Gentle Yoga for Older Adults
2023-12-11 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-12-18 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ashland Senior Center, 1699 Homes Avenue, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
The focus of this one-hour hatha yoga class is to increase strength, flexibility and balance while simultaneously alleviating stress and fatigue. Additional benefits of regular yoga practice include an overall sense of well-being and an increase in self-awareness and self-acceptance. Participants must be aware of their own capabilities in order to participate safely. Ability to get up and down from the floor is required. Each class will conclude with deep relaxation. Ages 50 & up.
$20 per month-long session ($5/class)

Line dancing for older adults
2023-12-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-12-18 13:00 - 14:30 | The Grove, 1195 E Main St, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Get active through dance! Line Dance is a choreographed dance in which participants line up in rows and follow a repeated sequence of steps to music. It is a great way to keep your brain on its toes!
Line dancing enhances balance, provides fitness and strength and improves mental acuity through complex movement. No partner is required. Pre-registration required: ashland.or.us/register or 541-488-5342.

SOU Choirs - Fall Concert - "A Choral Showcase"
2023-12-11 19:30 - 21:00 | 450 S Mountain Ave, Southern Oregon University Music Building, Ashland OR 97520, 450 S Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR, 97520
Join us for the Fall Choirs Concert featuring the Southern Oregon University Chamber and Concert Choirs at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at the SOU Music Recital Hall. Directed by Jerron Jorgensen.
Free livestream available: https://youtube.com/live/ZWzAlBC7bE0?feature=share
Tickets are $15/general public, $10/seniors, free for SOU students, faculty, and staff.
Accommodations available! Accessible seating and listening devices are available upon request. Please inquire at the OCA Box Office to reserve.

Hanukkah Public Menorah lighting in Grants Pass
2023-12-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Riverside Park, 304 E. Park St., Grants Pass, OR, United States
There will be a public menorah lighting at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Riverside Park’s Waterfront Pavilion in Grants Pass.
The lighting will commemorate the sixth night of Chanukah, and will feature local dignitaries, music, latkes and donuts for sale, a gift shop, and more. Security will be present.
Visit chabadofashland.org/Chanukah2023 for more information.

The Problem of Evil in a God-Centered Spirituality with Byron Belitsos
2023-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library, 1757 Ashland St., Ashland, 97520
Is “evil” winning the battle? Is unfathomable corruption here to stay? Or is “the arc of the moral universe” bending toward justice?
We are entering an era marked by economic collapse, genocidal wars, climate catastrophe, and planned epidemics. What sort of God, if there is one, allows such extremes of tragic suffering and cataclysmic destruction?
This talk focuses on practical ways to cope with “the problem of evil” during the darkest of times, especially for those interested in God-centered spirituality. We’ll draw strength from ancient and modern wisdom about the origin, nature, and types of evil, and look forward to solutions now on the table, including radical reform of the United Nations and futuristic revelations pertinent to the needs of the post-collapse era.
Byron Belitsos is the author of the new book; Truths About Evil, Sin, and the Demonic (Wipf & Stock, 2023). He holds a BA (Honors) in history of ideas from the University of Chicago and an MA in systematic theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
For several decades, Mr. Belitsos has been an independent scholar and an award-winning book publisher, editor, and author. His previous acclaimed books include Your Evolving Soul (2017), Healing a Broken World (2014), A Return to Healing (2009), and One World Democracy (2005).
A student of The Urantia Book for over four decades, Mr. Belitsos was also an inaugural member of Ken Wilber’s Integral Institute
FREE ADMISSION – 1757 Ashland St., Ashland, OR. One mile west of I-5 Exit 14

