1/13/26 J-Ville Writers Workshop with Author Louisa Morgan
2026-01-13 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Jacksonville Community Center, 160 E Main St, Jacksonville, OR, 97530, United States
Join multi-published Louisa Morgan as she facilitates a workshop for writers once a month. Louisa will illuminate one important element of writing and the writing life each meeting and the rest of the time will be spent workshopping. Novels, short stories, and memoirs are all welcome, as are all genres, from cozy romance to hard science fiction. New writers as well as experienced authors are encouraged to join in. The members will critique each other’s work, with emphasis on positive and supportive feedback. The workshop is designed to enhance skills for writers of any level. Beginners to early writers welcome! Cost: $5 to support JCC.
Presenter Bio: Louisa Morgan (pseudonym for Louise Marley), has been publishing steadily since her first novel appeared in 1995. She is a three-time winner of the Endeavour Award, given for excellence in speculative fiction by a Pacific Northwest author. Previously trained as a classical singer, she performed with the Seattle Opera and Seattle Symphony. She taught voice and related subjects at Cornish College of the Arts and has toured the world as a soloist. She recently settled in Jacksonville and enjoys teaching introduction to writing to adults and teens.

1/14 Strength Training with Mikinzie
2026-01-14 08:00 - 09:00
Naturopath physician Mikinzie Smoot will lead adults in strength-building exercises – incorporating weights, weight bars and step platforms. Book directly with instructor for this unsponsored one-hour class – offered weekly on Wednesday at 8-9am and Fridays 8:15-9:15am. For registration and payment: https://www.jvillefitness.com
For information call: 541-621-1883 or email: drsmootmedspa@gmail.com

1/14 Chair Yoga with Lori Sours
2026-01-14 09:30 - 10:15
This chair-based yoga class incorporates movement, poses, breath, and guided relaxation in both seated and (optional) standing sequences. We move slowly and mindfully, with plenty of opportunity to pause and notice. The classes are designed using the principles of yoga for healthy aging to support brain and body wellness.
GO TO: https://www.consideryoga.com/chair-yoga.html to register and pay.
Instructor Bio: Lori Sours, PhD, has been teaching yoga since 2014 and is a Create an account with JCCed Yoga Teacher at the 500-hour level with Yoga Alliance. Beyond Lori’s certification work, her specialized training includes teaching yoga for healthy aging and chair yoga for brain and body health. She is passionate about introducing the benefits of slow, mindful yoga, including chair yoga, to people who want to feel their best every day and age wisely.

1/14 Music Time for Littles - with Miss Laurie
2026-01-14 11:00 - 12:00
Music Time for Littles – with Ms. Laurie
Ages: 0-5 with accompanying adult Cost: $5 per child
Discover the joy of music in this engaging class designed for children 0-5 and their caregivers. This class combines singing, rhythm, movement and sign language. Get ready to sing beloved songs from around the world, and make music together in this weekly class! Sponsored by Jackson Care Connect.
Instructor Bio: Laurie Finear has been a music teacher in the Rogue Valley for over 15 years as a certified Music Together teacher. She now creates and teaches her own music classes for children and their caregivers in Ashland and Jacksonville. She is passionate about sharing the joy of music with children and families.

1/14/26 Kids Arts & Crafts: Snow Globes in a Jar
2026-01-14 14:00 - 15:00
Ages 6-12 Cost: $5 (Parents may drop off or participate for free)
Make a snowy scene in a jar. Small plastic figures will be provided, or bring in a plastic toy up to 3 inches tall to add to your mini winter wonderland.
Instructor Bio: Sarah Greco is the Youth and Family Programs Coordinator at the JCC and a Jacksonville mom. With a background in early childhood education and developmental psychology, she is passionate about protecting and celebrating childhood, and supporting parents in our community.

1/15 Intermediate Tai Chi and Qi Gong
2026-01-15 09:00 - 10:15
Experienced students are the focus of this ongoing class but beginners may join after contacting the instructor. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are calming practices that incorporate slow movement, breathwork, visualization, and meditation. Consistent practice fosters improved balance, body alignment, coordination, and overall sense of well-being. Tai Chi students will also practice the Qi Gong. To determine if you are ready for this level placement, please contact instructor Carolyn Wolf prior to attending at carwolf@sonic.net.
Carolyn’s Bio: “I have been a certified Tai Chi Practice Leader (from the Institute of Integral Qi Gong and Tai Chi) since 2015 and have been leading classes locally since then. I enjoy sharing all the practice has to offer; relaxation, increased body awareness, improved balance, meditation techniques, and overall improved well-being.”

