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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Boys want to cook for mom and her friend ... New piers offer access at Denman's Whetstone Pond ... Gov. Brown declares state of emergency as Oregon storm damage mounts ... Boys want to cook for mom and her friend ... New piers offer access at Denman's Whetstone Pond ... Gov. Brown declares state of emergency as Oregon storm damage mounts ... OUR VIEW Our View: Cheers and more cheers to mark the holiday Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Nov. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Nov. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News No jeers this week, in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. Cheers — to Medford Parks and Recreation and its newly renovated Hawthorne Park, and specifically the new playground. Driving by the new feature along East Jackson Street, we've noticed it's rapidly become a popular place for families with young children — one of the goals of the park remodeling project. Cheers — to the popularity of elementary band and orchestra classes in Medford schools. After budget cuts shut down instrumental music programs during the school day in 2003-2004, participation plummeted. Now, with the district dedicating money to purchase instruments and help students cover the cost of renting, the number of students learning to play jumped by about 200 over last year — 93 more in band and 118 more in orchestra. All told, 571 sixth-graders are participating. Studies consistently show students who take music classes do better in academic subjects, and music provides a lifetime of enjoyment. Cheers — to the news that the Holly Theatre renovation project continues to make progress with a couple of large donations. Contributions now stand at $2 million, about half what is needed, and Jefferson Live! director Randy McKay says he will start major construction when donations hit $3 million, because starting work tends to prompt more contributions. The restoration of the historic theater will add to the revitalization of downtown Medford. Cheers — to the news that the railroad crossing on Fir Street near Barnett Road will finally be repaired. The spur line belonging to Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad has been a headache for motorists for years, as it crosses Fir at an angle and features very uneven pavement. A spokeswoman for CORP's holding company said the work should get done after the holidays. Cheers — To REI, the renowned outdoor adventure shop, which has attracted additional attention with the announcement that it will not be open on Black Friday, instead letting its employees have the day off as part of an Opt Outdoors push that includes free admission to Oregon State Parks on Friday. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Nov. 27, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501