My View – November 2021

All of a sudden, November is here and we find ourselves at the beginning of the holiday season—a good time to take stock of how grateful we are for our community and the positive lifestyle it offers. Every day here in Jacksonville, we are the recipients of gifts from volunteers—the ones who make our town come to life—think Historic Cemetery, Beekman House & Bank, Woodland & Forest Park Trails, Community Center, Art Presence…and so much more. I can’t think of a better time than Thanksgiving to remember this.

Right now, as we gear up for Victorian Christmas, with town magically lighted and decorated in greenery, be sure to thank the volunteer corps from the Chamber of Commerce for making it happen. As you stroll the streets and show them off to your visiting friends and family, recall that it’s the Chamber volunteers and the merchants that make it possible—the stores, restaurants and businesses that line California and 5th Streets are the ones who foot the bill for all to enjoy. Please consider returning the favor by continuing to shop local and keeping your holiday dollars here in town where they are reinvested. After nearly two years of living through this pandemic, shopping local has never paid off like this before.

At this time of year, I also like to remind everyone that this publication is also a result of volunteer energy and passion. Thanks to an incredible lineup of volunteer contributors, these pages are filled with stories and features that reflect life here in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!