thousands of points of lights. A map of mural locations is available in the down town welcome center.

Studio Roxander’s ‘The Nutcracker Ballet’: Studio Roxander returns to the stage with their annual full-length produc tion of “The Nutcracker.” Guest artists from Philadelphia Ballet include Ashton Roxander and Sydney Dolan (Dec. 16-18 only). Productions are scheduled for 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 9-18, at the Crater Performing Arts Center, 655 N. Third St., Central Point. Tickets are $12-$28. For details and tickets see stu dioroxander.com or call 541-773-7272.

Providence Festival of Trees: The 2022 Providence Festival of Trees will open the doors to a winter wonderland from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4, at the Medford Armory, 1701 S. Pacific Highway, Medford. The festival also features live entertainment by local performers and musicians. Admission tickets, sold at the door, are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 3-12. Kids 2 and younger will be admitted free. Proceeds from this year’s event will help fund behavioral health programs at Providence Medford Medical Center and Providence Medical Group clinics. For further information see foundation. providence.org/oregon/southernoregon/ events/festival-of-trees.

Medford Winter Lights Festival: Medford Parks and Recreation will hold its allages holiday celebration from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Pear Blossom Park near the Commons, at Fourth and Bartlett streets. The annual event will include a coloring contest for kids in the Lithia Lobby, photos with Santa, live performances, a candy cane hunt for kids, booths, activities and a fireworks show. The kids candy cane hunt kicks off the event at 4:30 p.m. For more info, call 541774-2400 or see playmedford.com.

Spectrum Concert: The Southern Oregon University Spectrum Concert, directed by Christine Lundahl, will showcase a wide variety music and is a sample of the many different ensembles at SOU including Choir, Wind, Percussion, Jazz, SOU’s commercial music group MUSIX, and more, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Music Recital Hall, 450 S. Mountain Ave., on the Southern Oregon University campus in Ashland. Admission is free; a livestream will be available at youtu.be/6Li_exRlk7Q. For further information see oca.sou.edu or call 541-552-6348.

Talent Community Tree Lighting: The city of Talent will hold a community Christmas tree lighting celebration at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Talent Community Hall, 206 E. Main St., Talent. The event will feature a performance by Carolyn’s Community Carolers, live music, a sing-along with host Geoffrey Riley, refreshments, arts and crafts tables, visits with Santa and more. For further information see cityoftalent.org or call 541-535-1566. Breakfast with Santa: Kids and their families can have breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Santo Community Center, 701 N. Columbus Ave., Medford. The event will be held in two sessions — from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and 10 to 11 a.m. Admission

is $6 for ages 16 and older, free for children 12 and younger. Each session is limited to 125 people. For further details call 541-774-2400 or see playmedford. com.

Stillpoint Ballet Company ‘The Nutcracker’: The Stillpoint Ballet Company will present the 31st annual performance of “The Nutcracker Ballet” at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center, 313 N.E. Olive St., Grants Pass. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 10-18. Tickets for Section A are $20; Section B tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for youth ages 3 to 17, Military members and seniors 62 and older. For further information, see gpnutcracker.org or call 541-476-4641.

Pop-up Hanukkah Gift Shop: Stop by for all your Hanukkah needs including candles, menorahs, dreidels, gifts and more from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Friday, Dec. 11-16, at the Chabad of Southern Oregon, 1474 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland. For further information call 541-482-2778.

Children’s Hanukkah Fair: Chabad of Southern Oregon will host a Children’s Hanukkah Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Chabad of Southern Oregon,

SEE EVENTS, 15

EVENTS

From Page 14

1474 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland. Kids of all ages can tie-dye beanies, decorate doughnuts, make a Menorah, play in a Rainbow dreidel playoff, get their groove on in a Hanukkah dance challenge and more. Registration is required. For further information or to register see Chabadofashland.org/Chanukah2022 or call 541-482-2778.

