Mayors Message
This is the time of year when we gather with family and friends, and often those gatherings have a variety of treats, and special foods and drinks. Many of us find ourselves with a few extra pounds come January 1st, and make resolutions around diet, exercise, and healthier choices. Unfortunately, by the time February rolls around, most of us are off the diet, have stopped the exercise, and are ready for a big box of Valentine’s Day chocolates.
There is a new program in Madison County, sponsored jointly by The Ohio State University, Madison County Public Health and Ohio SNAP-ED, that is focusing on education, support and health with local food, with the needs and benefits of our local resources taking the forefront. They shared that here in Madison County, we have more folks with coronary heart disease (CHD), high blood pressure, obesity and diagnosed diabetes than both the Ohio and US averages. We have fewer individuals with food insecurity that the rest of Ohio, but more than the US average. As we all know, West Jefferson is a “low access” to grocery stores area, as is most of the county.
This Local Food Council is just in the starting phases. If you are interested in being part of the conversation, contact Elizabeth Devine, Director of Community Health and Accreditation for Madison County, edevine@madisonpublichealth.org. There is great work to be done!
What’s Happening
Village Council
Meetings on Monday, December 5th , and Monday, December 19th , at Village Hall at 7pm. There will be an closed-door Executive Session of Council at 6:00pm prior to the meeting on December 5. Westjeffersonohio.gov/villagecouncil
Jefferson Township Board of Trustees
Meetings on December 14, and December 28, at 6:30pm in Township Hall, 225 Cemetery Rd., WJ.
https://www.co.madison.oh.us/community/townships/jefferson/index.php
WJ Board of Education
Meeting on December 12, 7pm in the WJ High School Auditorium.
Winter break: December 21-January 3.
Planning Commission
Meeting on Wednesday, December 7th at 6:30pm in the Community Center. Westjeffersonohio.gov/building-zoning
Utility Department
Water Bills are due on or before December 15 to avoid late charges.
Parks and Rec
The Winter Formal Snowflake Dance for ages 12 and under, will be at the Community Center December 9, from 6:00-8:00pm.
Library
Check the website for weekly activities and programs. hbmlibrary.org
Christmas in the Park
December 9 and 10 at Garrette Park. The Parade begins at 5:30pm at the American Legion.
Merry Christmas!