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Rogue Winterfest 2019

A wonderful time for the Holiday Season. Bring the family for the weekend events to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, play games, see the beautiful decorations, local art and more.

Activities include Fishing at the North Pole, Coloring and Letters to Santa, holiday building project with The Home Depot, face painting by Leslie Heidner Body Art, and taking that perfect photo in the spectacular Southern Oregon Adventure setting.

Every 45 minutes, the entertainment on the big stage will change, ranging from bands to choirs to individual singers to classical performers during this live musical mash-up.

Santa will be available for pictures, so bring your camera.

Evergreen Federal Bank will feature its spectacularly unique Southern Oregon Adventure displays. We are honored to hold our Festival at this one-of-a-kind venue. Thank you, Evergreen Federal Bank!

Santa’s Visit

Santa’s schedule will be from 10:00 to 11:30 am, 12:00 to 1:30 pm, and 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. When you go fishing at the North Pole, you’ll catch a bookmark that you can use to pick out a children’s book from Santa’s library. Bring your book to Santa, and he will sign it for you!

Tickets

Tickets for Saturday or Sunday during the Weekend Holiday Event are only sold at the door. Admission prices are as follows:

Adult (18–54): $5
Children (5–17) / Senior (55+): $3
Children 4 & under: Free
Family Pass (up to 6 family members): $20

http://www.roguewinterfest.org

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Southern Oregon Classical Conversations

A classical Christian community of parents dedicated to educating our children at home. We support and encourage parents so that they can feel empowered to homeschool through High School. We desire “To know God and to make Him known.”

A homeschool community that meets in Ashland, Central Medford, Central Point, and Grants Pass weekly during the school year. During the year, we also offer informational meetings and some free parent equipping events.

https://www.facebook.com/southernoregonclassicalconversations/

official organization website

https://www.classicalconversations.com/

The Wood House Festivals

Located in Eagle Point, Oregon at 12988 Hwy 62, you may have passed this rustic beauty which is an attraction for Historians, photographers and artists.

The home is circa 1870, homesteader was a wounded Civil War veteran Marvin Sylvester Wood, discharged as a corporal from the United States Army in 1864. Marvin along with his brother Dennis Wood came to Southern Oregon in 1868, Dennis passed away in 1869 leaving Marvin to manage the homestead and land patent. Marvin married wife Susan in 1876 and they had 3 children. Their son Walter Wood born in 1881 living in the house his entire life until he passed away in 1974. All three are buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Central Point, Oregon.

The home has been in jeopardy several times from the widening of Highway 62 and being moved to the present location to abandonment, bad weather, vandalism and real estate sales.

The Wood House is operated on a very small annual budget supported strictly by donations, all work is done on a volunteer basis by The Woodhouse Preservation Group (a non-profit organization). You can learn more about the history and how you can support by visiting : oldwoodhouse.org.

Since 1870 The Wood House still remains to welcome you to come and visit to see how primitive living really was in the 1800’s.

Please bring your family for the upcoming festivities:

May 16 & 17, 2020

150 Anniversary of the Wood House – Farm Festival. Vendors,music, house tours. 12988 Hwy. 62 Eagle Point.

October 3 & 4, 2020

Harvest Festival. Saturday 9-5pm & Sunday 9-4pm.. Collectibles, jewelry, wood products, food vendor, crafts, music.Enjoy a free cookie baked on the wood stove in the Wood House kitchen by the “Cookie Lady”. Admission is $2 for ages 13 and older, ages 12 and under are free.

October 24, 2020

Halloween Open House. 5-9pm. Come and enjoy, it’s spooktacular. Free tours of the Wood House and candy. Free admission.

December 19, 2020

Old Fashioned Christmas Open House. 2-8pm. Free gifts from Santa for the kids. Free photographs with Santa. Free admission.

Simple Steps to Start the Money Conversation with Kids

A list from WalletHub released earlier this year ranked Oregon the 30th most financially literate state. It’s not something to brag about and our state’s financial literacy standards are far from perfect. A new survey from COUNTRY Financial found that when it comes to financial matters, 60 percent of Oregonians rely on what they learned from mom and dad. Though the survey found that parents preferred to discuss the birds and the bees or go to the dentist, than talk about finances with their kids, it’s no surprise to see the importance of parents’ role in shaping our kids’ money management skills. Not sure how to broach the topic with your kids?

Here are some simple steps to start the money conversation:

Start young. As soon as kids can count, they can start to learn about money. Early on, use coin banks so they learn how to save, think about money and learn how to share with others. When they are a little older, open a savings account with them. Take them to the bank in person to set up an account and help them set a savings goal.

Use chores or allowances as a teaching tool. When kids are old enough to do chores for an allowance, you can teach them lessons about saving and responsibility. By creating a set dollar amount for chores, kids lean about the relationship between work and money. An allowance can also be a teaching tool, opening up the door to discussions about spending, saving and even investments and donations.

