A Few Minutes with the Mayor – August 2023

I have been reflecting lately on how many interesting activities we, and our visitors, enjoy in Jacksonville. My most recent thoughts of appreciation are of our partners: the Britt Music Festival, the Jacksonville Boosters, and our many Jacksonville volunteers who make many of these activities possible.

Britt’s latest news was in regard to Teddy Abrams, our renowned music director. Teddy conducted his last performance at the Britt Music Festival on Saturday, July 1st. Teddy came to the Britt in 2013, and this summer marked his 10th season with the orchestra. During his time on the hill, Teddy led projects such as the Centennial Celebration at Crater Lake, commissions from some of the most well-known composers today, and the unique composer-conductor fellowship program. Along with his role as Britt Music Director, Teddy accepted the role of Music Director for the prestigious Louisville Symphony in 2014 and has since conducted some of the most celebrated orchestras nationally and internationally. These experiences led to him departing the Britt after 10 years, in order to expand his life’s work, and increase his artistic programs. We will miss Teddy Abrams, his extraordinary talent, innovation, artistry, and his distinct style. Teddy, thank you, and good luck in the next chapter of your illustrious career! We can’t wait to see what happens next for you.

We look forward to the next chapter for the Britt Music Festival as they search for a new Music Director. Thanks also go to Abby McKee, President and CEO of Britt, who exemplifies hands-on leadership. Abby hit the ground running when she joined Britt in May 2022. Abby’s professionalism, experience, and enthusiasm quickly becomes apparent to everyone who comes in contact with her, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Britt and Abby. Please see this season’s stellar lineup and ticket availability at www.brittfest.org.

Tony Hess, recipient of the 2022 Doug Newman Memorial Award.

Many of you know Tony Hess, a longtime advocate and volunteer for Jacksonville. Tony was our Citizen of The Year for 2021 and is a familiar face volunteering on our parks and trails. I’m very happy to announce Tony is the recipient of the 2022 Doug Newman Memorial Award, from the Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. This prestigious award recognizes leaders in Oregon’s trails community who have made significant contributions to expanding and improving recreational trail opportunities. Tony was awarded this nomination in recognition of the significant contributions he made to preserving Jacksonville’s Forest Park and developing many miles of non-motorized trails. Tony and his wife, Joan, are both longtime volunteers for our community. Joan Hess is a lifetime member of the Jacksonville Garden Club who has inspired and guided many garden club members. It is because of people like Tony and Joan that a small city like Jacksonville continues to be a place we want to live, volunteer, and play in. Thank you, Tony and Joan, for being who you are and all you do.

Jacksonville Boosters! Some of us have only heard the name, and some of us have joined this extraordinary community organization. We have all, in some form or another enjoyed their volunteer efforts and the funding the Boosters give to us. The scope of the Boosters’ involvement in Jacksonville’s Mayor’s 4th of July Picnic is a great example of Booster collaboration that occurs on a regular basis. The success of this picnic is always a direct line leading to the Boosters help in planning and executing an event of this size. Everyone whom you saw setting up, taking down, hauling ice, watermelons, and grilling, is a Booster. Along with city employees, they started at 9am July 4, and worked until after 3pm. It was a very warm day, and we managed to serve 500 hot dogs, along with chips, water and watermelon to a convivial group of friends and neighbors. I cannot thank the Boosters and our city employees enough for the continued success of this yearly event. My heartfelt appreciation! The Boosters Club was established in 1963 to advance the general welfare and improvement of Jacksonville. One of their first accomplishments was obtaining Federal Historic District status for the city, providing for preservation of historic structures and preventing demolition of these historic structures. The Boosters hands-on projects include continuing repair and repainting of buildings in our Historic Cemetery, Forest Park, and support of Victorian Christmas. Boosters fly the flags on holidays, and actively recycle to raise funds for various causes. Boosters serve as planners, guides, actors, ticket sellers and stage hands in our October “Meet the Pioneers” cemetery tour. Boosters are responsible for the informative “Walk Through History” sidewalk inlays in front of City Hall and serve on City Council and nearly every city commission or committee. I have barely touched the surface of the Boosters activities. I encourage you to find out more by attending a Boosters meeting when they resume in September. Boosters meet from September through June, usually in the upstairs assembly room at City Hall. Meetings are the second Monday of the month starting at 9:30am. Refreshments, terrific programs, discussions about community projects and local issues are always on the agendas. Get in touch with Boosters at www.jacksonvilleboosters.org for more information. Jacksonville would be a completely different city without the Jacksonville Boosters. Thank you Boosters!

Until September, I hope you enjoy your families, friends, and all the activities Jacksonville has to offer.