Creative Writing Workshop
2023-12-18 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

In Times of Softest Snow
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.

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.

Severe Weather Overnight Shelter
2023-12-22 17:00 - 2023-12-23 09:00, 2023-12-23 17:00 - 2023-12-24 09:00 | Ashland Street Shelter, 2200 Ashland St., Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
The Ashland emergency severe weather shelter at 2200 Ashland St. will open at 5 p.m.
The doors close and lights go out by 10 p.m.
The shelter closes at 9 a.m. the next morning.
This is a low barrier, no frill, overnight shelter for anyone needing to get out of the cold.
The shelter is managed by OHRA (Opportunities for Housing Resources and Assistance), which will coordinate and staff with OHRA employees and volunteers. OHRA can be reached at 541-631-2235.
To receive notifications when the severe weather shelter opens in Ashland, text 97520SHELTER to 888777.
To volunteer for the shelter, call 541-220-7307 or email avramsacks@gmail.com.

Central Point Woodcarvers
2023-12-23 11:30 - 15:00, 2023-12-30 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.

Ukraine: An Update on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine from Lviv CEO Businessman
2023-12-24 08:00 - 09:00
On the 24th day of every month since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine 15 months ago, Medford-based not-for-profit Ukraine Flags for Solidarity hosts a 1-hour online free conversation with Ukrainian software developer and co-founder of the Lviv headquartered company, Euristiq.
Join us so that you can experience the enduring optimism of our friends in Ukraine and have yourself lifted by their character and determination. Invite your friends and family to join in this important show of support for victory. Show your support for a peaceful future of independent Ukraine
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Online location: https://meet.google.com/whf-nuvi-jnx
Host: Ukraine Flags for Solidarity https://www.ukraineflags.org/
Ukraine Flags for Solidarity
Sal Edwards and Estelle Gray, Volunteer Organizer
4293 Innsbruck Ridge, Medford, Ore., 97504
Call 916-730-4640 or email Sal.Edwards@HeartZones.com
Visit www.UkraineFlags.org

Sunday Worship: Contemplating Christmas
2023-12-24 10:30 - 11:15 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 87 4th Street, Ashland, 87 4th Street, Ashland, OR, 97520
This will be a short, quiet contemplative service for those who need a little stillness amid the holiday rush of activity. We will make space for both the celebration and the pain that may come with the season. (There will be a longer, more traditional Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m.)
A Holiday Prayer: “May all my family members and friends who need miracles be blessed. May whoever is feeling unwell and weak be given strength. May all of those who have heavy burdens have their load lightened.”
Attend in person or watch live or recorded on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@roguevalleyunitarianuniver8871

Sunday Worship: Love is Our Gift
2023-12-24 16:00 - 17:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 87 4th Street, Ashland, 87 4th Street, Ashland, OR, 97520
In this traditional Christmas Eve service, we will consider the story of the gift of Love that comes in the form of a baby — a refugee, born under both a bright star and the shadow of poverty, rumor, and oppression.
We will consider the love of Mary and Joseph for both their child and for the world he is born into.
“Christmas, my child, is love in action.” – Dale Evans
Attend in person or watch live or recorded on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@roguevalleyunitarianuniver8871

Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service
2023-12-24 19:00 | First Presbyterian Church, 1615 Clark Ave, Ashland, 97520
There will be a full choir, special music, and the story of the first Christmas held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24.

Intermediate Tai Chi for Older Adults
2023-12-25 09:30 - 10:45, 2024-01-01 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.

Gentle Yoga for Older Adults
2023-12-25 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-01-01 10:30 - 11:30 | 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
2023-12-25 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-01-01 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.