Introduce a budget. Creating a budget is one of the most important financial habits people can learn to develop. And it’s a great thing to teach kids because it puts financial decisions in their hands. With more experience thinking about and practicing budgeting, it can make it easier for kids to learn responsible money practices. Try the “50-40-10 system” for each allowance or birthday dollar received (save 50%, spend 40% and donate 10%). This concept helps kids understand the importance of categorizing money.

These are just a few simple steps to get you started. There are many ways to integrate financial education and skills into daily life. Just remember to make it fun, give them some incentive, and most importantly start early and your kids will be on the right track for an educated, financial future.

Trey Berkey is a financial representative with Country Financial in Medford. He can be reached at trey.berkey@countryfinancial.com.

Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches & More!

Southern Oregon is ready to celebrate with some Autumn Adventures.

Find family favorite Harvest Festivals and Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, Haunts and more. Bring the family and join in for all the fun Fall Festivities.

Harvest Festivals and Pumpkin Patches

Pheasant Fields Farm Harvest Festival. Pumpkin Patch, Hay ride, Corn Maze, Music, Local artisans and more! Located at 1865 Camp Baker Rd in Medford, Oregon. facebook.com/pheasantfieldsfarmoregon

Flashlight Nights at Pheasant Fields Farm Corn Maze. facebook.com/pheasantfieldsfarmoregon

Fort Vannoy Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze. Open Daily in October from 11am-6pm. Farm stand, pumpkin patch, kid’s activities. Weekends : Hay rides, zip lines, pumpkin chunker, cow train, monster truck rides, camel rides, petting zoo, bounce house, food vendors. Located at 5791 Lower River Rd. in Grants Pass Oregon. www.fortvannoyfarms.com

Haunted Maze at Fort Vannoy Farms. Located at 5791 Lower River Rd in Grants Pass, Oregon. www.fortvannoyfarms.com

Scarecrow Festival. In the centuries-old tradition farmers used to save their crops, you can make your own scarecrow. When you’ve completed your scarecrow you can enter it in the Scarecrow Contest and compete for a People’s Choice Award, OR take your scarecrow home with. Everything you need to make a scarecrow is available in a kit available for purchase. While you’re at the farm plan to take a hay ride, paint a pumpkin or bob for an apple, browse the Hanley Mercantile, enjoy lunch prepared by the Jackson County Master Food Preservers, or tour the Hanley House . Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Scarecrow Festival Weekend! 1053 Hanley Road, Central Point. http://www.sohs.org/node/185002

Grants Pass Shopping Center Halloween Festival. Trick or Treat at participating store, BugsRUs, Bounce Houses, face painting, kid’s costume contest, balloon animals. 959 NE D St, Grants Pass.

The Wood House Festival. Halloween Open House. Located in Eagle Point, Oregon. http://southernoregonfamily.com/wood-house/

Kruse Farms Pumpkin Patch. Weekends in October from 10am-4pm. Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides, Corn Maze, Hay Maze, food and more. Located at 532 Melrose Rd. Roseburg, Oregon. http://www.krusefarms.com/

Youngs Fall Festival. Open Fridays & Saturdays in October. Located in Roseburg, Oregon. http://www.youngs-garden.com/event/

Mahaffy Ranch Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkin Patch, Hay Maze, Corn Maze and more. Located in Coos Bay, Oregon. http://mahaffyranch.com/

Klamath Basin Potato Festival. Parade, food, vendors, Spud Run, music, exhibits and more. Located in Merrill, Oregon. http://www.klamathbasinpotatofestival.com/home

>>>>>>>>>Find Halloween Haunts Here

For more Family Friendly Events and Kids Activities download the current issue at: southernoregonfamily.com

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS & EVENTS

Southern Oregon is getting in the spirit of Halloween with Haunts, Halloween Festivals and more!

It’s going to be Spook-tacular

Flashlight Nights at Pheasant Fields Farm Corn Maze. facebook.com/pheasantfieldsfarmoregon

Haunted Maze at Fort Vannoy Farms. Located at 5791 Lower River Rd in Grants Pass, Oregon. www.fortvannoyfarms.com

Brighton Academy presents : Frightmare Theater. Located at Grants Pass Shopping Ctr, 1111 NE D. ST. (old movies six bldg) in Grants Pass, Oregon. www.facebook.com/brightonhh

One Eleven Theatre Company Haunted House. Josephine County Fairgrounds, Grants Pass. www.oneeleventheatrecompany.com/haunted-house

Haunted History Tours in Jacksonville. brothels, epidemics & hangings, arson, saloons and Oregon’s oldest Chinatown. Located in Jacksonville, Oregon. Reservations required. 541-245-3650.

