It’s hard to believe this is the final issue of 2014…I’m wondering where the year has gone! I’d like to wish everyone the happiest of holidays and express my sincere thanks to our readers, contributors and advertisers for helping make this our best year ever! As with every issue, my Production Editor, Andrea Yancey, and I strive to bring you the best publication possible. In 2014, we continued improving the publication, re-naming it a “lifestyle magazine,” one more fitting for our mission of spotlighting “real life” in Jacksonville.

In addition to upgrading the quality of our print issue, our website and Facebook pages also got major makeovers. Both are now mobile-friendly, allowing you to follow “everything Jacksonville” on your phone or tablet 24/7—you’ll also find information and content online that’s not in the print issue. Thanks to a greatly- expanded online reach and increased print circulation, we’ve become THE Jacksonville news source for the entire Southern Oregon region…and beyond!

On another “business” note, I’d like to thank you for your continued support of our local Jacksonville businesses, restaurants and merchants. Not a day passes without me “preaching” about the importance of “shopping local” and it’s gratifying that this important message is resonating in the community. For another fun and informative look at what our local shops are offering this holiday season, catch our 2-page Holiday Gift Guide and view our updated 2014 Shop Local Video. You’ll find a link to the video clip on our website and Facebook page—be sure to share it with your friends and “shop local” this season (and year-round) in Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!