Ashland.news Happy Hour at ScienceWorks
2023-12-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Scienceworks Museum, 1500 E. Main Street, Ashland, 97520
ScienceWorks hosts December’s Ashland.news Happy Hour. The family-friendly community event will include a number of the museum’s community partners providing festive programming. A local holiday film will be shown in the Science Cinema courtesy of AIFF. The new short film by local filmmaker Laney D’Aquino is a Christmas story called “Joy to the World.” While the happy hour ends at 6:30 p.m., you may want to stay longer, as ScienceWorks has a lot of fun things planned—so many that we’re calling this one ‘Happy Hour(s)’. Not just food and drink for sale, but Fiddlers! Film! Family friendly crafts! And all the museum exhibits will be up and going for your delectation.
Ashland.news board chair, Paul Steinle will welcome everyone with a brief talk on what Ashland.news has been up to this year, followed board secretary Herb Rothschild telling the story of how Ashland.news began.
We’re looking forward to celebrating our community together.

City of Ashland Housing and Human Services Committee meeting
2023-12-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Community Development building, 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
The City of Ashland’s monthly Housing and Human Services Committee meeting.

9D Sound & Breathwork Experience: Letting Go & Moving On with Nikki Clifton
2023-12-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library, 1757 Ashland St., Ashland, 97520
Embark on the “Letting Go & Moving On” 9D Somatic breathwork journey.
An experience meticulously designed to liberate you from the confines of self imposed prison of stagnation and stuckness. Untangle the past and shed the burdens that have stalled your progress, paving the way for a future filled with promise and new beginnings.
Essential themes of release, renewal, and progression weave through the journey, propelling a transformative shift in the narrative of your life. Navigate this path to recondition neural pathways, cultivating a perspective that views letting go not as a loss, but as the key to unlocking personal evolution. This voyage is not just an exercise in breathwork but a guiding light towards your most unencumbered self. Engage with this practice, and set forth on a life marked by freedom and forward momentum.
ABOUT 9D BREATHWORK JOURNEYS
Experience a new generation of breathwork – artfully engineered sound and breath journeys that catalyze life-changing transformational experiences. 9D breathwork combines cutting edge audio technology using frequencies and vibrations that sculpt your neurology, guided coaching using timeless wisdom and modern inspiration and transformational breathing practices, creating a powerful and paradigm-shifting journey into your nervous system that clears trauma and limited beliefs, shifts anxiety, depression and negative thoughts, deeply restoring your body to optimum health at a cellular level.
Pre-registration Required. First session 1/2 Off using discount code: 9D50

Ashland’s Sacred Walk to 2024 ~ Ashland’s 25th Community Labyrinth Walk to the New Year
2023-12-29 22:11, 2023-12-31 15:30 - 2024-01-01 01:00, 2024-01-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Wesley Hall on the campus of Ashland First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland, 97520
Ashland’s Sacred Walk to 2024
Walking a Sacred Path: Explorations Into Peace
Wesley Hall on the campus of Ashland First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland, OR
Sunday, December 31, 2023, 3:30 PM – 1:00 AM; Monday January 1, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For information contact: Elizabeth Austin Phone: 541-601-8435 Email: coachelizabeth@outlook.com
Ashland’s 25th Community Labyrinth Walk to New Year starts December 31, 2023, from 3:30 PM – 1:00 AM January 1, 2024; resumes January 1, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM in Wesley Hall on the campus of Ashland First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland, Oregon. Everyone is welcome, and the event is free to all. Donations accepted.
“This remarkable community event arose in 1999 amid the world-wide concern about Y2K. Then as now, co-created by volunteers: musicians, artists, sacred space designers, ‘labyrinth angels,’ plus the many people who choose to include the Sacred Walk in their turn-of-the-year celebrations. Then as now, it offers an oasis of peace and beauty to reflect on the end of what has been and the beginning of what will be. In this sacred space everyone is invited to express and enjoy the values of peace, diversity, inclusivity, and personal freedom.”
~ Labyrinth Leader Elizabeth Austin.
Community Unfurling of the Labyrinth
You are invited to participate in the Unfurling of the Labyrinth, 1 PM – 2 PM, December 30, in Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church, 175 N Main St, Ashland, OR 97520. Elizabeth Austin, Professionally Trained Labyrinth Facilitator and owner of the portable canvas, provides this opportunity to learn about labyrinths and to assist in the unfolding of the three-piece, four-quadrant 110-lb. canvas replica of the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France.
Special Features
Traditionally, Ashland’s Sacred Walk to the New Year has featured altars dedicated to the four directions as well as the divine feminine and the divine masculine. Like last year, this year there will be two additional altars: one honoring Childhood/Youth, and an interactive altar honoring Community/World/Planet.
Videos on Facebook
Go to our Facebook page to view videos created by Media Creative Cassandra Wass: the History of the Sacred Walk, Unfurling of the Labyrinth, Temple Dancers, and Sacred Altars. Experience a graceful online meditation video – Virtual Labyrinth Walk, created by Cassandra Wass on Ashland’s outdoor Trinity Garden Labyrinth. https://www.facebook.com/AshlandSacredWalkToNewYear
“I have been coming to the Labyrinth since I was about 6. I’m 23 now! The Labyrinth is such an
important part of my transition into the New Year. Thank You for everything!” ~ L.R. (2017)
More info and schedule at: https://www.facebook.com/events/904914724063931/
• SEASONAL HEALTH & SAFETY AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Seasonal diseases such as colds and flu, and now Covid, tend to tick up this time of year, and cases in Jackson County are edging upwards. If you have Covid or the flu, or symptoms of these diseases, or if you don’t feel well, we ask that you please don’t come to this year’s event, out of care for others. No one wants be the recipient of these kinds of “seasonal gifts” or to find out that others have gotten sick, possibly from their lack of care.
And if you are healthy and coming to the Sacred Walk, and you feel more comfortable wearing a mask inside the building, please do. We will have a hand sanitizing station inside Wesley Hall as you walk in, and we will also have masks available for anyone who wants one and didn’t bring their own.
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

