Salon: Past Events

As we begin to emerge (we hope) from the worst of the pandemic, and reconstruct after devastating fires, we in the Rogue Valley face big challenges resuming “normal” life, but we want to explore opportunities to move beyond the old normal. Many topics could come up, and most are interconnected. That’s one reason an open discussion can help clarify for ourselves what the future of our communities might be like and how we might shape it. Jefferson Center Member Tony Davis will facilitate this discussion on Zoom.

Why do some religious people think that non-believers can't have morals? Is it true that as societies become less religious they disintegrate into ethical chaos? David Drury and Sandra Coyner will talk about the roots of ethics and decency for those who choose to be good without God – moral principles that grow naturally from our upbringing and life experience, our communities and our evolutionary heritage. Join the conversation Sunday, March 8th, 4-6 PM at the Old Ashland Armory, Suite 101, 208 Oak Street, Ashland.

Diane de Ryss, Board President, Options for Helping Residents of Ashland (OHRA), wll present an introduction to the work that organization does to provide services to people living at or below the poverty line in Ashland. For this discussion, we’ll focus on OHRA’s efforts to address homelessness, including how we support those in need on a path to self-sufficiency. Please bring some spare warm socks! The Jefferson Center is collecting socks in a "sock drive" for the homeless.

Join a Roundtable discussion 4-6 PM, November 10 at the Old Ashland Armory, 208 Oak St. led by Joanne Berdeen. To quote Tom Petty: “If you are not getting older,you’re dead.” We only have two choices as we age: keep adding birthday candles – or not. By now most of us have learned, through good science, that laughter has many positive benefits and it’s free, no prescription needed! While it’s good for people of all ages, laughter is especially beneficial as we grow older!