December is here and it just might be the busiest month of the year. Did you know that between the first and last days of December 2024 I roughly counted 256 holidays and observances listed on the Internet. Besides the traditional ones you might expect there are some unusual ones like National Oatmeal Muffin Day (Dec. 10), National Cream Cheese Frosting Day (Dec. 13), National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (Dec. 15) and a favorite of mine Look on the Bright Side Day (Dec. 21). The list goes on! So, there is always something to celebrate in December. Enjoy the holidays!
On the practical side, the city of Cave Junction is hosting the League of Oregon Cities meeting for small cities on Thursday, Dec. 12. Cities in Oregon range in size from a population of 2 to over 600,000. Small cities with a population of under 7,500 or less comprise more than 70% of all Oregon cities. I am looking forward to this meeting where officials from small cities in the Southern Valley (Region 7) will gather for a presentation, lunch and roundtable discussion. I want to particularly thank the Cave Junction city staff who always go way beyond expectations creatively decorating and celebrating the holidays at City Hall.
As most of you know this is my last month as mayor. It has been my privilege and honor to serve in this position. I am confident that the new mayor, Jesse Dugas, will serve Cave Junction well. My last official duty as mayor will be the State of the City address which I will give at the first 2025 Council meeting Jan. 13. After that I will turn over the gavel to the new mayor. I have really enjoyed writing this weekly update for the I.V. News. It looks likely that I can continue this column as a community member and not the mayor. I am interested in hearing your feedback about would like to know about and in our community. You can email me at meadow.martell@cavejunctionoregon.us. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, enjoy National Cocoa Day and whatever other wonderful times you choose to celebrate this month.
