City Manager's Messages

Ordinarily this time of the year finds us preparing for large family gatherings and anticipating the many holiday events conducted in our community.  But, as we know all too well, 2020 has been anything but ordinary.  This November we find ourselves in the midst of an ever-expanding pandemic and under renewed restrictions.  Even though it is different than in years past, there remains plenty for most of us to be thankful for and hopeful about. The situation, however, still demands our perseverance and vigilance.

Thanks

Although this year we are being discouraged by health professionals from gathering with all but the family we reside with, we can still be thankful that in nearly all situations our health and that of our family is still good.  Though sadly, too many have perished as the result of COVID-19, most have avoided the serious symptoms and consequences.  We may not be able to see that loved one as we had hoped—I have not seen my out-of-state parents or siblings in over a year. But we still can be thankful for the technology that links us, as frustrating as it may be at times.  We can be thankful that even as many are able to safely work from home, others report to work every day on our behalf—police officers, fire- fighters, sanitation workers, grocery clerks, doctors, nurses, and teachers to name but a few.  We can be thankful that even as the virus captures our attention, the spectacular autumn colors and cooler air reminds us of the beauty that surrounds us.  And we can be thankful that so many are working so hard to keep us safe from the virus and hasten its end.

Hope

Last week brought perhaps the greatest hope since the beginning of the pandemic—news that one of the vaccines in development is showing 90% effectiveness in testing.  This news, combined with faster testing results and therapeutic drugs to ease the pain and suffering that accompanies the virus, offer a bit of hope where much is needed.  While hope is not a plan or strategy, it is a necessity to maintain our focus, mental well-being, and vigilance.

Perseverance 

As noted, we have much to be thankful for and we now have greater hope than in previous months. Still perseverance is the order of the day.  We must remain vigilant, lest the recent cause of hope be lost.   Persevering and enduring a bit more separation, accepting that it will be a bit longer before we can attend those cherished events and, yes, continuing to wear face masks offers us the greatest gift we could provide any of our loved ones for the holidays—the gift of peace of mind, good health, and compassion.  Even when distribution of the vaccine begins, it will likely take months before it is widespread enough to consider the virus defeated.  In the meantime, we must all remain committed to keeping one another safe.  Our local health officials will have a difficult enough task distributing the tens of thousands of necessary doses of vaccines; they need not be trying to do so while simultaneously combatting additional surges in cases because we lowered our guard.

It has not been easy.  It certainly has not been fun.  We have missed events, vacations, family, and friends.  Some have lost jobs and businesses, and sadly some have lost their lives as the result of the virus.  Let’s not let these sacrifices be in vain.  Remember what we have to be thankful for, remain hopeful, and keep up the good fight!  This too shall pass and we soon shall be on the path to our next normal.

-- Bob Cowell