My View – November 2018

I’m pleased to bring you the Review’s first-ever “gratitude issue”—a celebration to showcase many of the incredible organizations that make Jacksonville such a unique and wonderful place to call home. Having worked for the bulk of the summer and fall to help defeat the meals tax ballot measure, I’m thrilled to return my full attention to the brightest side of our village—sharing stories of those who give of themselves to help others and improve life in our town.

Inside this issue, you’ll read about service clubs, non-profit groups and organizations that operate in and around Jacksonville. If you’re looking to volunteer, opportunity abounds—so read on. For anyone looking to make a generous seasonal financial contribution, you’ve come to the right place!

This community thrives thanks to a vast network of people involved in volunteer work. It’s an extensive list that includes those who clean and maintain our historic cemetery to those delivering food to homebound seniors, to those working in nationwide and worldwide service clubs to those who carve and care for our woodland trails. And the list goes on and on because our village is comprised of generous citizens.

Before moving to Jacksonville, many of us never volunteered due to demands imposed by family, careers and time clocks. We may have written checks to various non-profits but that’s different than rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty! Once settled here, many of us find ourselves thrust into a new volunteer world, one in which our true selves emerge and our community is better off. This issue is dedicated to the fine people making a contribution who deserve our recognition and thanks.

I am very grateful to everyone who helped prepare these write ups that describe the “who, what, when, where and why” of what they do and how YOU can help.

It’s with deep appreciation and a heart of gratitude that I wish you all the best this holiday season in Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!