Most of us can relate to the feeling of lost normalcy lately—leaving home without a face mask, or socializing with friends without a computer, for example. But while these forlorn conveniences rightfully elicit grief, there’s one group of people that’s also mourning the loss of something much bigger: closure. Yes,

  Rogue Valley Messenger: The festival will be hosted online this year. It is a fascinating change: AIFF will be available on FilmFestivalFlix.com. Can you give some insights into this business? Both the idea of online film festivals:  Is this a new, emerging industry?  And what is it about FilmFestivalFlix.com that attracted AIFF to

Local Artisans Turn to Technology following Cancellation of Medford Comic Con   While the cancellation of this year’s annual Medford Comic Con (MCC) caused many cosplayers to hang up their tear-stained costumes, online offerings from local vendors are helping comic book junkies and anime aficionados keep the spirit alive, no

Best Cannabis Dispensary  Bestie: Madrone Cannabis Club (Ashland)  Hon. Mention: Pharm To Table (Medford) Breeze Botanicals (Ashland)    Best Local Cannabis Strain  Bestie: Madrone OG Hon. Mention: Morning Star   Best Budtender Bestie: Brenton Clarke (Madrone Cannabis Club)  Best Locally-made Cannabis Product (tincture, salve, etc.)  Bestie: Madrone Joint Packs Hon.

Best Spa Bestie: Chozu Bath & Tea Gardens (Ashland)  Hon. Mention: Club Northwest (Grants Pass)    Best Dentist  Bestie: Matt Hill Dentistry (Grants Pass) Hon. Mention: Erickson Dental Care (Grants Pass)    Best Physician/Medical Practitioner Bestie: Dr. Mark Rondeau (Asante, Grants Pass) Hon. Mention: Dr. Brigid Crowe (Wild Fern Natural

Best Hiking Trail Bestie: Table Rock Hon. Mention: Cathedral Hill    Best Mountain Biking Trail  Bestie: Jabberwocky Mountain Trail (Ashland)  Hon. Mention: Eight Dollar Mountain (Illinois Valley)    Best Dog Park  Bestie: Schroeder Park (Grants Pass)  Best Park to Smoke Weed Bestie: Lithia Park (Ashland)  Hon. Mention: My backyard    Best

Best Elected Official Bestie: Darby Ayers-Flood (Mayor, City of Talent)  Hon. Mention: Jeff Golden (Oregon Senate, 3rd District)  Best Veterinarian Bestie: Pacific Veterinarian Clinic (Grants Pass) Hon. Mention: Dr. Steven Poet (Best Friends Animal Hospital, Medford)    Best Doggie Day Care/Groomer Bestie: R&R Pet Resort (Phoenix) Hon. Mention: Land of

Best Record Store Bestie: Biscuits & Vinyl (Talent)  Hon. Mention: Music Coop (Ashland)  Best Outdoor Store Bestie: REI Hon. Mention: Mountain Provisions (Ashland)    Best Place to Find Vintage/Used Clothing  Bestie: Runway Fashion Exchange (Medford)  Hon. Mention: Three Penny Mercantile (Ashland)    Best Adult Store  Bestie: Castle Hon. Mention: Love

Best Non-OSF Theater Company  Bestie: Oregon Cabaret Theatre (Ashland) Hon. Mentions: Collaborative Theatre Project (Medford) Camelot Theatre (Talent)   Best Local Actor (film or stage) Bestie: Cody Wright  Hon. Mention: Bruce Campbell  Best Local Author Bestie: Melissa Mathewson  Hon. Mention: Josh Gross   More Besties: Best of Food Best of

Best Band or Solo Artist Bestie: The Brothers Reed Hon. Mention: John Dough Boys Petty Thievery  Best place to see live music  Bestie: Walkabout Brewing Co.  Hon. Mention: Talent Club   Best Local Music Festival Bestie: Britt Fest Hon. Mention: Apple Jam    Best Karaoke Spot Bestie: Wild Goose Café & Bar