Haunted House and Graveyard in Gold Hill. Located at the Gold Hill Museum, 504 First Ave. in Gold Hill, Oregon. www.facebook.com/goldhillhauntedhouse

The Nightmare Chamber- Haunted House. (Not recommended for ages 10 & under) Located at 10 E 3rd St. Medford. (corner of Front & 3rd St.). Presented by Randall Theater. For discount tickets info go to: https://www.magicmanshop.com/

Oregon Tech Haunted House. Located at Oregon Tech in Klamath Falls, Oregon. www.facebook.com/events/2146029415715705/

Cyrils House of Horrors. Located at 749 SE Jackson St. Roseburg, Oregon www.roseburgfrightclub.org/

Monster Mac’s Lunatic Asylum. Due to the nature of our attraction, this is NOT recommended for children under the age of 13. Children 8 (or younger) will NOT be allowed on any evening haunted house. Children 15 (or younger) MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times. Located at 707 High St., Klamath Falls, Oregon. https://monstermacslunaticasylum.com/

Ashland Monster Dash. Pre register for dash or come Monster Ball, pasta party, costume contest, 1 mile fun run, 5k, 10k run/walk to benefit education. Located in Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon. https://ashlandmonsterdash.com/

Grants Pass Shopping Center Halloween Festival. Located at 959 NE “D” St. Grants Pass, Oregon. www.grantspassshoppingcenter.com/

>>>>Find Fall Harvest Festivals and Pumpkin Patches Here

For more family friendly events and kids activities download the current issue at:

SouthernOregonFamily.com

Pheasant Field Farms Harvest Festival

Pheasant Field Farms Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch is a family favorite in the Rogue Valley.

Held every weekend in October there is a bounty of colorful pumpkins of all sizes to choose from and fun activities to do.

Kids will have fun in the bounce houses or getting their faces painted among other booths or climbing on the hay hill.

A cow train ride ride is very popular.

The family can take a tractor pulled wagon ride to hear about the farm .

There is a big barn marketplace where you can do a little shopping and a cafe where you can get a bite to eat.

The huge Corn Maze is always fun and they host night time events.

Located at 1865 Camp Baker Rd, Medford, Oregon.

Kayaking at Spring Creek

Ever since seeing pictures of the clear blue water of Spring Creek, I was dying to go! In August, we had the chance to go and didn’t hesitate.

We put in at Spring Creek Recreation Site and kayaked upstream to the headwaters. The current is so gentle that, whether you’re going down stream or up, it’s pretty easy to paddle. This easy paddling allows you to take in the beautiful scenery – especially the crystal clear, turquoise water! I didn’t get sick of staring at it the entire trip. When looking at the other kayakers moving across the water, it looks as if they are gliding on ice … and if you feel the water you’ll find it’s just about as cold as ice. I could only handle having a hand or foot in for a few seconds before quickly pulling out in pain.

Once you reach the headwaters, you can see where the spring originates from bubbling up out of the ground. Some people call the little hurricanes of sand “dancing sand.” My son jumped out and stepped in one and was surprised to find that his foot sank in quite a bit!

We picnicked in our kayaks before heading back downstream.

Another favorite part of the trip was seeing the Mare’s Eggs- a rare freshwater algae that only grow in a few places around the world. It grows in colonies that cover the bottom of the creek in certain areas. I could go on and on about how gorgeous this area is, but all you have to do is take one look at a picture and you’ll be dying to see it for yourself!

Some families bring their own kayaks or you can rent from

Lakes Wilderness Adventures. 112 W Chocktoot St, Chiloquin, OR 97624 (541) 591-0949

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spring-Creek-Recreation-Site/150598304952078

By Brennan

Parents Need to know about CyberBullying

Every parent wants to keep their child safe, but for today’s kids, threats don’t just exist in the physical world. These days, cyberbullying—bullying that takes place on social media, over text and email, and in other online venues—is everywhere. A 2018 Pew Research Center study found that 59% of US teens had experienced cyberbullying, and 63% consider it a major problem.

As more and more kids and teens spend time online, opportunities for cyberbullies only increase. Trying to keep your child safe online can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. To help, our safety team at ASecureLife has compiled a parent-friendly guide to preventing, recognizing, and dealing with cyberbullying.

Please visit this link for helpful information:

https://www.asecurelife.com/cyberbullying-prevention-guide/

U Pick Peaches at Sugar Plumb Acres

I recently found Sugar Plumb Acres on Facebook and was super excited to go out and check out the farm located at 1850 Pioneer Rd. in Talent, Oregon.

We have a family recipe for a peach cake that my children love so it was easy to talk them into coming. When we pulled up to the farm the first thing that caught my eye was all the beautiful flowers!

They have a u-pick area that you can find reasonable priced flowers to make your own bouquet. Our next trip out we will be taking advantage of this for sure. We were directed to area to pick the peaches, you need to bring your own containers to transport them, we brought reusable fruit bags.

There are plenty of low hanging fruit so that even your toddlers are able to participate. Once you’ve gathered all your peaches you just have to pull up to the exit and you’re able to weight and pay right there, the farm does only take cash or checks.

For more information visit http://www.sugarplumacres.info

Photos by: rhardestyphotography.com