Community Calendar

Join facilitator Marla Estes each month to watch fascinating and insightful videos carefully selected to explore ways to depolarize and then engage in a facilitated discussion to help integrate new perspectives. “Shakespeare Behind Bars” offers a powerful opportunity to explore humanization and shared humanity. This is a film about what happens when people are allowed to be more than the worst thing they’ve done.

Casual meetings once a month (except December) to increase awareness of the work Community Works does for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking in Jackson County, Oregon, and to further the mission of Community Works. Each month we explore new subjects that are educational and offer opportunities for interesting discussion. Along with this, we have project ideas for helping to lift our clients and the community. Community Works is here to bring HOPE, SUPPORT, and EMPOWERMENT to those impacted by violence.

New Day Breakfast at the Bellevue Grange in Ashland

Topic and presentation: Friday, October 21st 8:00-9:30 am

New Spirit Village is a nationally significant pilot project addressing the affordable housing crisis. Kathryn and Barry Thalden will walk us through this charming neighborhood of 87 homes, which will begin construction this fall in Medford. The not-for-profit development utilizes revolutionary ideas and new technology (including 3-D concrete printed walls) to address the concerns of fire, inadequate low-cost housing, and multigenerational financial inequity, providing the opportunity to change people lives by creating a safe, attractive, livable, and stable community.

Deer Resistant Planting

For our February meeting our guest speaker is Jordan Land. He is an engaging presenter so bring your questions!

"Choosing Deer Resistant Plants: we'll navigate planting gardens and landscapes in Southern Oregon that naturally work to discourage browsing from deer, rabbits, and more. Is there truly such a thing as a deer-proof plant? We'll find out together!"

Jordan Land has been helping folks grow their green thumb since starting working the nursery aisles at Grange Co-op in 2007. As Youth & Community Outreach Coordinator, he currently helps oversee local give-back efforts including education, public gardens, and work with students in agricultural programs such as 4-H and FFA.

Jacksonville is celebrating Lunar New Year on Saturday Feb.21 10AM-3PM. Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association sponsoring art, dance, music, food, lectures, craft and exhibits from Asian cultures. All events are free and open to the public. Community and cultural groups are encouraged to participate: see our website for application and requirements. Deadline for application is January 30, 2026.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., Jessica Sage, founder of the Rogue Theater Company, will present "Rogue Rising:  Past Triumphs, Present Magic, Future Dreams" in the Gresham Room of the Ashland Public Library.  

Jessica's presentation is part of the Annual Meeting of Friends of the Ashland Public Library and is free and open to the public.  Her speech will celebrate the journey of the Rogue Theater Company, from its launch and landmark productions to the artists who have joined the ride.  See what's ahead for this highly successful theater company born right here in the Rogue Valley!

https://friendsofashlandlibrary.org

Misinformation and disinformation are undermining our democracy. We need to know how to identify them. Join us to explore how we can do it.
Thomas Jefferson summed up a critical element required of us in defense of our democracy: “An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.” Recognizing and thwarting misinformation and disinformation are essential components in generating and maintaining an informed citizenry and defending our democracy. These are the scourge of credible journalism. Regrettably, increasingly the forces of darkness seek to overtake society with conspiracy hoaxes driven by misinformation and disinformation. They are often enabled by a citizenry seeking stories that appeal to their confirmation bias rather offer credible information that may challenge that bias.
That we all need to be able to recognize misinformation and disinformation when it knocks on our door is clear. For those in the credible news arena, it’s even more important that misinformation and disinformation should be identified and given no quarter. Bert Etling, Executive Director of Ashland.news, will offer his perspectives on this troubling issue and share advice on how we can recognize this fraud when it appears.

Chris will share how ancient and traditional staple foods are increasingly being grown throughout the Rogue Valley, changing the direction of how locals think about farming and food.

Come join us at the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center on Sunday, March 1st from 1-3pm to cross-country ski with two of our local avalanche forecasters from the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center! Please come ready to hit the ski trails with gear ready or already rented by 1pm. We will meet outside the main lodge. Previous cross-country skiing experience is required, and dress in layers. We will be learning about snow science and avalanche preparedness while skiing along an easy trail.

Yoga classes for beginners and 50+
Stretching and breathwork