Here’s hoping March comes in like a lamb and leaves like one, too! If you’re like me, your weather patience has worn thin and you’re wishing for warmer days, brighter skies and that the groundhog was right and spring will come early.

I want to take a moment and thank the bosses at the Boosters Club for inviting Jo and me to speak at a recent club meeting. As members of the club, there was no way to say “no,” so I gladly accepted the invitation to speak on “what it’s like running a small town newspaper” and what Jo and I have learned over the years – our 5-year publishing anniversary is this July.

Anyone who’s given a speech or presentation understands how much work goes into preparing one’s remarks, graphics, overheads, and materials. For us, the drill provided an opportunity to look back over five years of hard work…work that’s been worthwhile and work we hope has benefited our town! Although we’ve learned much and have implemented major changes here since purchasing the pub, we still have more plans up our sleeves.

When we began this venture, we were experienced in the world of “marketing,” but knew little about journalism and running a paper. (Some say I still don’t know jack about journalism, but that’s fodder for another column!) Suffice it to say, our learning curve was incredibly steep and fraught with danger. Without the incredible support from our volunteer contributors and loyal advertising clients who make this publication possible, there would be no Jacksonville Review…not one published by us anyway.

Today, the Review is a 4-color, 36-page hybrid magazine/newspaper with an ever-increasing readership, in-print and online. Our website audience (jacksonvillereview.com) and Facebook friends are receiving daily and weekly updates on news and events between covers – we encourage you to stay up-to-speed between print issues and find us and follow us online.

I’d also like to take a moment to thank City Administrator Alvis and staff for helping the Review hammer-out a new 5-year license agreement for our digital information kiosk in the Beekman Bank lobby. Like a giant iPad, the kiosk offers an interactive experience, providing users high-speed access to information on everything Jacksonville, including outdoor recreation options,  dining and restaurant guides, town history, town-wide events, wine tasting room and winery information, shopping choices and much, much more. Please stop by the kiosk and push our buttons!

Most of all, I’d like to thank YOU, our readers for supporting us on this journey and supporting local businesses like the Review in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!