Saturday Artisan & Crafters Market - Grants Pass, Oregon Saturdays are booming again in Grants Pass, Oregon at the Saturday Artisan & Crafters Market.  This very creative open air market sits adjacent to the Grants Pass Growers Market.  The Saturday Artisan & Crafters Market is located on 5th Street between E and F streets. The Saturday Artisan & Crafters Market is the largest of its kind in Southern Oregon and features artists from around the Rogue Valley. The Saturday Artisan & Crafters Market has beautifully designed concrete yard sculptures. Incredible wood carvings on exotic woods.  The artist, Gary Preslar, hikes the Oregon mountains for just the right pieces and turns them into "wood spirits."  They make excellent gifts as "wood spirits" are said to be the guardians of the forest... 05/03/2010

Donate a Dutch Bros Cup of Coffee for Dane - Grants Pass Oregon.  Today, Dutch Bros coffee in Grants Pass Oregon held a great fundraiser for a good cause.  For every cup of coffee purchased, Dutch Bros donated all the proceeds to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The fundraiser was initiated to raise awareness for Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).  The annual fundraiser was held in honor of the company's founder, Dane Boersma, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2005 and passed away late last year from the disease.  Dutch Bros. contributed $80,000 last year to the MDA for research and family services. I never miss an opportunity to support a great cause and enjoy my favorite cup of coffee at the same time.  These Dutch Bros guys really know how to make a great cup of coffee!  Donate a Dutch Bros ... 04/30/2010

Thanks Realtor Magazine - For the Mention on Page 13.  On rare occasions, someone does something nice that just makes your day.  Today was one of those days! Kathryn Tarbox of Realtor Magazine happened to read one of my posts on Active Rain about Stigmitized Properties.  Kathryn contacted me and asked if she could quote me in an article she was writing about the subject.  Of course, I said yes! That article appeared in the April 2010 issue of Realtor Magazine, called "Properties Wth a Past" on page 13.  I hope you all get a chance to read the article.  A special thank to Kathryn for the mention.  I will accept my two minutes of fame with joyful pride and a humble smile :)  Thanks Realtor Magazine - For the Mention on Page 13. 04/29/2010

Gold, Copper and Secession - Southern Oregon Southern Oregon has had its' wild times in the few years it has been a state (1859). Once the state was in the midst of a Gold rush and also had the largest Copper mine in the United States. The Queen of Bronze Copper mine produced five million pounds of Copper in the period from 1862 to 1930.  During that time, it also produced roughly 60,000 ounces of GoldAmazing production for this mine considering there were no decent roads in Southern Oregon at that time. The frustration felt by both Southern Oregon, and the citizens of Northern California with the same problems, led to a Secession from the Union movement by both populations. The Southern Oregon and Northern California counties banded together and formed what would become the "State of J... 04/28/2010

Hiking In The Illinois River Valley - Southern Oregon Just a ways from the area where gold was first discovered in Oregon, the signs of another beautiful summer are everywhere. Only a mile from the confluence of Josephine Creek and the Illinois River are host to this family as they leisurely swim away from the human intruders. The family of raccoons were too quick for the "slow on the draw" photographer, but I snapped their footprints to prove to myself they were there. Deer were all over the Illinois River Valley,  but with two adults and two dogs, chances of seeing much diminish.  Again, I was left with footprints, but I didn't save them for the record. Just being out in this beautiful country is a thrill. When you realize that only 150 years ago this area in the Illinois River Valley... 04/27/2010

  Mining The Illinois River Valley - Southern Oregon "Suckers" from Illinois found gold in Oregon! The Illinois River Valley was named after a group of miners who hailed from the state of Illinois in about 1852. "Sucker" creek was also named for the same group, as Illinois was known as the "Sucker State." Well, the gold seekers tore through the Illinois River Valley along both sides of the Illinois River.  The vast piles of "tailings" stretches for miles in this beautiful valley as evidence of the wealth in gold, silver, and platinum that came from Mining The Illinois River Valley. Just northwest of Little Falls, the Illinois River Valley widens, and this wide area made it profitable to bring in the big guns (hoses) for the hydraulic operations. We discovered these ditches starting high... 04/27/2010

