Caitlin Fowlkes
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Ashland, OR, United States
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Past articles by Caitlin:
Oregon Wine Experience will happen online this year
The Oregon Wine Experience will commence virtually this year. Last year the event drew 5,123 people and raised $1. 7 million. Rather than canceling the largest annual fundraiser for the Asante Foundation, organizers decided this year to take the activities online. The event showcases the best of Oregon wines, culminating in an awards ceremony and dinner. All of the proceeds benefit the… → Read More
Rogue Valley families in need get boxes of organic food
Rogue Valley Farm to School and Fry Family Farm are partnering to create 2,000 food boxes a week for six weeks to go to families in need right now. The project is funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families Food Box program, supported by a $3 billion grant in response to COVID-19. → Read More
It's swarming season: Bee on the lookout
On a sunny day this spring you might just be lucky enough to see a bee swarm looking for its next home. Sharon Schmidt, founder of Cascade Girl Organization said springtime is swarm season for honey bees. Through her nonprofit she offers a free bee removal service in case the swarm chooses a less-than-ideal home. → Read More
Controversial identity law has not been used by Ashland Police
Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara told Ashland City Council Tuesday that a law requiring people stopped by police to provide their name and date of birth has not been used since it was put into effect in August. “We knew this was a seldom-used aspect of law,” O’Meara said. “Nobody’s been arrested, but in my opinion it is still necessary. ” → Read More
Eva Schloss speaks of Holocaust and Anne Frank at Medford Armory
More than 1,500 people hung on Eva Schloss’ every word Monday night in the Medford Armory as she recounted hiding from the Nazis and surviving after being sent to a death camp. “You have to learn from history so that history will not repeat itself, and that is why it is important especially for young people,” said Schloss, 90, who is Anne Frank’s stepsister. “It’s a terrible thing that happened,… → Read More
Two trees or not two trees?
Trees were at the forefront of most everyone’s minds at an Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission listening session regarding the Japanese Garden renovation Thursday night. Specifically, two healthy 100-year-old Douglas Firs. There was a healthy mix of response from the audience. Some attendees were passionately against removing the trees and some were just grateful that the redesign is… → Read More
New trail map tool updates backcountry conditions
A new online mapping tool will allow outdoor enthusiasts to get accurate and updated information on the condition of 300 miles of backcountry trials maintained by the Siskiyou Mountain Club. The Siskiyou Trail Finder will be launched at a release party from 7 to 8 p. m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Rogue Valley Runners, 161 E. Main St. , in Ashland. Ryan Ghelfi, creator of the tool, will give a… → Read More
Still working to make the dream reality
The community turned out in force Monday to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. , filling the nearly 700 seats of the Historic Ashland Armory. Others watched a live simulcast in the Varsity Theatre. Event coordinators estimated around 1,000 people attended. The 31st annual Ashland celebration featured a melting pot of musical and spoken word performances, including the Ashland… → Read More
Ashland gives leg up to ride-sharing
Ashland City Council lessened restrictions at its Tuesday meeting on transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft. An ordinance was passed earlier to allow the ride-sharing companies to operate in the city, but Uber and Lyft did not want to apply for a contract within Ashland because of the city’s limitations, such as a vehicle inspection and wheelchair accessible vehicle requirements. → Read More
Faces of homelessness
As rent prices increase and wages remain stagnant, about 200 Ashland residents a year find themselves without a house, according to recent estimates. “People can’t pay the rent and they’re evicted,” says Vanessa Houk, local volunteer and homeless services coordinator. “I think that’s why there’s been a wave of new people at the peace meals. ” Tragic events also can contribute to homelessness,… → Read More
A leg up for Uber and Lyft
The City Council lessened the restrictions on Transportation Network Companies (TNC), such as Uber and Lyft, to operate within the city at Tuesday’s meeting. Previously, an ordinance was passed to allow the TNCs to operate in the city, but Uber and Lyft did not want to apply for a contract within Ashland because of the city’s limitations. → Read More
Peace Meals outreach needs helpers
As Jason and Vanessa Houk run about the kitchen in Pioneer Hall readying Wednesday’s Community Peace Meal, they smile as they always do, despite having recently lost a loved one, Vanessa’s mother. A friend, Amy Stewart, has organized a meal relief effort for these two during this stressful time for them. She’s asked that anyone who is able sign up to cook a community peace meal for the next… → Read More
Ashland man nearly crushed by falling tree
A 100-foot ponderosa pine fell on a house in the 600 block of Forest Street last Saturday after a wind storm with gusts of 40 mph and up. The house belongs to Brian and Mary Gorham, both in their 80s, who live there with their white-muzzled golden retriever, Daisy. Mary Gorham said she was cooking in the kitchen when she heard a “dreadful roar. ”“I’ve been in lots of earthquakes, and my first… → Read More
Volunteers sought to help prepare meals for homeless
As Jason and Vanessa Houk run about the kitchen in Pioneer Hall readying Wednesday’s Community Peace Meal, they smile as they always do, despite having recently lost a loved one, Vanessa’s mother. The husband-and-wife Houk team has worked with Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice for about 11 years, but they’ve been in the humanitarian field for nearly 20 years. They facilitate and often cook the… → Read More
Girls allowed
Girls can now join an all-female Boy Scout troop in Ashland. The Boy Scouts of America is rebranding to Scouts BSA and will allow girl troops, composed of sixth- to 12th-graders, starting Feb. 1. Cub Scouts, which include kindergartners through fifth-graders, started allowing girls into its packs last year, according to District Committee Chair Ryan Schmobrich. The dens, or the separate age… → Read More
Girls join Boy Scout ranks
Girls can now join an all-female Boy Scout troop in Ashland. The Boy Scouts of America is rebranding to Scouts BSA and will allow girl troops, composed of sixth- to 12th-graders, starting Feb. 1. Cub Scouts, which include kindergartners through fifth-graders, started allowing girls into its packs last year, according to District Committee Chair Ryan Schmobrich. The dens, or the separate age… → Read More
Mountain bikers want a bike park
About 85 members of the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association packed a classroom at The Grove and spilled out into the hallway as they turned out in force to make the case for a bike park to Ashland Parks and Recreation commissioners. About a third of those in attendance were children. They want a bike skills park in Ashland, according to RVMBA board member Casey Botts. Although that topic… → Read More
Ashland vote counts finally finalized
It’s official: The Ashland City Council on Tuesday affirmed results of the Nov. 6 election as certified by the Jackson County clerk. Two challengers and two incumbents topped council vote counts, two incumbents won and one open seat was filled on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and two unopposed city office holders were resoundingly returned to office. City Council. The final tall shows… → Read More
The story of 'The Story' and its explosive growth
A local church has grown exponentially since its inception in Lithia Park last summer. The group is challenging the connotations associated with the word “church,” Lead Pastor Xavier Brasseur said, partly by its name: The Story. In a minimalistic office with views of the Railroad District and Grizzly Peak, Brasseur pulled up a chair. “You want me to tell you the story of The Story? ” he asked. → Read More
Ashland Pond dog ban paused
A proposal to ban dogs in the Ashland Ponds area got some pushback from seven neighbors who challenged the notion at the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Monday. The ponds provide a short loop and level walk around some beautiful riparian areas with easy access from the adjacent neighborhood north of West Nevada Street. The beginning of the trail is punctuated with a dog waste bag… → Read More