Minute with the Mayor

Note: This was originally published in the Nov/Dec Village Hi-Lighter.

This year is just about to pass us by as I sit late this evening thinking about my Holiday message to the Village of Hanover Park. Typically, I look at the year past and evaluate the blessings that have been bestowed upon my family. As your Mayor, it seems my family has grown immensely. I couldn’t be enjoying the opportunity to serve as Mayor more.

I may not have all of the solutions, but together we all work to make Hanover Park a better place to live. To the Village Manager, the Department Managers, and the dedicated employees of the Village of Hanover Park, I appreciate everything you do everyday. To the educators in our many School Districts, we thank you for caring and educating our children as they grow into responsible adults and valued citizens. To Dr. Nick Myers, Anne Fox Principal, thank you for introducing me to “Kids at Hope” where we believe that children can succeed without exception. To the Parents in our community who give their time and energy to our football, baseball, soccer, swimming teams, and other sports, we celebrate your dedication and leadership. To all of the volunteers who improve our quality of life in Hanover Park through non-profit organizations, homeowner associations, and community groups, thank you for striving to make our hometown a better place. To Hanover Park’s Clergy and spiritual leaders who guide us as individuals and who bring our families together, we thank you for all of the ways you enrich Hanover Park and provide for us during times when we need hope the most. To Pastor Jenny Swanson, taking on the role as Chaplin in our Fire Department and then engaging a statewide initiative. Wow, thank you.

In 2008, Hanover Park will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary. We are looking forward to a year of partnering with our Schools, the Park District, and others as we celebrate throughout the year. As part of this anniversary celebration on June 13 & 14, Hanover Park will be the host community for the Tri-Village Relay For Life as we support the movement to eradicate cancer. Jon Deusing and I will be organizing volunteers to assist and work with us to help us organize the event. We are also planning a Hometown Birthday Party August 14 – 17 with music and other festivities. The highlight of this weekend will be a parade where we will give all the youth an opportunity to participate in the excitement and fun of the day. Soon we will have additional information to publish in the Hi-Lighter to celebrate our 50th year.

If you enjoy being a part of our Tree Lightning ceremony, stop by the Village Hall December 6th for the lighting of our Main Street and the Hall. It’s quite a thing to see, along with Old Saint Nick arriving with bells and sirens blaring. Happy Holidays to all and a most enjoyable New Year to you and your family.