Good morning, Medford.

Amy Broeker will retire at the end of this year after serving as the executive director for three and a half years at the Ashland Community Food Bank—rising food insecurity in the Rogue Valley has prompted this change.

Catie Mahoney, who worked as the Senior Director of Food Access and Education at the Chester County Food Bank in Pennsylvania, will step in to lead the organization.

Edenvale Winery in Medford will host Santa Paws November 29-30 (an event offering dog-friendly photos with Santa and donating part of the weekend food and drink sales to Friends of the Animals).

The winery will also hold an open house for its new Voorhies Lounge (appointments are required for Santa photos).

Pacificorp's parent company reached a $150 million settlement with over 1,400 Oregon plaintiffs for wildfires from Labor Day weekend 2020—covering the Echo Mountain, 242 and South Obenchain fires.

Since 2020 it has resolved nearly 4,200 claims for $1.6 billion—about 70% of claims in Oregon and California.

On Wednesday, Phoenix High School students used an ultrasound to check on three pregnant goats at the Phoenix-Talent School District and confirmed at least five developing babies—this hands-on activity fueled their interest in veterinary science.

The district said it will monitor the goats' progress as they are at different stages and will give birth in the coming months.

Medford Fire & Rescue revived a tradition—dating back to horse-drawn fire wagons—when it welcomed its new fire engine into service on Thursday at Station 12; community members washed and pushed the engine into its bay to honor the department's history.

Dee Anne Everson, CEO of United Way of Jackson County, has been appointed to the Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees — replacing Medford community leader Bill Thorndike who died in February.

Confirmed by Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Senate, she will finish his term until her full four-year term starts in June.

At its meeting on Nov.

13, Evans Valley Fire District Deputy Chief Tom McGowan said his department joined a regional effort—developing a fire training plan for firefighters across the Rogue Valley. The plan will guide future training and is expected to boost safety and readiness across the area.

AllCare Health and Wellness hosted an event in Grants Pass last Thursday as part of the Great American Smokeout to help smokers quit for 24 hours—visitors at the Grants Pass Library turned in used vape and tobacco products for quit kits and tobacco cessation workshops will be held next year in Grants Pass and Medford.

Lovato scored 22 points in a middle school game and the varsity team improved to a 4-1 record - on November 17, Rogue River's Jameson Burcher scored four points in the first half to help the Junior Chieftains secure a win against Talent.

Logan Snow from Rogue River Jr. Sr. High boys soccer team was named to the All Class 3A/2A/1A District 5 First Team last weekend—his strong performance has made him a key player this season.

Holiday Craft Bazaar

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Central Point Grange No 698 — Free entry — Explore unique holiday crafts and support local artisans.

Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot

8:15-11:00 AM — Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC — Registration required — Participate in a Thanksgiving run supporting local food drives and student runners programs.

Merry Market & Christmas Faire

10 AM-4 PM — Rogue X - Medford Parks & Recreation — Family-friendly festivities — Shop local artisan crafts and enjoy holiday activities with Santa.

Andre Nickatina Live at Grape Street Bar & Grill

8-11 p.m. — Grape Street Bar & Grill — Tickets from $45 — Experience a night of hip hop as Andre Nickatina takes the stage in Medford.

Home For The Holidays

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with live performances at this festive event.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights

5-9 p.m. — Hanley Farm — $5 per car — Experience a magical stroll through over 20,000 dazzling holiday lights with drinks and snacks.

The Nutcracker Ballet

7 p.m. — Crater Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker featuring delightful dance and holiday cheer.

Lithia Artisans Holiday Market

Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4 — Medford Armory Rental Venue — Free entry — Explore a wide array of original, handcrafted items from over 60 local artists amidst live music and food trucks.

A Celtic Christmas Celebration

2:30 – 4:30 PM — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience enchanting Irish stories, music, and dance this holiday season.