You say tomato and I say “Healthy!”Tomatoes are one of the most consumed fruits in the world, but when I say tomatoes are healthy, I’m not talking about ketchup. I’m talking about the whole fruit that many Valley residents are picking from their gardens as you read this.Tomatoes contain so[Read More…]

Dan and I jumped into the Jeep and headed to Bolan Lake Campground Sunday, Aug. 11 to celebrate our friend Amy Lusson’s birthday.I couldn’t believe after living in the Valley for 13 years that I had not made it yet to this beautiful lake in the forest. I was happy[Read More…]

Freshen up your summer salads.Nothing screams summer quite like a cold, delicious salad brimming with your garden’s fresh fruits and vegetables.Since we have a heat wave in our area, I was on the hunt for some recipes that would cool down the body and provide electrolytes. Here are a couple[Read More…]

By Laura Mancuso Art, music, games, wine and local flavors of every kind are going to be abundant in downtown Cave Junction Friday, June 14 from 5 – 8 p.m.Main Street Cave Junction is bringing back the Second Friday Art Walk with the help of downtown businesses and direction from[Read More…]

Plant-Based Diets An analysis of data from almost 50 studies showed that plant-based diets were associated with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease (heart problems caused by narrowed arteries) and cancer, particularly prostate cancer and gastrointestinal cancers. The study, published in PLOS ONE, examined the health effects of either[Read More…]

Column by Laura M. Mancuso Garden and art enthusiasts were in their element Saturday, May 18 during the Arts Alive event coordinated by The Southern Oregon Guild of Artists and Artisans.It was a gorgeous sunny day for a drive around the Valley to explore beautiful gardens and discover amazing art.Attendees[Read More…]

Six Illinois Valley professionals from five different organizations attended the 2024 Regards to Rural conference April 18-21 in Kennewick, Wash. hosted by the Rural Development Initiatives.Regards to Rural is a unique opportunity for community members and leaders throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond to come together to discuss rural priorities,[Read More…]

One small step toward solving Oregon’s childcare crisis Thirteen children were playing at learning stations at the opening day of All Around Kids Community Preschool Monday, April 15. All Around Kids is a new program offered by a longstanding nonprofit organization in the Illinois Valley: Healthy U in Cave Junction.According[Read More…]

Laura M. MancusoIVN editor SELMA, Ore. – March 6 and 7 in Selma, multiple organizations came together for a prescribed fire weekend training event called “IGNITE: Prescribed Fire Skills” held at the Siskiyou Field Institute.Prescribed fire is becoming more accessible and widespread in the Rogue Valley due to programs like[Read More…]

by Laura Mancuso On Saturday, my son Jaxon and I dodged rain showers by going to the free opening day of the season at the Kerbyville Museum and then went on a hike at Westside Trails.If you haven’t explored the Kerbyville Museum located at 24195 Redwood Hwy, in Kerby, or[Read More…]