‘Holly-Days’: The Holly Theatre, located at 226 W. Sixth St., Medford, will host its third annual “Holly-Days” spectacular from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, with refreshments and live music. The free concert will be held outdoors beneath the Holly’s iconic marquee at Sixth and Holly streets in downtown Medford and feature an array of musical holiday standards. Hot drinks and cookies will be served. The concert will coincide with Medford’s Third Friday Art Walk. For more information see

hollytheatre.org or find Holly Theatre on Facebook.

Hanukkah Faire: The Havurah Synagogue will host their annual Hanukkah Faire, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Havurah Synagogue, 185 N. Mountain Ave., Ashland.

Hot potato latkes, a traditional Hanukkah treat, will be for sale with all the trimmings. The festivities include Hanukkah menorah making, beeswax candle rolling, playing the dreidel game and face painting. At approximately 5:45 p.m. Rabbi David Zaslow will lead the communal candle lighting and songs (everyone is invited to bring their own menorah), followed by a Hanukkah story by storyteller, Debra Zaslow. More Hanukkah songs will follow led by Para Rabbi Cyrise Beatty Schachter and the Asiyah Trio. The fair is free and open to all. For further details call 541-488-7716.

Ashland Hanukkah Celebration: The Chabad Jewish Center of Southern Oregon will hold their 19th annual Hanukkah celebration

Weekly holiday listings

See our weekly Tempo e-edition each Friday at mailtribune.com for listings of holiday events.

on the first night of Hanukkah beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Plaza in downtown Ashland. Events begin with the ceremony of lighting of a 10 foot menorah. The festivities will include local dignitaries, the Great Chocolate Coin Drop, live music, latkes and doughnuts for sale, singing of traditional Hanukkah songs and more. This event will be held regardless of weather conditions. For further information see chabadofashland.org/Chanukah2022 or call 541-482-2778.

Grants Pass Hanukkah Party:

The Chabad Jewish Center of Southern Oregon will hold their annual Hanukkah celebration at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at the Redwood Grange, 1830 Redwood Ave., Grants Pass. Events begin with the ceremony of lighting a 10-foot menorah. The festivities

will include local dignitaries, live music, latkes and doughnuts for sale, singing of traditional Hanukkah songs and more. This event will be held regardless of weather conditions. For further information see chabadofashland.org/Chanukah2022 or call 541-482-2778.

Medford Hanukkah Celebration: The Chabad Jewish Center of Southern Oregon will hold their annual Hanukkah celebration at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, in downtown’s Vogel Plaza, at the corner of Central Avenue and Main Street. Events begin with the ceremony of lighting of a 10-foot menorah. The festivities will include local dignitaries, live music, latkes and doughnuts for sale, singing of traditional Hanukkah songs and more. This event will be held regardless of weather conditions. For further information see chabadofashland.org/Chanukah2022 or call 541-482-2778.

New York Jewish Pop Up Deli: The Chabad Jewish Center will hold a pop-up New York-style deli

from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 21-22, at the Chabad Center, 1474 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland. Authentic New York deli classics such as pastrami sandwiches will be served along with latkes and donuts. Also look for Hanukkah music, games of dreidel and lighting of the menorah at 6 p.m. Other menu items include matzah ball soup and kugel. For further information see chabadofashland.org/Chanukah2022 or call 541-482-2778.

Last Night Hanukkah Celebration:

The Chabad Jewish Center of Southern Oregon will celebrate the last night of Hanukkah at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, at the Plaza in downtown Ashland, by lighting up the entire 10-foot menorah. Festivities also include live music, latkes and doughnuts for sale, singing of traditional Hanukkah songs and more. This event will be held regardless of weather conditions. For further information see chabadofashland.org/Chanukah2022 or call 541-482-2778.

Return to bygone holidays

HISTORICAL JACKSONVILLE MAKES THE SEASON BRIGHT WITH VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

By Jim Flint for the Mail Tribune

Many small towns across America celebrate Christmas with a zest and pageantry that rival those of large cities with much bigger budgets.

Count Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas as an example. It draws big crowds of visitors and locals with its old-fashioned holiday celebration.

This year’s festivities kick off on “small business Saturday,” Nov. 26, with a tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 206 N. Fifth St., and an after-lighting party from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jacksonville Community Center, 160 E. Main St.