Windows in Time — The Mayor’s Gift: The Enduring Legacy of Clarence Meeker
2023-12-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Clarence Meeker was a Medford product through and through.
Coming to Southern Oregon in the 1890s at the age of 12, he graduated from the city’s first high school and became a prominent downtown merchant. A natural leader and civic booster, he also served two terms as a city councilman, and as Medford’s wartime mayor. Like many of his contemporaries, Meeker was fascinated by stories of the early settlers, and in his efforts to preserve Jacksonville’s historic county courthouse, laid the groundwork that enabled the Southern Oregon Historical Society to gather and preserve one of the largest regional history collections in the country. His life and work form, detailed in the December Windows in Time Presentation, “The Mayor’s Gift: The Enduring Legacy of Clarence Meeker,” is a fascinating but little-known chapter of Rogue Valley history.
Larry Mullaly is a retired educator and community college administrator with a love for sharing history. He serves on the coordinating committee of the Window’s In Time program, is a frequent contributor to the Southern Oregon Historical Society Quarterly, and long-time host of the Windows In Time monthly lectures.
The monthly Windows in Time lunchtime lectures feature well-known writers and historians and bring alive the people, values, and events that shaped our southern Oregon heritage. Lectures are jointly sponsored by the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) and Jackson County Library Services. Programs are presented in Medford (first Wednesdays, in-person and online) and again in Ashland (second Wednesdays, in-person). Recordings of Medford presentations are available on the JCLS Beyond YouTube channel.

Susanne Homes - Art Opening 2nd Floor
2023-12-13 18:30 - 20:00 | The Fishbowl in Susanne Homes Hall, 2nd Floor, 555 Indiana st, Ashland, 97520
The Sculpture/4D Collective is an ever rotating group of artists focused around the Southern Oregon University Sculpture Program in the DeBoer Sculpture Building. We are interested in making experimental artworks that take up physical and/or time-based space.
Overall, these student artists have been encouraged to joyfully hone technical and aesthetic skills to communicate big ideas about what is important to them and the questions that they have. In this show, we have sculptures from a variety of students at a variety of different artmaking levels: art majors and non-art majors, introductory, intermediate, and graduating senior thesis work.
This year we began a long term collaboration with SOU’s Honors College, where we have turned the top two stories of the Susanne Homes dorm building from unused space due to major plumbing issues into a most amazing classroom.
The classroom affectionately dubbed “Suzy Two” has transformed the space for creativity and a chance to make an innovative art installation. Thirty-one SOU students have created “They just can’t make holes in the floor.” These installations were part of the 2023 “Art Beyond,” an initiative curated by the Schneider Museum of Art, and we are delighted to open it to the public.
Come see us on Dec. 13 for a look at this creative art, in an unconventional space at Susanne Homes. Free and open to the public.
(This event has been rescheduled from Dec. 6, and the spelling of the building name has been corrected.)

Hanukkah community party with deli food
2023-12-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Chabad, 1474 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR, United States
There will be a Hanukkah party at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Chabad, 1474 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland.
The event will feature games, music, and the lighting of the menorah. Authentic New York pastrami and corn beef sandwiches will be served with latkes, donuts, Matzah Ball Soup, and kugel.
Advance registration is required. Security will be present.
Visit chabadofashland.org/Chanukah2023 for more information.

Monthly Meeting – Guitar Society of Southern Oregon
2023-12-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Paschal Winery, 1122 Suncrest Road, Talent, OR, 97540, United States
The Guitar Society of Southern Oregon meets from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the beautiful tasting room of Paschal Winery in Talent.
The gatherings are open to the public, and all are welcome. They start with a set of music by volunteer performers, followed by an intermission to socialize and to discuss Society business and upcoming guitar-related events. The evening concludes with a second set of music, sometimes performed by visiting or local featured artists.
The meeting program includes a wide variety of selections, performed mostly on guitar, and some vocal by amateurs, students and professionals. Anyone may announce upcoming events during the intermission as well.

An Evening Of Christmas Caroling
2023-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Havurah Synagogue, 185 N. Mountain, Ashland, 97520
Unity Community of Ashland is offering a joyful Christmas Caroling Sing-Along to the Ashland community at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Havurah, 185 N. Mountain Ave.
Join us as we “sing in the season” with a festive evening of song and music. Add your voice to all your holiday favorites and experience this joyous celebration. Recording artists Kathy Zavada and Heather Hutton will lead us through a wonderful selection of familiar carols. Song sheets will be provided. Donations appreciated. For more information see www.unitycommunityofashland.org.

