Community outreach board plans events

The City of Jackson has four governing boards whose members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the board of aldermen. The purpose of the boards is outlined in the Jackson city code. The four boards are the planning and zoning commission, park board, zoning board of adjustment and the community outreach board. The board members are citizens of Jackson and each has assigned representatives from the board of aldermen and the city staff.

This week, I would like to highlight the community outreach board. The mission of the board is to address health, youth and senior issues in the City of Jackson, as well as to improve understanding and communication with the community through training, education and involvement in community outreach initiatives and events.

The outreach board was started in 2003 at the request of then-Mayor Paul Sander with the idea of combining two existing committees. Dale Rauh, then-alderman, was instrumental in forming the board. The outreach board won the 2009 Missouri Municipal League Innovation Award for its community involvement programs and activities.

The outreach board's mission has been expanded to become very active in planning and organizing community events. The board is also responsible for granting the tourism funds the Board of Aldermen appropriates each year for events and organizations to promote tourism in Jackson.

The community outreach board has sponsored the Cruisin' Uptown Jackson and was instrumental in starting the farmers market. The Cruisin' event of cars and music in uptown Jackson streets continues to be a very popular event held once a month this summer.

The last Cruisin' this year will be held this Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the Uptown Jackson Octoberfest event. Come out and enjoy the unique cars and trucks, while enjoying the authentic food/drinks and music during the Octoberfest. The Octoberfest, sponsored by the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization, will be held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event will include live music, children's activities, pet parade, firetruck rally, craft vendors and super farmer competitions.

Also, this year marks the first Kids Cruisin' event from 10 a.m. to noon during the Octoberfest on Barton Street. Children may bring their pedal- or battery-powered cars/tractors/trucks/bikes/trikes to be judged by the mayor.

The next major event for this board will be the Jackson Holiday Extravaganza held from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The extravaganza includes the lighting of trees and bridges throughout the city park, and activities such as Santa Claus visits with his elves, carriage rides, beverages and caroling. Sponsorships are available to those who would like to sponsor a lighted tree.

While Christmas season seems a long way off, there is no better time to mark your calendar for a drive through the spectacularly lit Jackson City Park this December. The kickoff will be Nov. 27 with the illumination of the lights and activities in park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Jackson Annual Christmas Parade will be held at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Uptown Jackson with activities at the Holiday Extravaganza in the City Park afterward. Santa and his elves and vendors with food and drinks will be on hand.

I would like to thank all the dedicated citizens who serve on our city boards. Those serving on the community outreach board are Marco Otten, (chairman), Angela Thomas, Janice Lumsden, Lynette Strange, Michelle Doughten, Sara Turner, Gerald Burgess, Emma Evans, Charla Myers, Alynda Smithey, Lauren Schuette and Pastor Sam Roethemeyer. Wanda Young and Dave Hitt serve as representatives of the Board of Aldermen. Fire chief Jason Mouser, police chief James Humphreys, and parks and recreation director Shane Anderson serve as city staff representatives.

Please visit the City of Jackson Community Outreach Board Facebook page for updates on the city's events and activities.

Dwain Hahs serves as mayor of the city of Jackson. He can be reached at mayorhahs@jacksonmo.org.