My View – September 2023

This month, our cover story on Firewise leader Linda Davis comes as Jacksonville once again finds itself in the path of wildfires surrounding the Rogue Valley. Because of Linda and her dedication to making Jacksonville a safer place to live, more and more of us are aware of what we can do to mitigate fire risks on a personal level—in and around our own homes and in our neighborhoods. Linda is one of the best examples of a volunteer in action you’ll ever find—she saw a problem, worked WITH Fire Department staff, and became a part of the solution. She embodies what makes our town so special and is deserving of the recognition bestowed upon her by the State Fire Marshal.

I am pleased to let you know that this feature piece about Linda was penned by our new Associate-Editor, Belita Palu-ay, who joined the Review staff this month. Many of you know Belita already—she volunteers her time as the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Bed Tax Committee. She’s the owner/operator of belita space, a massage-therapy spa and Airbnb in the heart of downtown, where she hosts the very popular music/social event, Third Thursday on 3rd Street. Belita will be assisting with many aspects of operating the Review alongside longtime Graphics Editor, Andrea Yancey, who’s now also serving as Managing Editor. Thanks to their efforts and enthusiasm, you can look forward to exciting new things in-print and online in the coming months!

For more on volunteers who are making a difference, please read Cindy Rasmussen’s piece, wherein she offers realistic solutions to curbing traffic/safety issues in town. With her volunteer corps, the Committee for a Safer Jacksonville, Cindy is working effectively WITH the Police Department, citizens, staff, and the City Council to find solutions to a problem.

Another outstanding volunteer was recently recognized by Mayor Bowen, when she presented Tony Hess with the 2022 Doug Newman Memorial Award. This well-deserved award recognized Tony for his contributions in building the Forest Park trail system, another example of volunteerism at its finest.

Please join us in welcoming Belita and congratulating these special volunteers who are making a difference in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!