Experimental Singer-Songwriter Ora Cogan at Elder Apothecary
2023-12-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Elder Apothecary, 5 N. Main St., Suite 2, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Experimental singer-songwriter Ora Cogan will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Elder Apothecary, 5 N. Main St., Ashland.
Cogan’s music offerings are described as “smoky psychedelic gothic country, post-punk, groove, psych rock & traditional balladry.”

Tickets cost $15 per person. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Visit https://elderapothecary.love/products/untitled-aug24_18-05 for more information.

Snowshoe Hike led by BLM Ranger
2023-12-16 09:00 - 14:00 | Rite Aid, 2341 Ashland St, Ashland, 97520
Embark on a winter adventure! Join BLM interpretive rangers on a snowshoe hike through the enchanting old-growth conifer forest at Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. Suitable for ages 12 and up, these Saturday excursions offer a unique opportunity to explore the biodiversity of a stunning winter landscape.
Rangers will interpret winter adaptations of plants and animals, animal tracks and signs, the basics of snow science, and the environment that hides beneath the snow. Lace up your boots and join us for an unforgettable journey into nature! Snowshoes and poles are provided free-of-cost by the BLM.
We will meet at 9 a.m. at the Rite Aid in Ashland and make our way into the Monument from there. Carpooling is optional. For any questions, please email jduwe@blm.gov.
This program is a collaboration between the Medford District Bureau of Land Management and the FCSNM.
The Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument’s mission is to support the protection, restoration, and conservation of the Monument through service, advocacy and education. Our Hike and Learn programs are designed to introduce the public to different topics and locations within the Monument. Hike and Learns are co-created with local scientists, historians, artists, students, and more.

Central Point Woodcarvers
2023-12-16 11:30 - 15:00 | Woodcarving, 123 N St, Central Point, OR, 97502, United States
The Central Point Woodcarvers carving group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at the Central Point Senior Resource Center, 123 N. Second St., Central Point.
There is a fee of $10 per month, or $55 a year if paid annually.
We teach and share ideas for beginners, novices, and intermediate woodcarvers. The various members do several styles of woodcarving. Recommended beginning tool sets are available for purchase. Please call Ron Chappell 541-944-4535 for more information.

Elks Lodge #944 Children's Christmas Party
2023-12-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Ashland Elks, Back Entrance: Will Dodge Way (the alley between E. Main and Lithia Way and 1st and 2nd Sts., Ashland, 97520
Bring your kids down to the Ashland Elks Lodge to meet Santa and have some FUN!
Dec. 16, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Meet Santa at Northwest Nature Shop
2023-12-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Northwest Nature Shop, 154 Oak St., Ashland, 97520
Meet Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, in the alley at Northwest Nature Shop.
Enjoy face painting, live music and hot cider. All activities are free.

First Frost community skating event
2023-12-16 16:00 - 21:00 | Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, 95 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Ashland’s annual First Frost community skating event will be held 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, 95 Winburn Way, Ashland.
The event is a special night to enjoy ice skating fun with friends and loved ones in beautiful Lithia Park. Th evening will kick of with figure skating performances from local skaters, including members of the Southern Oregon Figure Skating Association. Public recreational skating will continue into the evening with a live DJ and other fun activities.
Visit ashland.or.us/icerink or call 541-552-2258 for more information.

