People in our community celebrate the holidays in many different ways, and this year, we’re trying something different.  In the past we’ve had the familiar giving tree, but this year we’re decorating the tree in City Hall’s lobby as the Gratitude Tree. We’ve already asked students at Maple Lawn and Daffodil Elementary to decorate “ornaments” that celebrate their gratitude.  Okay, so one child wrote, “I’m thankful for my dad because he bought me Halo 3”!  At least he’s honest.  There were a few more surprising ones.  One student wrote, “I’m thankful for my family that LOVES ME!”  Another wrote, “I am thankful for having a great comunity [sic].”  Yet another: “I am Grateful for Haveing [sic] a House and world Peace!!!!”  And, my favorite in the midst of our current national climate: “I am thankful for the policemen that keep us safe.”  These kids know their stuff.

And, we can join in too.  We had the students decorate some extra ornaments so that our City staff could fill in their own too.  We’ll have some blank ones at the front counter if you’d like to add your gratitude.  And if you’re wondering, our police department is still providing gifts to needy families in our community through Sumner‘s Toy Box.  The box will be in the lobby next to the tree.

One thing that I’m grateful for is the Community Dinner.  This is a dinner put on by the high school students to get the entire community to celebrate together.  This is not a dinner for low-income or any particular group.  It’s for everyone.  The point is that you and I and all our neighbors sit down together for a holiday meal.  Nothing builds community better than that.  And, nothing is as special as teenagers working on a project like this.  I believe they’re still raising funds to pull this off, so if you’re interested in supporting it, click here for more details.

In the meantime, stop by the Gratitude Tree, and as Bing Crosby says, “count our blessings instead of sheep.”

Mayor Dave Enslow