A Few Minutes with the Mayor – May 2023

As we cross seasons, I see a lot more folks out enjoying our spring weather. It is time to come out of hibernation and enjoy all Jacksonville has to offer. Where better to enjoy meals, shopping, scenery, education, entertainment, and community involvement than right here in Jacksonville? A lot is going on in town that is exciting for every age and I encourage you to get out, look around, and participate.

For a small town, we have an abundance of different restaurants and places to enjoy a beverage. Coffee shops, wine shops, tasting rooms, restaurants, and public houses abound. There are a variety of cuisines to choose from. Two long-time restaurants that have been closed for a while are now reopening, with new interiors and menus. Including two of the coffee shops, I count thirteen locations that will be serving delicious food.

If you are new to town, or looking for a gift, the many diverse shops in town offer interesting, quality items. Practical items for everyday use are also easy to find.

Our woodland trails and city parks are beautiful this time of year and you may still see some wildflowers blooming. Back in April, “Spring Flowers—A Walk in the Woodlands,” guided by Larry and Linda Smith, and sponsored by the Jacksonville Community Center, was a great way to get acquainted with a part of our parks system. Look for it next spring. Including Forest Park and the Jacksonville Woodlands, we currently have eleven parks listed on our city webpage. Some are small pocket parks; where you can relax, read, or enjoy a picnic. Some are geared for children, and some are wonderful for hiking.

If you want a bit of education, culture, and some fun, many classes and events are offered at both the Jacksonville Community Center and the Jacksonville Library. Rebel Heart Books holds author events, which is a great way to meet others, talk about books and discuss all the different viewpoints they bring to us.

If you are looking for entertainment, several of our public houses offer music from regional bands. The Britt Festival is renowned and walkable from almost anywhere in town. Have you seen the stellar lineup for this season? Some very well-known and famous performers are on the roster this summer. I urge you to check it out and purchase tickets sooner, rather than later.

For those of you who are community-minded or looking for a group, there is one in Jacksonville for you:

The Jacksonville Boosters Club is a friendly, hardworking crowd. They have been dedicated to preserving Jacksonville’s history and enhancing its livability for over fifty years. The club works on many projects for our town; supporting these civic activities through monetary contributions and member volunteer involvement. There are too many volunteer opportunities to list. Many of our town’s features are because of the Boosters. The monthly club meetings include a program that always proves to be interesting and educational. Jacksonville Boosters also have several social events for members each year.

The Jacksonville Garden Club is an institution that was formed in 1939, eighty-four years ago. This group is part of the Siskiyou District, Pacific Region, Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs, and National Garden Clubs, Inc. The club’s main fundraisers are the Annual Holiday Greens Sale in December, and the Annual Spring Flower, Plant, and Bake Sale in May. Proceeds fund local educational scholarships, civic plantings, and community projects. This past year the club participated in projects with the Jacksonville Boosters Club, the Jacksonville Woodland Association, the City of Jacksonville, the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center, Rogue Community College, and the Jacksonville Historical Cemetery.

Other active organizations in Jacksonville include the Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce & Business Association—which operates the Jacksonville Visitor Information Center. Historic Jacksonville, Rotary Club of Jacksonville Applegate, Table Rock Kiwanis Club, Warren Masonic Lodge #10 A.F. & A.M. are all active. If I have neglected to mention your organization, email me and I will include you next month. All organizations mentioned may be found on their online webpage or, in some cases, Facebook.

I hope you can participate in some of our small town’s entertaining and educational activities. As we come out of our long winter slumber, it is a great time to enjoy and appreciate Jacksonville.