The holidays are a special time of celebration, reflection and looking forward. Despite the challenges we face and occasional differences we have with one another, during the holiday season we come together to help one another and to give thanks for our many blessings.
During this holiday season we are reminded of the message of humility and generosity towards each other. This time of year is one of my favorite times of the year because it is a time to enjoy the relationships with our family and friends and to bask in the cheer and goodwill of the holidays, and to put aside our problems so we can greet the New Year with renewed hope and optimism.
I am very optimistic about the coming year because we are so blessed to live in a great city in which together we have accomplished much this year and will continue a positive move forward to accomplish even more. As we begin Hanukkah and approach Christmas and Kwanzaa, I want to wish a safe, joyous and happy holiday season to all West Park residents. For those of all faiths as well as those of no particular faith, this season is one of peace, goodwill, and family and community celebrations. These holidays celebrate values universal to all people and shared across our city. Hanukkah commemorates the triumph of freedom over oppression and light over darkness; Christmas celebrates the advent of a prophet who preached about justice and challenged ruling authorities; and Kwanzaa promotes values like unity, self-determination, community and responsibility.
One of the joys of living in West Park is the broad diversity of faiths, cultures, ethnic backgrounds and ideological perspectives our residents embody while still sharing core beliefs in democracy, self-determination, civic responsibility and community service. I pray that we will live up to our highest ideals as a city in this season of celebration and charity as well as in the coming year.
HANUKKAH
I send greetings to all those in West Park celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of lights. As West Park families and friends share in the joyous traditions of Hanukkah, we recognize the power of faith to accomplish miracles and bring light from the darkness. May the joy of Hanukkah and the peace and goodwill of the season fill our hearts and inspire us to lead lives of compassion. Happy Hanukkah!
KWANZAA
Greetings to those in the City of West Park observing Kwanzaa!!! During this joyous time of year, residents renew their commitment to hope, understanding, and the great promise of our City. In honoring the traditions of Africa, Kwanzaa strengthens the ties that bind individuals in West Park, our country and around the world.
Happy Kwanzaa!
…..AND FINALLY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
As Christmas Day is upon us, and we prepare to close out another year, we are truly blessed to live in a wonderful City that continues to accomplish much and move forward.
We may have faced disappointments and difficult times this past year—as individuals, as families, and as a City. The beauty of Christmas helps us find a calm and inner peace and bring to life the words, “Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright.” Christmas instills warmth in the hearts of people throughout West Park.
Merry Christmas!
There is an important lesson for all of us to learn during this festive season. This season marks a moment to pause, to reflect and believe in the possibilities of rebirth and renewal, which remains a powerful symbol of hope for a better future. A time to take a moment as we face the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. So, as we come together among family and friends, I look forward to the coming year. I hope that in the months to come, we shall be able to renew our pride within our City, a sense of sharing a common heritage enriched by the cultural diversity of our community. I, as well as your Commission and Staff, hope that each of you find peace, hope, happiness, and health, as we continue to serve you to the best our abilities each and every day.
We are and will continue to be
#ONEWESTPARK!
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 329-8990 or via email at: fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
