Thank you Jacksonville! It’s hard to believe this July 2013 issue marks my 5-year anniversary as Publisher of the Review. When Jo and I bought the paper in 2008, we never imagined how ingrained we would becomee in the community and how much owning a newspaper would change our point of view on the very importance of “community.”

Our first issue!

Our first issue
JULY 2008!

Over the last five years, many people have helped make this publication become more “magazine” than “newspaper,” which was my vision when we took over from Carolyn Kingsnorth. Publishing the Review is possible thanks to our contributing writers who share their expertise, insight and passion AND our local business owners who advertise and provide the financial support necessary. I am most grateful to our monthly readers who return the favor by keeping their dollars here in town and support so many local businesses.

Five years ago, we began with the “end in mind,” and have made changes and upgrades along the way, invested in new technology and printing processes, launched an incredible website (JacksonvilleReview.com) and Facebook page, and introduced our digital information kiosk in the Beekman Bank. More to come!

I have learned so much from so many in the community and in no particular order, would like to thank them for their guidance, mentoring, support and friendship over these five years: Jo Parker, Carolyn Kingsnorth, David Gibb, Mark Portrait, Charlie Wilson, Hannah West, Stacy Van Voorhees, Linda Meyers, Paul Wyntergreen, Jeff Alvis, Paul Becker, David & Constance Jesser, Terry & Paula Erdmann, Mel & Brooke Ashland, Donna Briggs, Sara King Cole, Jeremy Sipple, Todd Reichebaugh, Bruce McLeod, Anne McAlpin, Gates McKibbin, Tim Balfour, Gary Renninger-Balfour, Frank DeLuca, Ken Gregg, Laurel Briggs and Ken Snoke. (Sorry if I missed anyone!)

Finally, words can’t express how incredibly grateful I am to Andrea Yancey, the Review’s awesome graphics editor, who somehow manages to make each issue better and better for all of us in Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!

Posted July 1, 2013