DECEMBER 2020
MAYOR’S MESSAGE My monthly articles have been increasingly difficult to assemble. They are due mid-month and circumstances seem to change at a pace that causes me to question whether what I am communicating will be appropriate or accurate when published. That is certainly the case for this issue of The Journal. December is setting up to be our most challenging of the past nine months; it will cause us to celebrate the Holiday season in a way none of us could have imagined. To say it has been a year to remember would be an understatement, perhaps more appropriate, a year to place in the rear view mirror! I endeavor to keep my monthly messages free of politics and focused on the positive happenings in our incredible city. However, it’s appropriate in this issue to acknowledge a deep sense of fatigue/angst that most of us are experiencing. That said, I do believe if you look closely you will find rays of hope, glimmers of goodness in your condition, whatever it may be. We all have the freedom to choose how we view our world. If what you are witnessing on TV, social media or through your
personal interactions is making you anxious you can choose to turn it off, or simply change the conversation. The day-to-day challenges we navigate are enough; I certainly don’t need to consciously layer on interactions that add to an already heightened sense of concern. Like you, I look forward to better days ahead, a time when we can once again congregate with family, friends and neighbors unencumbered by the need to don a mask and socially distance, for our kids to attend school in person, engage in community events, meet face-to-face with colleagues… But until that day, I hope we can all celebrate the holidays in a way that honors the spirit of the season while respecting the health and safety of individuals providing the critical community services we all depend on, to include our health care professionals. As difficult as this year has been, when the dark clouds of covid clear, and they will, I’m certain we will look back and find aspects of this experience that we will miss, or at the least, grow to appreciate. Whether it’s being forced to slow down and be more present, spending quality time with family, using our imagination to engage our friends and neighbors, or for me, being forced to use technology to connect in ways
previously unimaginable, there is good to be found in every circumstance. Let us all commit to finding our own way to celebrate the true message of the season--PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TOWARD ALL. Finally, a personal plea--- SHOP LOCAL FIRST!!! Perhaps those most impacted by the pandemic are our local businesses. As you consider your options, please make a special effort to support your local friends and neighbors. They are critical in establishing the unique character and culture that is Holladay. These entrepreneurs sacrificed and risked to bring their services and wares to our city. Let’s repay that commitment by making a special effort, really going out of our way to help them not just survive, but thrive in the months ahead. We can do this, but we have to do it together! More than ever, I wish you and your family an abundance of good health, happiness and prosperity in what has to be an incredible New Year!!! – Rob Dahle, Mayor
THANK YOU! A great big THANK YOU to ANNA BARKAS of Holladay for donating the 2020 festival tree!!!