Author Archive

Sara Jane Wiltermood

Sara Jane Wiltermood

Sara has been involved with the Rogue Valley Messenger from its inception, innocently responding to a craigslist ad asking for writers back in 2012, because she figured, why not? She had received her B.A. in Journalism/Mass Communications from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, in 2007 and was itching to put it to good use back where she was born and raised, in Grants Pass. Little did she know that the then online paper would end up in print, or that she would find herself in the esteemed position of Associate Editor two short years later. She and her husband and daughter, Seth and Lavender, have a small farm outside Grants Pass, where they primarily raise goats and rabbits and sell their products at their farm stand, L-Mae Essentials. They aspire to add produce to their repertoire in coming years. In her spare time, she also works as a Surgery Assistant/Implant Coordinator at Associates for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Grants Pass and Medford.

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Ah, Christmas in July. Tis the season to hit the river for rafting, fishing, kayaking, or just downright lounging. But how does the river feel about all this? We enlisted our local river expert, Director of Rogue Riverkeeper Robyn Janssen, to weigh in on what threatens our beloved Rogue River

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When I first saw The Lion King Broadway show in my 20s, I was transported back to third grade when I first saw the original animated Disney version in the movie theater. The talking safari animals were mesmerizing, the music was catchy, and all my friends were there watching it

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As OSF’s opening weekend approaches, curtains are going up all over the region, revealing shows that just cannot be overlooked. With so many talented individuals and groups, it is impossible to mention them all, but attending at least these five will provide a starting line for the marathon of great

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I don’t usually care much for penis jokes. However, when they are well-placed and timed, with a sense of amusement from all parties, they can be jolly good fun. (That’s what she said.) Ahem. At any rate, naughty jokes and more are found in Barnstormers Theatre’s Self-Help, playing through November

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Steven Remington is glad to be back home. An Oregonian at heart, he has gained experience guiding various non-profits throughout the Northwest and beyond, including his most recent Executive Director position at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho, and is excited to be back “home” and to take the

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Whether for school or pleasure, autumn and reading go together like a squirrel and an acorn. Of course, these acorns are only a handful of the numerous and diverse literary creations to be found in the Rogue Valley, but this listing should be enough to get even the most voracious

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“Rivers are the lifeline of the planet,” declares Tim Palmer while surrounded by pristine blue rushing water in a short film made by Freshwaters Illustrated. I last heard Tim Palmer speak about rivers at a Rogue Riverkeeper event in Ashland a couple of years ago. His obvious passion for the

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It takes time to learn a new language, and even longer to learn a new culture. Not to mention the cost of travel. Enter the closest thing to actually visiting another country: AIFF’s World Film Week, September 30 through October 6. Breathtaking and heart wrenching stories as only locals can

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While merely a fantastical proposal for some, the “State of Jefferson” is a real place for many. The Rogue Valley is located solidly inside the mythical state that has never been recognized, though several counties in Southern Oregon and quite a few in Northern California are on the list of

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Forget Hollywood—the Rogue Valley, it seems, is an up-and-coming rival for the epicenter of filmmaking, and these local talents are ready to strut their stuff at area film festivals: the Jefferson State Flixx Festival (JSFF) September 21 – 25 and the Klamath Independent Film Festival (KIFF) September 30 – October