SELMA SPOTLIGHT - Selma Center is the site for “Echoes of the Siskiyous,” a coffee house-type gathering that will begin Thursday, Aug. 6. The plan is for eclectic artists to come together at 6 p.m. each Thursday for open mic sessions, hosted by songwriter Patrick Dodd, who is joining with “Dessert First.” The scene is open to songwriters, poets, singers, actors, storytellers, dancers, comedians -- all performance artists. Coffee, soft drinks, dinner and pastries will be served. Vegan selections will be available. Shows will be recorded, with selections to be played on Radio KSKQ and Hope Mt. Radio. Phone 956-1513 or visit patrickdodd.com for more information.

TALENT SCOUT - The Illinois Valley Lions Club annual Labor Day Festival is coming up fast, and a talent show again will be held. Amateurs of all ages can participate for cash prizes. The schedule: Juniors on Sept. 1 at noon, Intermediates on Sept. 2 at noon, and Adults on Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. The deadline to enter is Aug. 29: Late entries will not be accepted. For information and to sign up, phone “Donna” at 596-2719, or “Sue” at 592-2252.

BINGO LINGO - Although winner-take-all bingo was planned at Illinois Valley Senior Center on Saturday, Aug. 11, it’s been canceled. The reason is that there would be a conflict with bingo games in the Josephine County Bldg. in Downtown CJ the same day during the Wild Blackberry Arts & Crafts Festival.

NOTEPAD - Wordsower International’s Jason Nightingale will present a Scripture Festival on Sunday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. at Takilma Bible Church at 10343 Takilma Road during an all-congregations service ... A free barbecue picnic for youth 12 and older will be held by Illinois Valley Boys & Girls Club on Friday, Aug. 3 and Thursday, Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ... A free concert featuring “King Cotton Jazz Band” will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7 at Riverside Park in Grants Pass as part of the GP Chamber series … Blackberries are the number-one anti-oxidant food per serving of 1,130 grocery store products tested, said Oregon Dept. of Agriculture. Plus, based on animal testing, an extract from fresh blackberries reduces cancerous tumors and prevents cancer cell spreading … Actual headlines: *Student suspended over hot sauce. *Minorities in short supply. *Reach out to abuse victims, counselors told. *Smoking organ causes stir at nursing home.

LAST WORDS - I have found it advisable not to give too much heed to what people say when I am trying to accomplish something of consequence. Invariably they claim it can’t be done. I deem that the very best time to make the effort. (Calvin Coolidge)

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