A Few Minutes with the Mayor – December 2021 January 2022

As I thought about writing this for the end of 2021, my mind wandered back to all that has happened during the last two years and what the future might bring. I have never been one to make New Year’s resolutions, but I have always been thankful for what I have in life and have celebrated that constantly. That is even more true now, especially as I age. My childhood holidays were filled with many family traditions, mostly held at either of my grandparents’ homes, with wonderful food and company. There was a marvelous cacophony of voices rising and falling, music and lots of children. I was one of those kids who fell between the cracks, right in the middle of the different age groups: too young for the older kids and too old to play with the younger kids.

I drifted between them and the different adult groups. I was always listening and absorbing all that was going on so I always knew all the family gossip! I also spent a lot of time with whomever was cooking, getting the first taste of all the delights to come and unknowingly laying the groundwork to becoming a decent cook later in life. I tried very hard to recreate those times and experiences for my children and grandchildren. As they grew up, we added our own traditions, and that gave me another treasure trove of memories to hold dear. Times change and it’s different now. Many of those cherished people are gone for good. Many no longer live in the same area. COVID-19 still prevents many of us from spending time in the presence of those we love. I really, really miss those times. We are also dealing with a country divided by politics, religious views, vaccine views, race, gender issues, you name it. Sometimes we aren’t even sure how to bring up any of these issues, much less talk openly about them. So, how do we deal with all this?

For me, it really is about being thankful, being kind, listening well, and acknowledging what I do have. Most of the negative issues will pass—we will figure them out or move on. It won’t happen overnight. We have an obligation to future generations, to lay this groundwork of repair. This will take a lot of effort and time. Hopefully we won’t do too much damage to each other or the earth in the meantime. I have a wonderful family, my health, and a beautiful community to live in and play in. We may even get to travel again at some point soon.

I also have many opportunities to emotionally and mentally grow right here in Jacksonville. I have enjoyed a chance to help plan for Jacksonville’s future through my volunteer work as a HARC Commissioner, Budget Committee member, as a City Councilor and now as Mayor. I have met more volunteers here in Jacksonville than any other place I have lived. When I talk to people who live and work here, I constantly hear how optimistic they feel now compared to how disheartened they felt last year. We are slowly regaining some of our freedoms that were suppressed by living during a pandemic.

The more I reflect on this era, the more I am grateful to live in Jacksonville, during these trying times. I am thankful for us to have the group of effective and diverse City Councilors, City Staff, Commissioners and Committee Members who support the city of Jacksonville. Thank you all. With the exception of our talented City Administrator and city staff, all are volunteers. Your Mayor, Councilors, Commissioners and Committee Members have really put in time and effort by either running for office or applying for appointed positions by filling out extensive questionnaires and being interviewed. That is only the beginning: you then have to learn the job! In almost any position, it takes about a year to feel comfortable and somewhat knowledgeable about your job. This is true volunteerism! This is what it takes to manage even a small city like Jacksonville.

These volunteers have brought so much expertise and knowledge to our city and continue to do so. Even in these trying times, they find purpose and fulfillment helping govern Jacksonville. The same goes for those of you who volunteer to be a Jacksonville Booster, Garden Club member, Rotary or Lions Club member, Chamber of Commerce supporter, Dog Park Volunteer, and members of many other groups. Everything you do helps to provide the quality of life we experience here. I salute you and again, I am beyond thankful to you all. I am sorry if I did not name your group but I salute all who volunteer.

Some upcoming events that may help us feel more normal this holiday season include, the Chamber’s month-long Victorian Christmas Celebration, with our Tree Lighting Ceremony and our Christmas Parade (with the state-required safe distancing). The Jacksonville Garden Club is resuming their Friday Holiday Greens Sale, next to the post office. The Community Center will continue to host events with your safety in mind. The Jacksonville Review has information on all, including dates, times and locations.

I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday season. I hope you can enjoy traditions and memories that make you smile. I hope you find purpose and meaning in all that you do. I hope you all enjoy a better year in 2022!

Big news: additional microphones have arrived for Council Chambers. Audience and Zoom participants should experience vastly-improved sound quality. We will also have a tutorial on how to use them properly.

Happy Holidays!