Special activities and tours will continue each weekend through Dec. 18, with Jacksonville Merchants decked out for the season and ready for holiday shoppers.

The Victorian Christmas parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, along California Street.

“Community organizations and businesses who want to participate can contact the chamber or go online and complete a parade entry form,” said Amanda Moreira, director of the Jack sonville Chamber of Commerce, event sponsor. To enter online, go to jack sonvilleoregon.org and click through to “Events” and “Victorian Christmas.” Tickets for other events and tours are available at the same site.

In addition to officially scheduled events, musical ensembles will perform informally throughout the downtown area, adding to the festive atmosphere.

“There will be carolers, a harpist, the one-off a cappella group here and there — and more,” said Moreira.

Father Christmas will be available 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for family photos on weekends between Nov. 27 and Dec. 18. Visitors are welcome to take their own photos at no charge. There will not be a professional photographer. The jolly man can be found near the Third and California streets entrance

of Beekman Bank.

Visitors are invited to experience how Christmas was celebrated during the late 1800s when they tour the historical C.C. Beekman House Museum, at 470 E. California St., the former home of Jacksonville’s wealthiest pioneer family.

There will be presentations, displays, music and samples of Mrs. Beekman’s sugar cookies. The Beekman Christmas Bazaar will offer toys, crafts, collect ibles and other popular Victorian-era gifts for sale.

Victorian-costumed docents will con duct tours of the Beekman House every 20 minutes between noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tour groups are limited to eight persons each and are not recommended for children under age 6. Tour tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Admission to the bazaar is free.

Wagon and trolley rides are a

Jacksonville holiday tradition, enjoyed by individuals, couples, families and groups of friends.

Horse-drawn wagon rides will be provided by a third-party vendor Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 3-4. Passengers can board in front of City Hall.

Narrated holiday trolley tours will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Jacksonville the first three weekends in December on Saturdays and Sundays.

Private Christmas Light Show trolley rides will be offered between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 1-23 to tour neighborhoods lit up for the season. The tours are about an hour in duration and can be booked only by private parties of up to 20 guests per tour.

Moreira said the rides are a great way for people to get into the holiday spirit, singing along to their favorite songs as they see the sights. Tickets are available on the chamber website.

A toy drive, coordinated by Brodie

Dental, will collect gifts for children in need. Participants can pick up an Angel Tree gift tag from the holiday tree in the dental office and return an unwrapped gift matching the information pro vided on the tag. Gifts and their tags can be returned to Brodie Dental or to The Salvation Army where they will be distributed in time for Christmas. For more information, call 541-899-8833.

The chamber is accepting donations to help fund the Victorian Christmas celebration and other events. Donations can be made online at the chamber’s website, or checks can be sent to Jack sonville Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 33, Jacksonville, OR 97530.

Jacksonville merchants will cater to holiday shoppers, and local restaurants and tasting rooms will offer special holiday fare.

For more information, updates and tickets, see jacksonvilleoregon.org or call the chamber at 541-899-8118.

MT FILE PHOTO

Carolers in Victorian garb bring life to the streets during Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas.

Rogue Valley Santa sightings

JOLLY OL’ MAN IN THE RED SUIT MAKES HIS ROUNDS OF LOCAL TOWNS

By Kevin Opsahl Mail Tribune

Oh, oh, oh! Who wouldn’t go? With so many ways to see or meet Santa during the holiday season in the Rogue Valley, it would be hard for any family willing to embrace the Christmas spirit to say “no!” to the opportunity.

Community venues hosting Santa (and sometimes, his wife, Mrs. Claus, as well as Donner and Blitzen) run the gauntlet from The Village at Medford Center to Providence Community Health Foundation.

“Santa is for the whole family,” Leslie Lundin, co-owner of The Village. “He’s someone that is a good listener and completely nonjudgmental — ‘Open up and tell me whatever you want,’ and Santa will appreciate it. It’s like a little Santa therapy.”

The following is a list of events and organizations hosting Santa in 2022.

