Janai Mestrovich: That day, two drunk, homeless strangers became my unexpected protectors. In my heart, I still call them my “drunkles” (my drunk uncles) because in that shaky New York afternoon, they cared for me as gently as family.
Annie Katz: Simply getting into the habit of checking our peacefulness a dozen times or a hundred times a day, day after day, will help us cultivate a peaceful body, a peaceful mind, and a peaceful life.
Jim Hatton: There is only one thing that causes unhappiness: attachment. Attachment comes when we hold on to something for fear of losing it because we believe that we can’t be happy without it.
Jim Hatton: There are countless definitions and uses of the word love…. Here is my definition: Love is what is created when God-Source sees itself within its own creation.
Richard Carey: Now, with some sadness, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to move on. In my own pursuit of inner peace, I’ve got a few bucket list items to take care of, and I’m not getting any younger.
Annie Katz: Cultivating stillness, resting in a quiet body and a quiet mind, connects us to a deep well of inner peace.
Janai “Grandma Boom” Mestrovich: Mom collected frog memorabilia and also enjoyed drumming. It just made sense to be near the frogs when I drummed and chanted to honor her.
Moshe Ross: The wave’s swell, the trough as well as the crest of the wave, passes from water to water; we each feel each. Thus a suggestion can drag us down or lift us up, although the upliftment really lies within our own divine self, ready to break through.
Jim Hatton: It has been said that if we can observe something, we are not that. In essence, we are consciousness. We are that which is doing the observing.
Annie Katz: What if we were taught that the world is a playground? In such a world, we would be given play areas appropriate to our age along with a few basic suggestions: Don’t hurt yourself. Don’t hurt anyone else.
Carrie Dahle: More ADUs could gently expand our housing options while staying aligned with the look and feel of our existing neighborhoods. A homeowner on a fixed income might finally be able to stay because rental income helps keep them afloat.
As 2025 turns the corner into 2026, the time between three Ashland murder cases and solving the mysteries of who’s responsible keeps getting longer. Will the killing of Matthew “Oostburg” Vandersande in September join those of David Grubbs and Dave Lewis as cold cases?
Picture This: A reflection of the year through Ashland.news photographer Bob Palermini’s camera.
In state and national news, many Oregonians stood out for standing up. From protests and marches against Trump and his administration’s policies, to dozens of lawsuits against the federal government. Massive spending and tax cut packages that passed in Washington D.C. and Salem dominated this year’s political coverage
Obituary: Vincent Paul Shubat died on Dec. 19, 2025, at the age of 90, leaving behind a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances. Vince lived a life defined by curiosity, courage, and connection.
Black Alliance & Social Empowerment (BASE) Southern Oregon hosted a Kwanzaa celebration Sunday at the Historic Ashland Armory, featuring music, dancing, youth presentations and a candle lighting ceremony.
(It’s free)
