MESSAGES FROM THE COMMISSION Check out this month’s news from the Town of Surfside Commission.
M AYO R C H A R L E S B U R K E T T Greetings, 2021 is almost complete – and needless to say, Surfside has been through much. Our residents have braved a global pandemic and a horrific catastrophe – but still we have marched forward with courage and love, and done for others what not many would have expected. These last two years, of the testings we’ve endured, have changed and enlightened me, and at 60 years old, I never would have expected that. I’ve seen, up close, pain I’ve never imagined and at the same time, courage, kindness and dedication I’ve also never known – and all in my own small town. I’m proud to be a part of our diverse and vibrant community, a community that is now coming to be known as one of the best places to live - anywhere. A place we’ve all built together, and one that is truly priceless and irreplaceable. I value our priceless and irreplaceable community, which is why I work so hard to keep it. Once, a long time ago in 1787, one of our Founders, Benjamin Franklin, was asked, as he exited the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia - what kind of government do we have? He replied, “a Republic, if you can keep it.” In 2021, if I were asked the same thing about our little slice of paradise, Surfside…. I’d say exactly the same thing. And keep it we must! From my family to yours, I send my warmest thoughts and hopes for a joyful holiday with the ones you love. We’ve learned that there are no guarantees in life and that we must live each day to the fullest. May God bless you and bless our Town. www.teamsurfside.com
V I C E M AYO R T I N A PAU L Greetings Surfside, As 2021 comes to an end we can reflect on the past year and find light within twilight skies to move forward with gratitude. We continue getting through the Covid-19 pandemic responsibly with trust in medical technologies providing vaccines and treatments so we can return to familiar social activities. At mid-year our community experienced unimaginable tragedy and we remain determined to find the cause for how this happened, while cherishing the memories of those we lost in the Champlain Tower South building collapse. The devastating reality of precious beautiful lives lost will always leave a void for families and close friends especially during the holidays. In loss we reflect upon happier times with our loved ones that brings a smile to our remembrance. The support within our Surfside community and from around the world renewed our strength to focus and build upon with thoughtful actions and goodwill. This month the holidays celebrated are inspirational. Chanukah is the festival of lights as a celebration of determination and the possibility of miracles commemorated by traditions. The message of Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and his vision of compassion and forgiveness with love. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and cultural heritage. Holidays can be a time for appreciation with gifts, they can be festive and fun, and can also be lonesome. Memories of happier times will get us through difficulties during this season of faith, adding goals to improve our lives with opportunities for a better year ahead. May the miracles of this holiday season shine on our community as we enter the New Year 2022 together. Happy Holidays Surfside! DISCLAIMER: The comments posted by the Town officials in this newsletter are the opinions of the commentator and the publication of the comments does not represent or reflect the opinions or policies of the Town of Surfside and do not imply endorsement of, or agreement by, the other members of the Town Commission.
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surfside gazette
december 2021