Sunday Worship: Like the Shamash
2023-12-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 87 4th Street, Ashland, 87 4th Street, Ashland, OR, 97520
At Hanukkah, the menorah holds nine candles. But there are only eight nights.
The ninth candle is the shamash and is the candle used to light the others. We will explore stories and lessons of the shamash candle and what it might teach us.
“The Shamash lights the other candles. Be the Shamash.” – Rabbi David Wolpe
Attend in person or watch live or recorded on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@roguevalleyunitarianuniver8871

Ashland Christmas Bird Count
2023-12-17 12:00 - 23:00 | Ashland area, Oregon, 97520
The Ashland Christmas Bird Count will take place on Sunday, Dec. 17. The count circle is centered at the northwest corner of Emigrant Lake, including both the northeastern slopes of Mount Ashland and the western slopes of the Cascades (as far east as Little Hyatt Lake). Also included are the steep Siskiyou Mountain woodlands, extensive farmland, grassland and oak savanna habitats in the eastern section, as well as the entirety of the city of Ashland with its parks, gardens and riparian habitats.
Anyone living in the count circle can participate by doing a feeder watch and adding their sightings to the tally. CBC feeder watch instructions and a tally sheet can be obtained by emailing Cat Gould at cat.gould@gmail.com.
Under the guidance of an experienced area leader, teams go from dawn to dusk regardless of weather. While some leaders welcome volunteers of any skill level, others may need experienced, hardy birders who can cope with difficult terrain and a fast pace. Newcomers welcome! Area birds not sighted on count day but within count week (Dec. 14-21) can be added to the tally.

Annual Abundance Swap
2023-12-17 13:30 - 14:30 | Old Ashland Armory, 208 Oak St., Ashland, 97520
The Annual Abundance Swap will be held 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Old Historic Armory, 208 Oak St., Ashland.
Event organizers created the Abundance Swap in 2001 as “an alternative to the consumption frenzy that leads up to Christmas,” according to a news release. More information is available at https://abundanceswap.org/.
Attendees are asked to select three quality items they already own that others would like to receive as a gift. The doors to the event open at 1 p.m., and participants are asked to arrive by 1:15 p.m. to set up their gifts.
“Then wait for our introduction before selecting gifts to take home…we all begin together,” the release says.
Hot tea will be available, and participants can bring tasty treats that don’t need plates.

An Introduction to Humanism
2023-12-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 87 4th Street, Ashland, 87 4th Street, Ashland, OR, 97520
Many people are uncertain what is meant by the term “humanism.”
Some may think of psychological or perhaps literary, cultural or renaissance humanism. Others consider humanitarian aid services, while still others may dread a “godless” amoral humanism or even imagine a diabolical or pernicious humanism. Nonetheless, there are philosophical, ethical, religious and Christian humanists worldwide.
On December 17 we will explore and discuss the many varieties of humanism with an emphasis on Secular Humanism. We will meet from 3 to 5 p.m. under the balcony at RVUUF. Please see our website Humanism Explorations for reading and resource links.
HUMANISM EXPLORATIONS is part of the Center For Inquiry , CFI Rogue Valley Humanists and Freethinkers and RVUUF

In Times of Softest Snow
2023-12-17 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-12-18 15:00 - 17:00 | 450 S Mountain Ave, Southern Oregon University Music Building, Ashland OR 97520, 450 S Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR, 97520
The 60-voice Southern Oregon Repertory Singers will perform their annual holiday concert, “In Time of Softest Snow” on at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 in the SOU Music Recital Hall, 450 S. Mountain Ave., Ashland.
As is their custom, Repertory Singers will perform a variety of musical styles from around the world, singing in French; Old Dutch; Latin; Kituba, an African dialect; and English, of course.
“I guarantee that you will hear music at this concert you have never heard before, as well as new and fresh arrangements of traditional holiday favorites,” says music director Dr. Paul French.
Dutch composer Jetse Bremer’s “In dulci jubilo” (In sweet rejoicing), with its colorful harmonies and driving rhythms, is one of Dr. French’s favorites. The choir will sing a song by John Rutter, who the New York Times described as “the composer who owns Christmas!” His carols are fantastic and his “What Sweeter Music” will be a concert favorite. The Marian poem, “There is No Rose” has inspired composers since the late Middle Ages, and the choir will sing an arrangement of it by Canadian composer Don Macdonald, which is wonderfully atmospheric and haunting.
Dan Forrest is one of the most popular composers of our time, and the Singers will perform his piece “See Amid the Winter’s Snow,” that is sweepingly romantic. The arrangement will feature Grants Pass High School’s Chamber Choir, under the direction of Taylor Pulsipher. This and many other songs in the concert will be accompanied by guest instrumentalists: Kathleen Strahm on violin, Michal Pauzevitch on cello, Sherril Wood on flute, and Brian Jeffs on percussion.
“Composer in Residence” Jodi French will premiere a new work she describes as “a tender lullaby.” Ms. French’s music is always a concert high point, with her beautiful melodies that go straight to the heart.
The concert will also feature new arrangements of more popular holiday songs like “Away in a Manger,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Silent Night” as well as a “not to be missed” moment with a modern arrangement of the spiritual “Children go Where I Send Thee” including a rap solo by tenor Brandt Nakamura.

