From the time I became mayor I have always been aware of the magnificent community spirit here in West Park that has been reinforced many times over my years in office. As I move around the City, meet new people and attend functions I continue to observe this community spirit. That’s why the Commission puts the people first. You are our priority.
Every single West Park resident plays an important role in making our City even more special, from our volunteers – ordinary people doing extraordinary work – to our seniors, students and family members. And of course, our Commission and Staff whose top priority is serving the people do an excellent job. All this work delivers results that collectively help improve our quality of life.
Recently we were able to memorialize one of our own in a Street Naming Ceremony. Commissioner Sharon Fyffe left a legacy of faithfulness, kindness, non-partisan care for all, and total dedication. We deemed it fitting that she should be remembered for her service to our City. I would also like to mention the opening of our Senior Program at McTyre Park and encourage all our seniors to take advantage of the services offered.
These results don’t happen by chance – they are the result of years of hard work by many members of the community, Staff and the Commission. Our challenge is to continue to improve. The key is establishing more strong partnerships between the Commission and the community.
2015 will be a year of opportunity for our City and we, the Commission and Commission Staff, commit to working with you to seize these opportunities. As we enter this Holiday season I’m reminded of a quote that former President Jimmy Carter said in his Nobel Peace Prize Speech, “Despite theological differences, all great religions share common commitments that define our ideal secular relationships. I am convinced that Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews and others can embrace each other in a common effort to alleviate human suffering and to espouse peace. The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices. God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes. And we must.” Carter concluded his speech with that admonition.
How do you and I begin to make these changes? Reach out to someone, look out for their interests and needs do unto others as you will have them do unto you. I close with something that I found to be quite humorous: ‘Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house, nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The cookies I’d nibbled, the fudge I did taste, all the holiday parties had gone to my waist. When I got on the scales, there arose such a number! When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber). I remembered the marvelous meals I’d prepared, the gravies and sauces and beef nicely rare. The pies and the cakes, the bread and the cheese, and the way I never said, “No thank you please.” As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt, and prepared once again to do battle with dirt— I said to myself, as I only can “You can’t spend the winter disguised as a man!” So away with the last of the sour cream dip, get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip. Every last bit of food that I like must be banished, ‘till all the additional ounces have vanished. I won’t have a cookie, not even a lick; I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick. I won’t have hot biscuits or corn bread, or pie, I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry. I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore – — But isn’t that what January is for? Unable to giggle, no longer a riot … Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!
TEN ways you can tell Christmas is almost here: 10) There are more pine needles on your carpet than on your tree. 9) The credit card is smoked along with the turkey and ham. 8) It’s A Wonderful Life has been shown for the 13th time. 7) A trip to the mall and back is more challenging than the Indy 500. 6) The Salvation Army bell ringers start accepting credit cards. 5) You are pulling an allnighter because of the words “Some Assembly Required.” 4) Your Christmas list is written in black while your check book balance is written in red. 3) Santa’s belly is not the only thing shaking like a bowl full of jelly. 2) The NFL referees are not the only ones giving away games. 1) The infamous fruitcake returns from its 12 months of hiding.
I would like to thank every member of our community for your contribution in creating a lifestyle that we all can appreciate. West Park is a great place to live, work and play. MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ENJOY A SAFE AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR! I look forward to serving you in 2015 and beyond.
GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY, GOD BLESS OUR CITY, AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