1/15/26 Community-in-Action Forum: Dogs For Better Lives
2026-01-15 15:30 - 17:00
FREE! Harvey Potts, Vice President of Development, for the award-winning nonprofit, Dogs for Better Lives, will share heartwarming stories of dogs who have changed lives in extraordinary ways. Since 1977, this national organization has been training and placing Assistance Dogs that bring safety, independence, and joy to people with disabilities. From supporting adults who are deaf or hard of hearing, to children with autism, to professionals serving vulnerable communities, Dogs for Better Lives shows how the bond between people and dogs can transform futures and strengthen our communities. A DBL trainer will present a demonstration with a trained dog.
Instructor Bio: Harvey Potts joined Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) in 2016. With more than 25 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector, Harvey oversees philanthropic initiatives nationally for DBL. Harvey received both his Bachelor of Arts in European History and Masters in Environmental Education and Planning from Pacific Lutheran University.
Prior to joining DBL Harvey worked in senior managerial positions within several national nonprofit organizations, including Restore America’s Estuaries, National Wildlife Federation, and Washington’s National Park Fund. Earlier in his career Harvey worked internationally, serving a 3-year term with the U.S. Peace Corps in Poland, working in Bialowieza National Park (second oldest national park in the world to Yellowstone), overseeing their first-ever national grant funding program.
Outside of DBL, Harvey enjoys trail running and peak bagging our PNW volcanoes and is engaged with several nonprofit boards including Rogue Valley Family YMCA. Harvey and his Weimaraner pack (5), along with various livestock, reside on his mountain ranch in southern Oregon.

1/16 Strength Training with Mikinzie
2026-01-16 08:15 - 09:15

1/16 Beginning Yoga with Lori
2026-01-16 10:30 - 11:30
Join Lori Grable for a Beginning Yoga class! This class is open to anyone who is interested in trying out yoga for the first time or wants a refresher yoga class after a layoff. Come with comfortable clothes, a yoga mat and water bottle.
New students can arrive at 10:15.
Lori began her yoga journey in 2000 as a student at the Santa Barbara Yoga Center. She was drawn to the practice because it helped her to reconnect with her most authentic self while making her stronger and more open, physically and mentally. Her passion for yoga grew stronger as she traveled around the United States during the summer of 2003, practicing at many studios along the way. After settling in Pittsburgh, PA, she completed her teacher training and began teaching in 2006.
Today, Lori is an E-RYT 500 and teaches Vinyasa-based classes. She is influenced by the philosophy and alignment principles of Anusara Yoga. As a triathlete, Lori has an interest in yoga for athletes and has taught many workshops on the topic. She has a passion for the outdoors and has taught yoga in parks, vineyards, and backyards. Lori appreciates the healing and restorative qualities of yoga and has also worked with students who are recovering from illness, rehabilitating injuries, pregnant, or elderly.

1/19 Yoga Power Hour with Mindy
2026-01-19 08:15 - 09:15
This yoga power hour connects the mind and body through faster-paced, flowing sequences and breath synchronization. This full body workout is designed to build strength and flexibility, burn calories and stress, fine tune the core and body intuition in a fun and uplifting ambiance. These vibrant and dynamic poses help us to reap the mental health benefits of emotional regulation, stress reduction, sleep enhancement, and overall well-being in the present moment. Bring a yoga mat.
Book directly with the instructor Mindy Smith Yoga Alliance RYT 200 MPH CHES at https://www.powermindlight.com
Mindy Smith took her first yoga class as a college elective and has been devoted to the practice ever since. She studied Vinyasa Yoga under renowned teacher Shiva Rea in Venice Beach, CA, and has been a full-time health education professor at West Los Angeles College since 2001. In 2008, she expanded her teaching to include semester long yoga electives for the kinesiology department.
Mindy’s additional training includes prenatal and postnatal yoga, yoga for children, and Mental Health First Aid. She has led college-wide workshops on yoga, meditation, and self-care for students, staff, and faculty alike.
In 2011, Mindy spent six transformative months traveling through India, where she studied Ayurveda—India’s traditional “science of life”—and deepened her understanding of yoga, breathwork, and meditation at the source. She integrates this ancient wisdom into her own teaching, creating a dynamic blend of modern science, anatomical alignment and traditional practice.

CANCELLED - 1/19 Flow Yoga with Lori - Unsponsored
2026-01-19 17:45 - 19:00
A thoughtfully designed Flow Yoga focusing on breath & alignment. Options given to accommodate All Levels – As an unsponsored program, students are asked to sign up and pay for classes through Lori’s website at: https://lorigrableyoga.com/

1/20/26 Learn Life-Saving AED & CPR
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:00
Learn the use of the AED (automated external difibrilator) and basic CPR techniques that can save the life of a loved one. Presented by physician Sherry Neuman, attendees will learn key steps in emergency situations and will practice hands on techniques. This is not a certification course.
Instructor: Dr. Neuman has enjoyed a long career focused on clinical patient care. After completing her doctorate in pharmacy, she later completed medical school at the University of Nevada at Reno to become medical doctor specializing in infectious disease. She is a Jacksonville resident and is a strong proponent of preparedness and wellness activities.
This program is being offered FREE to the public – pre-registration is encouraged.