Intermediate Tai Chi for Older Adults
2023-12-18 09:30 - 10:45 | The Grove, 1195 E Main St, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Tai Chi is a moving meditation that strengthens bones and muscles, improves balance and increases flexibility. Qi Gong, the movement of energy through the body, is also incorporated.
Pre-registration required: ashland.or.us/register or 541.488.5342.

Creative Writing Workshop
2023-12-18 14:30 - 15:30 | Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Have you been waiting for the right time to get back to work on that novel or short story that’s started collecting dust? Or maybe you just need some inspiration to kickstart a new writing project?
Join us at the Ashland library for our biweekly peer support creative writing workshop! Each participant will choose an excerpt from their project to read aloud and receive feedback from the rest of the group to help improve their work in a positive and collaborative environment.
Advance registration is requested but not required. Please bring a copy of your work to the library ahead of time if you need assistance printing extra copies.

Cozy Crafts & Parallel Play at the Ashland Library
2023-12-19 16:30 - 18:00 | Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Do you enjoy being around creative people but not so much the social aspects of a crafting group? Come down to the Gresham Room to work on your own latest creative endeavor, with no pressure to interact and be social.
Don’t have a project at this time? No problem! We will also have supplies and instructions available for you to try your hand at something new. We hope to see you there!
Best for ages 16 and up.

Worship for the Weary
2023-12-19 18:00 - 19:00 | First Presbyterian Church, 1615 Clark Ave, Ashland, 97520
A service for those who struggle during the holidays will be held 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19.

A Deeper Expoloration Into a New Earth by Mark Gibson
2023-12-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library, 1757 Ashland St., Ashland, 97520
Are you ready to expand into your next level of consciousness?
In his book “A New Earth, Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” world acclaimed spiritualist Eckhart Tolle takes us beyond our physical forms to show that we can create a new, more loving world. This involves a radical inner leap of consciousness, from identification with ego to a new way of transformative thinking that few of us have achieved. Mark will present many unique and important Tolle passages from the book, as well as statements that invite deeper interpretation. The ultimate goal of his talk is to inspire participants —spiritual pioneers like you — to more fully embrace their Higher Consciousness.
Mark E. Gibson is a certified life coach who specializes in nurturing Truth, unconditional Love, and fearless living. He earned a master’s degree in science from San Francisco State University. Two spiritual awakenings had a profound effect on his commitment to being of service to humanity. He teaches courses on consciousness and spirituality at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Southern Oregon University, and he co-hosted the Personal Growth and Empowerment group on Meetup. His two published books include “How to Find Love through Online Dating” and “Living Unconditional Love.” Mark lives with his beloved wife, Francesca, in Southern Oregon, and is blessed that he is living his spiritual calling.
Presenter’s Website: https://YourTruthAndFreedom.com
FREE ADMISSION – 1757 Ashland St., Ashland, OR. One mile west of I-5 Exit 14

Music in the Library: Rogue Valley Symphony
2023-12-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Take some time out of your Thursday to listen to music in the library. Once a month, musicians from Rogue Valley Symphony will fill the main floor of the library with music. Enjoy it in passing or sit for a while and listen.
This series is presented in partnership with Rogue Valley Symphony.