RE/MAX In Grants Pass, Oregon RE/MAX in Grants Pass is the place to buy or sell your home. I joined RE/MAX last year after moving to Grants Pass from Beaverton, Oregon. RE/MAX is owned by RE/MAX Ideal Brokers, Inc. with another RE/MAX office in Medford, Oregon. RE/MAX sold our home in Beaverton and RE/MAX sold properties for my wife in Idaho Falls, Idaho and Lake Havasu City, Arizona. RE/MAX in Grants Pass is who we purchased our new home through. It was only logical that when I decided to enter the real estate profession, I chose RE/MAX.   My website, GLSwansonhomes.com is the way to reach me at RE/MAX in Grants Pass, or call me direct at 541 441-4410. Being new to the area is an advantage to me, as I studied the market for two solid years before joining RE/MAX in Grants Pass. Our RE/M... 04/25/2010

The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall - Grants Pass, Oregon The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall came to Grants Pass, Oregon.  The 80% scale replica of the Washington D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial is about as far away from home as it can get, 2,932 miles.  I hope everyone has had a chance to visit this memorial. If you can walk along this wall and read the names of those heroes without getting choked up, you're stronger than I. On this day,even the mighty Rogue River alongside which the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall rests seemed to slow down and passed by without a sound in respect for those who died for our country. There is still time to visit the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, it will be here until Monday, April 26th. With thanks to the people who brought the Traveling Vietnam Memo... 04/24/2010

Gem And Mineralogy Show - Grants Pass Going on now through Sunday is the Rogue Gem And Mineralogy Show at the Josephine County Fairgrounds in Grants Pass. Come to the Gem And Mineralogy Show and see fabulous displays of rocks, gems and crystals; from the treasures of Oregon to all corners of the globe. Local hand-made jewelry by skilled resident artisans will amaze you with the quality and the prices are ridiculously low!  The folks putting on the show have priced their merchandise to be a terrific bargain for today's economy. Even if you just care to browse, there is so much to learn and see.  Bring the whole family to the Gem And Mineralogy Show and take a lesson in gold panning from the Armadillo Mining Shop. Don't miss out on the 2010 Rogue Gem And Mineralogy Show.   04/23/2010

There's Gold In Them Thar' Hills! - Grants Pass, Oregon In my efforts to be a well informed Realtor®, I research not only the housing areas, but also the recreational aspects of Southern Oregon. This trek was to ascertain that there is still plenty of wilderness for newcomers to explore. I've never imagined there could be so many Gold Claims, but on some creeks and rivers, everything seems protected.  One Gold Claim after another, as far as you can travel.  Not many being worked too hard though.  You seldom see a soul. There are still many areas where the public can pan gold, but just traveling around the back country reminds one that we're not that far removed from Oregon's glorious Gold Rush. Even though this research is really tough, I plan to explore this land (for my clients of cou... 04/23/2010

Shoring Up Property Values Through HAFA The government estimates that one out of seven mortgages are in trouble. Having a foreclosed property in a neighborhood hurts every ones' property value.  It behooves us to do everything we can to prevent foreclosures and protect neighborhood values.  When I went through schooling for my CDPE (certified distressed property expert) designation, I quickly learned that it's not just all about listing and selling short sales and foreclosures. A key element in the CDPE process is to help a homeowner to avoid messy foreclosures. The HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative) program is designed to do just that.  To enable struggling homeowners to walk away gracefully and not have to look back over their shoulders for deficiency judgments coming year... 04/22/2010

Hiking The Illinois River - Grants Pass, Oregon The magnificent Illinois River is in its' full Springtime glory as it ignores the constraints of the steep canyons through which it runs and rages uncontrolled. Carved over centuries, the main channel of the  Illinois River  rises and widens as necessary to accept the hundreds of tributaries that draw from the melting snows of the surrounding mountains. Having been places that only eagles are aware of, the streams and creeks cascade out of the rugged and impassable canyons.  The jagged peaks and treacherous bastions of the vertical cliffs guard the secrets of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness area. After Hiking The Illinois River in some areas for the last year, I think there have to be many places that not even the gold miners ever made it to, an... 04/22/2010

Celebrate Earth Day, Buy A Green Home - Grants Pass, Oregon Harvest Meadows Estates brings green homes to Southern Oregon in a big way. Harvest Meadows Estates is being developed by master builder Kirk Chapman. Mr. Chapman has made a commitment to be the first to bring "Green Built Certified Earth Advantage Platinum Level" homes to the area. Harvest Meadows Estates will have the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes in the state. The homes in Harvest Meadows Estates are being built well beyond current code requirements. Green homes are better for your health and your wallet. Many of these homes feature RV parking areas for our senior Snowbirds, and all homes in Harvest Meadows Estates are built with amenities like granite counter-tops, hardwood and tile floors, higher... 04/22/2010