Rogue Valley Mall

Santa will be in the Center Courtyard near Macy's Home Store, 1600 N. Riv erside Ave., Medford. A “soft opening” is scheduled for Nov. 23, with an official opening Nov. 25. Santa’s set will close Christmas Eve.

The dates and times to see Santa and get pictures taken with him are: Nov. 25-Dec. 15: Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 2:30 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.

Dec. 16-22: Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.; Sat urday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 2:30 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 23: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 24: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:45-5 p.m.

Ashland Festival of Light

The festival will be at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, in downtown Ashland. The parade will start at the county library branch and end at the downtown

plaza. Santa will be part of the parade, organizers said, but details of his involvement beyond that portion of the festival are still being worked out. There is no cost to attend the parade.

Providence Festival of Trees

The public viewing, put on by Provi dence Community Health Foundation, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Med ford Armory, 1701 S. Pacific Highway, Medford.

Central Point Parade and tree lighting

The parade will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, along Pine Street. The tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. the same day, behind City Hall, 140 S. Third St., and the library, 116 S. Third St.

Breakfast with Santa

The event will be held in two sessions: 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 10-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Santo Community Center, 701 N. Columbus Ave., Medford. Admission is free for children, $6 for ages 16 and older. Each session is limited to 125 people.

Medford Winter Lights Festival

The city of Medford will host its event from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday Dec. 3, at Pear Blossom Park, 204 N. Bartlett St., Medford. There is no cost of admission.

Selfies with Santa

The Village at Medford Center will kick off “Selfies with Santa,” 3-6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26, 711 Medford Center, Medford. The event

runs every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. There is no cost to attend, but donations are encouraged because the event features a different Santa every week who is supporting a different local charity.

Jacksonville

The Victorian Christmas tree lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at New City Hall, 206 N. Fifth St., Jacksonville. Residents can catch Father Christmas again from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27, and weekends through Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Beekman Bank, California and Third Street, Jacksonville. There is no charge for taking your own photos with Father Christmas.

Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-7764476 or kopsahl@rosebudmedia.com.

MT FILE PHOTO

Julie DeRurange takes a picture of her son, Lincoln, with Santa at the Providence Festival of Trees at the Medford Armory.

Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas

An Old Fashioned, Small Town Holiday Celebration

Saturday, November 26th

10:00 am-5:00 pm: Small Business Saturday

5 pm: Christmas Tree Lighting at New City Hall (also live streaming on Facebook @JacksonvilleOregon and Instagram

@visitjacksonvilleoregon)

6:00 pm -8:00 pm: “After the Tree Lighting Party” at the Community Center

Sunday, November 27th

11:00 am-4:00pm: Father Christmas

Saturday, December 3rd

10:00 am: Victorian Christmas Parade

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

11/26 & 11/27 and 12/3 & 12/4 from 12-3pm

December Weekend Activities

3&4, 10&11, 17&18

10:30am-2:30pm: Holiday Trolley Tours

11:00 am-4:00 pm: Father Christmas and musicians

11:00am-5:00pm: Holiday Treasures Show & Angels Art Show at Art Presence

Historic Beekman House Tours

Weekend tours Nov. 26 - Dec. 18 12-3pm

Private Trolley Tours for Christmas Light Show

December 1 - 23rd. Reservations required.

Salvation Army Angel Tree: Tag pick-up at Brodie Dental

Set the holiday stage

SEASONAL PERFORMANCES ARE SLATED IN MEDFORD, ASHLAND, TALENT

By Jim Flint for the Mail Tribune

If you’re like most people, the holidays are a busy time — preparing for visi tors, planning holiday meals, shopping for gifts, enter taining friends and family.

It’s definitely a period where some “me time” can provide a well-earned respite. And what better reward for all your hard work than a night out at the theater?

Audiences are well-served in the Rogue Valley, with a variety of plays and musicals playing this holiday season.

Craterian Theater

Rodgers and Hammer stein’s “Cinderella” is Teen Musical Theater of Oregon’s production for the holidays, set for Dec. 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Craterian Theater, 23 S. Central Ave., Medford. It’s the Broadway adaptation of the classic musical, with a contempo rary take.

