A Few Minutes with the Mayor – April 2024

ON A RECENT TRIP to the southwest, I realized that post-COVID, I had forgotten how much I missed traveling. I love exploring new places, visiting old favorites, enjoying the wonderful cuisine of different areas, and having adventures I don’t normally experience at home. I was amazed by how many folks I met who loved visiting my home state of Oregon, and who knew Jacksonville. We actually met a lady at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, who had lived in Jacksonville and shared her fond memories with us. So many of the travelers we met would exclaim, “I love Oregon!”

As a native Oregonian, I may be a bit prejudiced, but there is a lot to love about Oregon. One of the things I love most is the people, particularly those in Jacksonville. They have a distinct attitude, and sense of community, that pervades the atmosphere. I truly appreciate the ethics, and values, of the people who live here. We are a small city with a big outlook. That outlook manifests in our zest for life, and a desire to live our lives in a meaningful way. We spend our time on activities that enrich our lives, and our mental and physical health. We all work for the betterment of life, in Jacksonville, for the long term. Folks here volunteer for the many programs, civic organizations, and local government positions, that guarantee Jacksonville continues to be a vibrant, healthy community. There are many aspects of our community that draw and keep people here.

Firstly, this is simply a beautiful place to live. Secondly, we have a fascinating history. The Rogue Valley is rich in old, and new, traditions. Our history began with the Native American people who first lived here. They still practice many significant and sacred traditions that enrich their lives, and this land is very important to them. Next came pioneers who traveled west seeking a new life, settling here to farm and raise families. You still see open farmland, with generations of families still living on their original homesteads. The bountiful crops they started thrive today. Not to mention, our ever-growing wine industry that draws people here. Grapes have been grown in the Rogue Valley since early immigrant Peter Britt planted the first vines here in the 1870’s. Moving with the times, farmers now take advantage of newer farming practices and produce award-winning wines. The wine industry brings a fair amount of tourism here.

The fact that the core of Jacksonville is on the National Historic Landmark Register list has been a boon in preserving our heritage. The architectural charm of Jacksonville’s historic downtown is a lure that is hard to resist. The many visitors we host are also drawn to our restaurants and wine tasting rooms. The Britt Music Festival is a long-term institution that visitors, and locals, look forward to each year. The Arts are alive and well in Jacksonville, with our own Art Presence Gallery. Many businesses in town showcase and support the mediums offered by our artists. Our local musical offerings, including our recently launched Winter Classical Concert Series, are welcome. Also, the excellent musicians who play in our restaurants, tasing rooms and bars are sources of entertainment much appreciated by visitors and locals.

Education is important, and pursued in our community, with both a University and a Community College nearby. Many of our citizens take advantage of the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) classes offered by Southern Oregon University. We are proud of our excellent grammar school, Jacksonville Elementary, which provides students with the skills needed to start their academic careers.

Another huge draw to our area is the number of outdoor activities available year-round. A short distance away are winter sports at Mt. Ashland and the Crater Lake area. In the summer we enjoy our many lakes and rivers, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and rafting. Equine activities are a very popular activity, along with bicycling, off-roading, hiking, running, and walking. Pickleball is extremely popular here. We have a small city court and a much larger venue just down the road at Rogue X. Our Woodlands, Forest Park, and City Parks provide plenty of places for enjoying the outdoors. The nearby Golf Courses are excellent.

As much as I love traveling, I never get tired of the way of life we enjoy in Jacksonville. I love the variety of activities available and the people. To both our visitors, and the folks who live here, experience Jacksonville! Get outdoors, take a stroll, get a meal, shop, witness history, and make new friends in our little community.