Happy Holidays from the Jacksonville Review!

This December/January issue of the Review looks back at “Jacksonville 2011” in words and pictures with several “year in review” articles and a multi-page photo spread I hope makes you smile. As I watched Jo sift through thousands of digital images to create the photo spreads, I was reminded what a fun-packed year 2011 was and how much our community accomplished. And, although the 2011 political front was calm and largely uneventful, there was plenty of community news and events to fill the pages of the Review.

None of these images and stories would be possible without the amazing spirit of “community” that’s thriving in Jacksonville.  Again in 2011, our community worked and partnered together with a seemingly endless flow of volunteer energy that supported worthwhile programs and the people who live here. Despite the current economic slump, Jacksonville’s stock “as a nice place to live” continues to rise. Be it the Art Amble, the Britt Festival, Meet the Pioneers, the World of Wine Festival, the Medford Food Project, History Saturday in the Cemetery and other causes, the articles and photos in the Review are reflective of a community dedicated to giving and giving back.

As 2011 ends and we close shop for a few weeks to recharge, I’d like to thank our many contributors who make this paper a true community resource. Also, my special thanks go to THE two people who work long hours making this publication possible – my Production Editor Andrea Yancey and my wife Jo.  For the print Review, it’s Andrea’s talents that always result in a vibrant monthly issue that pops. Meanwhile, Jo creates and manages content for jacksonvillereview.com and our Facebook page —  THE best online information sources for Jacksonville.

If you enjoyed reading the Review in 2011, please say “thanks” by supporting our local advertising clients whose ad dollars fund this publication.

Our FEBRUARY issue will hit the street at the end of January with our Year of the Dragon Chinese New Year issue. In the meantime, please visit our website and our Facebook page for the news and features happening between print issues.

Finally, I hope to see you out celebrating Victorian Christmas in downtown and “Winterfest” at Bigham Knoll in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!