Ferry Street News City of Dayton, Oregon Quarterly Newsletter
Town Talk with the Mayor
September 2021
Photo Credit: John Collins
Hello Neighbors! The summer fun of events in the park, BBQs, and beach trips will soon fade to fall sports, pumpkin spice everything, and movie nights. Seasons keep changing, which has me thinking about the constant changes in life as well. This life is full of twists and turns that bring joy and grief, gratitude and regret, excitement and apprehension. No matter how we handle the changes and curveballs, there is no resisting the changing seasons of our calendars or our lives. A tree, looking bare and unimpressive in winter may bloom beautifully in the spring. All seasons, no matter how short or long, will change. And we, like the trees, can grow, blossom, extend new branches, and bear fruit. Change is an opportunity. One thing on my mind as we approach the fall is rain. Being the natural source of fresh water to our aquifers, I am usually ready to welcome the rainy season and this year is no exception. Rain is essential for our households, our families, and the ever evolving trees. It is also good for our souls. Rain symbolizes hope. Rain symbolizes renewal - it can refresh our minds and rinse away pain, disappointment, and even grief that weigh us down. It changes our activities and often brings us inside. This might put us on a couch with a book instead of a river with a rod or a tumbling mat in a studio instead of a winding rocky path. It can bring you back to family - a break from events and adventure. I’m almost ready for that. In this Issue DCDA Update Fire District Update City Manager Update School Superintendent Update Columna de noticias en espanol YC Sheriff’s Update
Rain smells clean. It feels cool. Rain sounds calming as it lands rhythmically. This fall, as the clouds gray, I hope the rain can rinse away some of the frustration and anxiety of this season for all of us. The shift of seasons is not within our control but our perceptions and mindsets are. Our responses, behaviors, and interactions with others are things we can control. Let’s try not to allow the pain of one season to destroy the potential of another. Let’s instead remember that we are a community. I welcome the rain. I welcome the hope of growth. ...but not yet. One more camping trip. One more day at the beach. One more swim. One more hike. One more float… After all, I must not get ahead of myself - all things have their due time. In Service, Beth Wytoski, Mayor of Dayton 1