That really "Ticks" me off! Spring is a prime time for tick season in Southern Oregon.  These tiny little creatures can wreak havoc on your immune system with the smallest of bites.  Some ticks are no larger than a poppy seed and can't be easily seen before they attack.  And some ticks carry the bacterium which causes Lyme disease, a disease that can cause chronic medical problems if it isn't treated. Take special precautions when hiking in the woods or any natural brush area in Southern Oregon.  Wear light colored clothing so you can see any dark specs after being in a wooded area.  Exercise caution when being outdoors and you won't find yourself saying; "That really ticks me off!" 04/21/2010

Doesn't Everyone?   Why should I not have magnetic signs on my wheelbarrow? Maybe when I'm working in the yard, someone will take pity on me and ask me to list their home, or at least think I'm hiring out. Or maybe I'll just get offered more lawn jobs.  If that happens, the signs come off! 04/21/2010

No Annoying Insects - The Plants Ate 'Em! - Illinois River, Oregon Here we are again on another exploratory trip along a yet unexplored (by me) section of the Illinois River near Grants Pass, Oregon.  Just a few miles from Selma, Oregon and the incomparable Lake Selmac, I make another interesting discovery.  Carnivorous plants! I have been so impressed with the lack of insects in this country. Having been raised in the part of the U.S. where the mosquito was our state bird, I do love this so. Sitting on the boulder-strewn banks of the Illinois River, I was enjoying the peace without annoying, buzzing pests when my wife discovered a field of Cobra Lilies. Scientifically named, Darlingtonia Californica, also called California Pitcher, Cobra Lily or Cobra plant.  It was thus named as it wa... 04/20/2010

Wild Bunch of Bears on Harleys - BearFest 2010 - Grants Pass Oregon.  BearFest 2010 presents 17 brand new fiberglass bears on Harley's and Choppers.  The bears will make their debut on May 29, 2010 at the Grants Pass Boatnk Parade held in downtown Grants Pass, Oregon.  The Wildest Bears in the West!  Bearfest is one of Grants Pass, Oregon's coolest, friendliest and most fun public outdoor events of the year.  Local artists decorate, embellish, bejewel and paint larger than-life size bears, which are then displayed in downtown Grants Pass, Oregon.  This year, the bears will be on Harleys! Scheduled appearances for the Wild Bunch of Bears on Harleys: May 14, 15 & 16, 2010 - Home Show/Sneak Preview - Sneak Peek of bikes and finished bears May 28, 2010 - Boatnik Public Dance (Friday evening... 04/19/2010

Are Mortgage Interest Rates Headed Upward? If history will again repeat itself, they are certainly ready to! For those who can't remember the last recession in the early 80's, it started and ended about like it is now. I recall buying a house in 1974 in Portland, Oregon, selling it in 1979, and making enough profit to buy a business in another state. Then, after the economy went to pieces for several years to come, I moved back to Portland in 1982, and was able to purchase a new home for less money than I had sold my house for in 1979.  The only catch was that interest rates were higher. The rebounding economy had mortgage rates around 10% in 1990, and with ups and downs from 9.25% to around 7% over the next ten years.  They were about 8% in 2000.  In 2009, we hit lows of just under 5%.... 04/19/2010

"If they mean to have a war, let it begin here."   Recognize this quote?  It was said by John Parker on Lexington Green on April 19, 1775. A quote from the Concord Hymn by Ralph Waldo Emerson; "By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to Aprils' breeze, unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood and fired 'the shot heard' 'round the world." This poem was actually a hymn that was sung for the dedication of the monument to the Battles of Lexington and Concord long after the war.  It continues; "The foe long since in silence slept; Alike the conqueror silent sleeps; and time the ruined bridge has swept Down the dark stream which seaward creeps." With seven hundred British troops against our 77 minutemen, the world soon changed forever. History shows that only about a third... 04/18/2010

The Rogue Theatre Presents - Jonny Lang - Grants Pass Oregon.  On April 22, 2010, the Rogue Theatre presents lthe legendary Jonny Lang.  Jonny started playing the guitar at the age of twelve with a local blues band in Fargo, ND.  The band moved to Minneapolis, and independently released the album Smokin' when Lang was fourteen.  Lang was signed to A&M Records in 1996.  He released the critically acclaimed multi-platinum Lie to Me on January 28, 1997.  The next album, Wander this World was released on October 20, 1998 and earned a Grammy nomination.  This was followed by the more soulful Long Time Coming on October 14, 2003. Lang also made a cover of Edgar Winter's "Dying to Live".  Lang's newest album, the gospel-influenced Turn Around, was released in 2006, and most recently won Lang h... 04/18/2010