1/21 Strength Training with Mikinzie
2026-01-21 08:00 - 09:00

1/21 Chair Yoga with Lori Sours
2026-01-21 09:30 - 10:15

1/21 Music Time for Littles - with Miss Laurie
2026-01-21 11:00 - 12:00

1/21/26 Kids in the Kitchen: Pizza Bagels with Sarah
2026-01-21 14:00 - 15:00
Ages 6-12 Cost: $10 (Parents may drop off or participate for free)
Kids will make their own pizza bagels from start to finish, practicing basic kitchen skills while creating a warm, delicious meal they’re proud to eat.
Instructor Bio: Sarah Greco is the Youth and Family Programs Coordinator at the JCC and a Jacksonville mom. With a background in early childhood education and developmental psychology, she is passionate about protecting and celebrating childhood, and supporting parents in our community.

Cancelled - 1/22 Intermediate Tai Chi and Qi Gong
2026-01-22 09:00 - 10:15

1/22 Delicious Vegan Stew with Jerry
2026-01-22 13:30 - 15:00
Class Description: There is nothing better than a hearty winter stew to make those winter blues fade away. Join local resident and home chef, Jerry Pendzick, as he demonstrates a favorite and flavorful stew recipe that is sure to delight! Added to some crusty French bread and you have a delicious meal. Bring a friend to share in this fun-filled afternoon. Recipes and tasting will be
shared with all participants! $5 per person.
Instructor Bio: Upon retirement, Jerry Pendzick discovered his love for cooking. Trying new recipes and sharing them with family and friends has turned this self-taught chef into a “passionate” foodie. Jerry makes food preparation fun, easy and very tasty!

1/23 Strength Training with Mikinzie
2026-01-23 08:15 - 09:15

Cancelled due to illness - 1/23 Beginning Yoga with Lori
2026-01-23 10:30 - 11:30

1/26 Yoga Power Hour with Mindy
2026-01-26 08:15 - 09:15

1/26 Flow Yoga with Lori - Unsponsored
2026-01-26 17:45 - 19:00

1/28 Strength Training with Mikinzie
2026-01-28 08:00 - 09:00

1/28 Chair Yoga with Lori Sours
2026-01-28 09:30 - 10:15

1/28 Music Time for Littles - with Miss Laurie
2026-01-28 11:00 - 12:00

1/28/26 Youth Science: Experimentation Station - Magnet Mysteries Ages 6-12
2026-01-28 14:00 - 15:00
Learn all about magnets with hands on experiments and discover what kinds of items around the house are magnetic. Ages 6-12 Cost: $5 (Parents may drop off or participate for free).
Instructor Bios: Tori Wood is the Volunteer and Facility Coordinator at the JCC. She has a background in laboratory science and is incredibly excited to help foster a love of science and learning in our community. Sarah Greco is the Youth and Family Programs Coordinator at the JCC and a Jacksonville mom. With a background in early childhood education and developmental psychology, she is passionate about protecting and celebrating childhood, and supporting parents in our community.

1/29 Intermediate Tai Chi and Qi Gong
2026-01-29 09:00 - 10:15

1 /29 Watercolor Class in Food Art: Cupcakes with Carole
2026-01-29 16:30 - 18:00
Join watercolor artist and teacher, Carole Whitridge, for this fun class creating original watercolor paintings of delicious cupcakes. Learn basic food art techniques and practice with several variations. All materials and supplies included for just $20.
In this beginner watercolor class, participants (ages 10+ to adult) will learn to paint smooth washes of color, paint gradients, skies, and water. We’ll use techniques such as lifting paint and adding highlights, to create beautiful, satisfying art. No additional costs.
Instructor Bio: Carole Whitridge combines her love of painting and travel to bring tranquil, accessible classes to her students. She has a deep respect for the art and history of East Asia and strives to bring some of these traditions to her own teaching practice. She teaches watercolor to regional youth and adults alike.

1/30 Strength Training with Mikinzie
2026-01-30 08:15 - 09:15

1/31 Paint & LUNCH with Heidi
2026-01-31 23:00
While you learn easy and striking acrylic paint techniques to bring an amazing original winter-themed painting to life, also enjoy a full lunch array of delightful dishes. Heidi Elliott has been teaching painting for over a decade and brings a calm, reassuring style to the classroom so that everyone can succeed.
Bring friends, family or sweethearts for more fun! Ages 9 – Adult. (Youth 9 – 13 must be accompanied by an adult.) All supplies and lunch included. This class usually sells out so pre-registration is recommended. Walk-ins as space allows.
Instructor Bio: Heidi Elliott is a free-lance mixed-media artist who has taught Paint & Lunch style classes for years and encourages everyone to find a creative path. She serves as Jacksonville Garden Club’s First Vice President. Heidi is a Certified Morning Altars Teacher and Practitioner. She loves life here in Jacksonville and is happy to call it home.