The Medford Christmas Bird Count
2023-12-30 12:00 - 23:00
The Medford Christmas Bird Count takes place Saturday, Dec. 30. This count encompasses Medford, Central Point, White City and Eagle Point. Birding hotspots such as Whetstone Savanna Preserve, Table Rocks, Agate Lake, Denman Wildlife Area, Prescott Park, and the Bear Creek Greenway area are all included in this section!

The area for the Medford count is a circle 15 miles in diameter, centered approximately a mile west of the junction of Highway 140 and Highway 62 in White City. The circle is divided into 15 sections with teams of birders, each with an experienced leader, counting birds in each section.All birders are welcome to participate, and newcomers will be assigned to a group by the Medford count coordinator.Those who live in the count circle and have bird feeders can do a feeder watch and add their sightings to the count. CBC feeder watch instructions and a tally sheet can be obtained by emailing Medford Christmas Bird Count Coordinator Rebekah Bergkoetter at rebekah.bergkoetter@gmail.com.

Sunday Worship: Seeds for a New Year
2023-12-31 10:30 - 11:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 87 4th Street, Ashland, 87 4th Street, Ashland, OR, 97520
What seeds are you planting for the new year? How are you weaving your magic into your relationships with others? How can we center beauty and goodness and love in all that’s ahead?
These questions are at the heart of this worship featuring a sermon by UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, with other elements provided by the staff of our Unitarian Universalist Association.
“When your heart is broken, you plant seeds in the cracks and pray for rain.” – Andrea Gibson
Attend in person or watch live or recorded on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@roguevalleyunitarianuniver8871

Walking a Sacred Path: Explorations Into Peace
2023-12-31 15:30 - 2024-01-01 01:00, 2024-01-01 10:00 - 16:00 | First United Methodist Church Ashland, 175 N Main Street, Ashland, 97520
Ashland’s 25th Community Labyrinth Walk to New Year runs from 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, to 1 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, then runs again from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 1, at Wesley Hall in Ashland First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland.
Everyone is welcome to attend the free event.
“This remarkable community event arose in 1999 amid the worldwide concern about Y2K,” event organizer Elizabeth Austin said. “Then, as now, co-created by volunteers: musicians, artists, sacred space designers, ‘labyrinth angels,’ plus the many people who choose to include the Sacred Walk in their turn-of-the-year celebrations. Then as now, it offers an oasis of peace and beauty to reflect on the end of what has been and the beginning of what will be. In this sacred space everyone is invited to express and enjoy the values of peace, diversity, inclusivity, and personal freedom.”
