A Few Minutes with the Mayor – October 2025

AS I SAT AT MY DESK over Labor Day weekend, to write my column for the October issue, I thought about how difficult it was to generate any enthusiasm writing about Fall activities with temperatures close to 100°. By the time this issue of the Jacksonville Review comes out in October, we should be enjoying some cooler weather, and the specter of fire danger locally should be over. After dreading fire activity reports since last May, we can take a deep breath of smoke-free air across the state. It’s time to pull out our cozy wraps and throws, stock up on the good hot chocolate, and replenish our stacks of books.

Some of my favorite things about Fall include the beautiful wash of color on the trees in the Rogue Valley. I love walking or stomping through the bright orange and gold leaves that cover our sidewalks, although I don’t enjoy having to rake those fallen leaves in our garden. I enjoy my visits to some of our local pumpkin patches and the foods available at our farmers’ markets. The smell in the air is different in the Fall, too. It somehow seems cleaner and crisper, with a hint of the wood fires burning in our fireplaces. I start filling my freezer with soups, stews, and homemade meals, to satisfy us during the coming winter months. The grocery stores have had Halloween Candy on the shelves since September, and we are probably already planning our Thanksgiving menus while munching on said Halloween candy. Halloween is always special in my family because one of my nieces was born on Halloween evening, and I had the honor of being there to welcome her to the world. Happy Birthday, Denise!

September and October are the start of planning by our local organizations for our annual Jacksonville Victorian Christmas and other winter activities. This year is no different. The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Boosters, the Jacksonville Garden Club, and other organizations will be making announcements of all the upcoming activities planned for November and December. The BRITT is planning the Winter Classical Music Series, which will continue to be held in the Assembly Room at City Hall, in late winter. Please follow the Review for announcements on times and locations of all our upcoming events.

This is a great time of year to join any number of community-based groups in Jacksonville. In September, the groups that took a hiatus over the summer resumed their regular meeting schedules. These philanthropic organizations offer something for everyone, and I encourage you to serve your community in a way that is comfortable and fun for you. Not only will you be helping your community, but these organizations will serve you in the form of companionship, fulfillment, pride, and education, in a variety of ways. There are too many organizations to name here, but contact me at mayor@jacksonvilleor.us and I can steer you toward a good fit for you. The City of Jacksonville also has openings on the CAC, CCI, and Cemetery committees. These committees are all interesting to serve on and vital to the future of Jacksonville. Please attend one of these committee meetings and think about joining one.

I hope you enjoy our Fall season as much as I do, and be sure to stomp a few leaves for me!