The score includes some of Rodgers and Hammer stein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” along with the hilari ous and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Doug las Carter Beane.

“TMTO isn’t creating any new videos this year,” said Stephen McCandless of the Craterian, “since we’re back to live stage productions for our holiday season. We wish we had the resources to do

a live show and do another ‘Countdown to Christmas,’ but the video series was pretty much like doing a fullscale production.”

However, the Christmas videos from the past two years are available online in the theater’s YouTube channel.

For links, updates and tick ets, see craterian.org.

Randall Theatre

“Nunsense” plays Dec. 2-18 for a multiweekend run at Randall Theatre, 115 E. Main St., Medford, with

Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

In the zany musical, the Little Sisters of Hoboken are on a mission after a mishap with tainted soup results in the deaths of their sister nuns. They find themselves without enough funds to properly bury them, so they decide to put on a show to raise the money they need — before the health inspector opens their freezers.

Purchase tickets at ran dalltheatre.com.

Oregon Cabaret Theatre

Oregon Cabaret is mount ing two holiday shows this season — one at the Cab aret, 241 Hargadine St. in Ashland, and another at Oregon Shakespeare Festi val’s Thomas Theatre, 15 S. Pioneer St. in Ashland.

“A Christmas Carol,” the Charles Dickens classic, will play on the Cabaret stage from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. It tells the story of the miserly curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge, visited on Christ mas Eve by three spirits

intent on setting him on the unlikely path to redemption.

Playgoers are given the option of including dinner with the show, served 90 minutes before curtain time.

Matinees start at 1 p.m., and evening shows are at 8 p.m. For more information and to order tickets, see ore goncabaret.com.

Cabaret also will present the classic musical, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” but on the stage of OSF’s Thomas Theatre. Performances are scheduled Dec. 1 through Jan. 1, with matinees at 1:30 p.m. and evening shows at 8 p.m.

The story is about two World War II vets with a suc cessful song-and-dance act who, with romance in mind, follow two beautiful sing ing sisters en route to their Christmas show in a Vermont lodge. The lodge happens to be owned by the vets’ former Army commander, who is in desperate need of help with his struggling lodge.

“We were thrilled when Nataki (Garrett, OSF artistic director) approached us in 2019 with the possibility of bringing ‘White Christmas’ to OSF in 2020,” said Valerie Rachelle, Cabaret artistic director.

“She had seen that ‘White Christmas’ had been announced to be produced in our 2020 season. At that time, OSF wasn’t producing a holiday show.”

The pandemic interrupted, but as it waned, discussions of the collaboration resumed and the 2022 dates were set.

PHOTO BY JENNY GRAHAM

From left, Lisa Birnbaum, Armando Duran and Lynette Rathnam starred in last year’s “It’s Christmas, Carol!” The 2022 iteration of the show opens Nov. 23 in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Bowmer Theatre.

STAGE

OSF will host with its crew, house management, equipment and box office. But the show is fully produced by Oregon Cabaret, providing performers, designers, director, choreographer, etc.

Featured players include Galloway Stevens and Jonathan Luke Stevens.

OSF Executive Director David Schmitz said OSF is excited to make the Thomas available to the Cabaret at the same time the festival is producing its own holiday show.

“We are absolutely interested in future collaborations,” Schmitz said, “and we’re eager to see how this partnership with OCT works out for all involved.

“We’re looking forward to the learnings from this year to hopefully find a repeatable model,” he said.

Purchase tickets to “White Christmas,” at osfashland.org.

Camelot Theatre

“Matilda,” the Broadway smash musical about an extraordinary girl

who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny, will be presented by Camelot Theatre, 101 Talent Ave. in Talent, Nov. 23 through 31. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. and matinees are at 2 p.m., including on Dec. 24 and 31.

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s novel, the Tony Award-winning musical is about a girl with psychokinetic powers. Unloved by her parents, she impresses and is loved by her schoolteacher. The play is packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs.

