My View – Dec 2023/Jan 2024

I hope you’ll join me in reveling in the magic of the holiday season as captured on our inspiring cover. Thanks to Amy Kranenburg at Happy Alpaca Toy Store, it was created to put a smile on your face and remind us that the holidays are a time for celebrating the little things in life. As my team and I wrap up our final issue of 2023, I’m grateful to my staff, advertising clients, volunteer contributors, and loyal readers, all of whom make this publication possible.

As soon as this issue is on the street, the Review crew will take our annual holiday break—and then begin crafting enhancements that you’ll see in 2024—online and in-print. If you’re not already a friend, be sure to like our Facebook page—it’s updated daily. I’m very proud of Team Review and want to express my sincere thanks to Managing Editor, Andrea Yancey and to Associate Editor, Belita Palu-ay for their incredible work this year… and for putting up with me!

I’m optimistic about Jacksonville’s future…there’s plenty to look forward to in the business, social and political arenas. On the positive side, the Bigham Knoll campus is back in business with the relocation and expansion of the Dormhouse Farm Store to the campus. You’ll find a full-scale bakery, indoor farmers market and…a full-service bar, dubbed the Bar at Bigham Knoll. Please see their ad on page 10. On the commercial real estate front, the Jacksonville Inn building is for sale—again…and after only two years under new ownership. One hopes the current tenants will be able to remain post-sale, assuming a new owner is found and willing to pay the $3.1M asking price.

On the political front, 2024 marks a presidential election year, a topic the Review will try hard to avoid this time around. Instead, we’ll cover the City Council race with three council posts up for election…interested candidates should contact the city staff for more information.

Topics we’ll cover in the new year include the ongoing need to hire more police officers and determining if the city should proceed with an application to expand its Urban Growth Boundary. Another issue is public safety measures—thanks to the work of the newly-formed Mayor’s Ad Hoc Safety Committee, its members are working hard to enact stricter speed limits along with other measures you can read about on page 14.

On the fun front, Jacksonville is alive and well with new wine tasting, dining, and shopping options, along with plenty of fun places to hear live music, eat and drink local wine! The Chamber of Commerce has another charming Victorian Christmas celebration planned, and the Beekman House will be adorned in period style. Read more on pages 7 & 8. Starting in January, make plans to attend a new Chamber Music concert series at New City Hall found on pages 8 & 9, and mark your calendars for a Chinese New Year Celebration in February on the Britt Hill, co-sponsored by SOCCA and Britt. (See page 7).

On behalf of a grateful Review crew, enjoy this fun-filled holiday season and Happy New Year to Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!