Author Archive

Vanessa Newman

Vanessa Newman

Vanessa Newman taught Rogue Valley Manor residents to do Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Rogue Community College students to do Pilates and Parkinson’s clients to dance. She grew up in Massachusetts, moved to Colorado and now resides in Oregon with her family. She began writing at age eight, but now she writes more and can be found relocating chocolate at Lillie Belle Farms. She has published articles in IDEA, Rocky Mountain Sports, Women’s Edition, Rogue Valley Messenger and online at Livestrong.com and eHow. She has also written online courses for companies like SkillSoft, Chevron, and Anheuser-Busch. Her published children’s books and novels are available at Amazon, SoulSongFlutes

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Reviewing restaurants right now feels like going for a bike ride in a wet-suit—awkward and unsettling in this new paradigm of how we do things. I was not ready to dine-in, but absolutely desperate for a meal not cooked at home without the accompanying dirty dishes. A teenager in the

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“I truly believe art is about expressing yourself with a growth mindset,” says Jenay Elder.   Flowers, at least some varieties, can bloom in the worst of circumstances. Elder is blossoming too in these uncertain times—growing her business online. Usually, she conducts classes and demos at Art & Soul Gallery below

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  Pandemic or not, one has to eat. Hearty, nourishing food comforts the mind, body and soul. Not to mention that creating routines and normalcy at a time when most people’s lives have been radically upended is important as long as you “social distance.” And according to the CDC: “There

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The Oregon Chocolate Festival turns “sweet sixteen” this year, with a party to top them all on March 6 to 8 at the Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites. For starters, attendees have an opening night choice of celebration.  “Those who want a fancy culinary affair can go to the Wine

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  February is Ashland Culinary Month and “Restaurant Week” kicks off the foodie celebration February 3 – 9 with a slice of local flavors. There are multiple establishments involved in this six-day celebration, and for 2020, tradition and tapas set the tone.  The Rogue Valley Messenger had a chance to

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Over Easy? Named for their heavy reliance on eggs? Partially.  Chef Braden (who is also the owner) claims it is an expression of their style—casual, non-pretentious, kid-friendly and welcoming. Though, they do use “a lot of eggs,” says his wife Stephanie, who can be found waiting tables and ringing up

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It had been a long, exhausting week, but when two friends and I rolled into CABA located on Central Ave in Medford. I was ready to eat and unwind. I had no idea what to expect from Argentinian food and without the suggestion of my friend, Melynda, who runs the

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A hundred shows a year around the world. Over thirty new songs written and produced annually. Multiple instruments and concepts galore. David Block, creator of The Human Experience project, is a performer, visual artist, music producer, photographer, public speaker, innovator and electronic composer. Yet, he stays grounded and co-creates with well-known

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Coming Attractions founder, John C. Schweiger, had the foresight 30 years ago to set up a week of International films that served as a jumping off point for the Varsity World Film Week of today. From October 4 to 11, there will be 14 films from 11 countries presented. The

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  When you are off the grid, trying to hop back can be off-putting. Consider how my interview with Nazel Pickens (aka Robin Terranova Host of The Folk Show on Jefferson Public Radio) started out: “The phone lines are down,” he explained, “and I had to drive to a friend’s