For more information and tickets, see camelottheatre.org.

Collaborative Theatre Project

“Little Women,” Kate Hamill’s take on the beloved classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, will be produced Nov. 25 through Jan. 1 by Collaborative T heatre Project.

The story is about four dreamers — Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March — destined to be imperfect little women. Semiautobiographical, it’s loosely based on the lives of the author and her three sisters.

All performances are at the CTP

theater, 555 Medford Center, across from Cold Stone Creamery.

For tickets and more information, go to ctpmedford.org or call the box office at 541-779-105 5.

Rogue Theater Company

A one-man show, starring OSF veteran actor David Kelly, will be presented by Rogue Theater Company on the Grizzly Peak Winery stage, 1600 E. Nevada St., Ashland, at 2 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1-4 and 6-10.

“Every Brilliant Thing” is the story of a man who begins writing a list, at the age of 7 when his mother first attempts suicide, of every brilliant thing that makes life worth living.

While the play tackles the serious topics of mental health and depression, it also is filled with humor, joy and hope. Caroline Shaffer directs.

Tickets can be purchased at roguetheatercompany.com.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

OSF will present its second annual holiday special, “It’s Christmas, Carol!”, Nov. 23 through Jan. 1. The song-filled parody was written by

Mark Bedard, Brent Hinkley and John Tufts, who return to star in the 2022 production at the Bowmer Theatre in Ashland.

The three men, each with an impressive theatrical resume, have chalked up a collective total of 35 seasons with OSF. Pirronne Yousefzadeh directs.

The story is about businesswoman Carol Scroogenhouse, who is taken by three ghosts through time and space to reckon with how she’s abandoned humanity for hollow capitalism.

“The playwrights are rewriting the show to make it faster and even more hilarious,” said OSF Executive Director David Schmitz.

“If you saw the show last year, you absolutely must see it again, as there will be new musical numbers, new jokes and new hilarity,” he said. “And there are some new actors, including Erica Sullivan (Scroogenhouse) and Christiana Clark (the Narrator)”

For more information and to purchase tickets, see osfashland.org.

Reach freelance writer Jim Flint at jimflint.ashland@yahoo.com.

Wrapped and ready

TAKE A LOOK AT 15 UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FROM ASHLAND SHOPS

By Jim Flint for the Mail Tribune

When Ashland flips the switch Nov. 25 to turn on more than a million lights, downtown comes alive with the holiday spirit.

The annual Festival of Light Celebration signals Ashland is ready to celebrate the season with unique gifts, tastes and flavors. The spec tacular “grand illumination” turns the Ashland Plaza and downtown into a magical wintertime fairyland.

Ashland all dressed up for the holidays has attracted national attention in the past, often featured on the Hallmark Channel. But locals and visitors alike find Ashland’s unique collection of boutiques, shops and eateries combine for a plea surable holiday shopping experience.

You can preview and buy local offerings online at stores’ websites or at Ashland Chamber of Com merce’s independent retail website, shopashlandore gon.com.

But the fun is in browsing local shops in person to find those special gifts, discover what’s new and enjoy Ash land’s personal customer service that matches the spirit of the season.

And when you need a break, Ashland’s many restaurants, bistros and pubs are ready to welcome you with tasty food and drink.

Following are some ideas

to get you started, with a sampling of unique gifts available at Ashland sh ops.

■ Ruth Bader Ginsburg crew socks, black or striped, from the Crown Jewel, 266 E. Main St. Handmade in Concord, Massachusetts, by Maggie

Stern, these RBG socks are an instant classic, commemorating the U.S. Supreme Court justice. $15.

■ “The Last Chairlift” by one of the world’s greatest novelists, John Irving, from Bloomsbury Books, 290 E. Main St. This 900-page epic is his first novel in seven years — part ghost story, part love story and a lifetime of sexual politics. By the author of “The Cider House Rules” and “The World

According to Garp.” $38.

