Jackson Town Column Cathi Belcher LodgeLady@LodgeatJacksonVillage.com [12/28/2007]

Town hearing and special vote on Whitney Center Jan. 9

Im back from a whirlwind family-visiting tour, in which I covered more than 1,000 miles in three days. As busy as we all get this time of year, its so important to keep a balanced perspective on whats really importantfriends and family being on the top of the list. As my sister recently reminded me, No one ever laments on their deathbed that they wish theyd spent more time at the office! It was great to see everyone, but unfortunately, while I was away I missed the annual holiday concert performed by the students of the grammar school. Ive heard from many people that it was fantastic. The effort and enthusiasm invested by music teacher Mary Dresser and her students made the event incredibly special. The evening included performances by the intergenerational community band, all-school chorus, each individual class and an outstanding performance by Ms. Dresser and Jackson Grammar School alumni Tasha Repasse who sang Silent Night. Thank you to the Eagle Mountain House for hosting the event, and to everyone involved who made this wonderful evening possible. (On a slightly different note, congratulations to fifth/sixth grade teacher Heather Woodward, who received a surprise early Christmas gift this year, a precious little boy named Connor. Mom and baby are both doing well).The J-Town Deli would like to invite everyone to a festive beer and wine tasting set for Dec. 29 (Saturday) from 4 to 7 p.m. Share in the holiday spirit and drop by the deli to say hello to John and Gen and sample their yummy treats.On Wednesday, Jan. 9, the Jackson School Board has scheduled a special meeting and town vote on whether to accept the gift of the Whitney Center on school property. Members of the Jackson Parent Teacher Organization want to express how important this vote is to our community, what a wonderful resource it will be for children and adults alike, and how it will shape the future of the Jackson School. The hearing time is 7 p.m. at Jackson Town Hall. The Parent Teacher Organization has organized babysitting starting at 6:45 p.m., so that parents will be able to attend this important meeting. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tabatha Bradley, PTO president, at 383-4441 or email her at tabatha@pinkhamvacationrentals.com. The Tin Mountain Conservation Center will be presenting a lecture at the Nature Learning Center on Winter Birds on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. Join Chris Lewey of Raven Wildlife for a slide lecture and learn why some birds migrate and others remain year round residents. Chris will discuss the ecological pros and cons of feeding birds and how you can improve your feeding areas. Bring your recent sightings to discuss the current avian activity of the day. (Maybe Ill find out what that flock of pure white sparrow-sized birds were that we saw the other day). This will also be a good opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about participation in the 19th annual Christmas Bird Count which is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. Contact Chris at chris@ravenwildlife.com for more details.Last but not least, as the year draws to a close, Id like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in town who has worked so hard to make Jackson the special place that it is. So many dedicated people work incredibly hard here, and Im sure they dont hear Thank you from us nearly enough! Many thanks to our firefighters, healthcare professionals, selectmen, town workers, school employees, librarians, shop and restaurant owners, ski areas and members of boards that help the smooth functioning of all these things. This time of year, a special thank you goes to the highway department for keeping the roads safe, and especially the post office, certainly the busiest little post office Ive ever seen. Many thanks to our new Postmaster Katie French who jumped into the job during the busiest season of all, and has been getting things organized as well as learning all our names. What an undertaking, especially during the holidays. Thanks to Margie and also Pat, who we are all happy to see in much better health. Finally, thanks to all the friends and neighbors here who make Jackson such a friendly place. Its such a good feeling to see genuine smiles and warm hellos about town. Hope I havent forgotten anyone. See you all next year, and may it be a healthy and abundant one for all!