■ Divinity three-tone diamond stackers from Gold & Gems Fine Jewelry, 25 N. Main St. These C&R stackers are handmade by Ron at Gold

& Gems. The ring set comes with one 14-karat rose gold, one 14-karat yellow gold and one 14-karat white gold ring, featuring ½ carat of fine dia monds in each. $2,990.

■ White gold opal and diamond pendant from Art FX Fine Jewelry, 45 E. Main St. A gift to treasure, with a 14-karat white gold pendant, 3.5-carat Australian boulder opal, .05-carat bezel-set round white diamond and .03-carat bezel-set round green diamond. $1,495.

■ Wax & Wool pure soy wax candle from The Websters, 11 N. Main St. “Evergreen State” captures the scent of an oldgrowth forest. Rich in complex notes of cypress, pine, spruce and sandalwood, with a punch of citrus and base notes of moss and musk. $25.

MT FILE PHOTO

Pam Hammond restocks gifts inside Paddington Station in downtown Ashland.

COURTESY PHOTO

Ruth Bader Ginsburg crew socks.

COURTESY PHOTO

Divinity three-tone diamond stackers.

COURTESY PHOTO White gold opal and diamond pendant.

COURTESY PHOTO

Wax & Wool pure soy wax candle.

COURTESY PHOTO

“The Last Chairlift” by John Irving.

■ Wizard Potion Kit for the creative youngster from Tree House Books, 15 N. Main St. The set is full of supplies and enchanted objects that can inspire as well as aid in studies of the natural magical world, all stored in a secret book box, disguised for the bookshelf. $20.

■ Thai saa lamp from Ignition Gallery, 40 N. Main St. This Asianstyle plumeria flowers lamp is made of mulberry paper and other natural materials, providing subdued, ambient light. $29.95.

■ Heritage steel 13.5-inch French skillet with lid for the chef on your list from The Culinarium, 270 E. Main St. The skillet features a large, flat cooking surface, excellent for crepes, French toast, grilled sandwiches and large sautés. $299.95.

■ Peanut brittle from Branson’s Chocolates, 1662 Siskiyou Blvd. If you’re a chocolate lover, you already know Branson’s very well. Their peanut brittle is salty-sweet with a buttery, nutty crunch, made with cane sugar, non-GMO corn syrup and real butter. $8.25.

■ Flannel pajamas from Paddington Jewel Box, 180 E. Main St. This designer PJ set amps up the cute factor and comes in many sizes and prints. They’re designed for a cozy, comfortable sleep with fashionable good looks. $64.95.

■ Eco-friendly wood toy from Paddington Station, 125 E. Main St. Made in Thailand by Plan Toys, this sustainable play set will provide hours of engagement for the creative child. $40.

■ Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 binoculars from Northwest Nature Shop, 154 Oak St. Just the ticket for the bird watcher. All-terrain, waterproof, fogproof with extra-low dispersion glass elements to enhance brightness and color. $479.95.

■ Ottolock bike lock from Piccadilly Cycles, 525 A St., Suite 1. Designed for quick stops and protecting against opportunity theft, it has a starting weight of 145 grams and coils to a compact 3-inch diameter. $75

■ Lavender Petit Voyage Collection from Pelindaba Lavender, 30 N. Main St. This collection contains a half bar

of lavender castile soap and a .34 fluid ounce lavender lip balm, purse-sized for traveling or as a gift or elegant party favor. $21.

■ Blue Dream wrap from Heart & Hands Boutique, 255 E. Main St. This doubled silk charmeuse wrap is 72 inches long by 16 inches wide, sumptuous and luxurious for all seasons. It pairs nicely with a mask made from the same material, as well as with organic cotton. $240.

These are just a few gift suggestions from Ashland’s unique shops. Google other Ashland stores and check out shopashlandoregon.com for more ideas for your gift list.

Or, better yet, browse the stores in person for an up-close look and personal service.

Reach freelance writer Jim Flint at jimflint.ashland@yahoo.com.

SPONSOR JAMES COLLIER

Chorale Christmas

Dr. Jerron Jorgensen, Music Director

COURTESY PHOTOS Wizard Potion Kit.

Ottolock bike lock.