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Dear Neighbors, How do we celebrate the holidays when our world is in turmoil? How do we remain faithful to the idea that we can make a difference? How do we keep hope alive when hopelessness runs rampant?
In many cultures light is a symbol of hope. Whether it’s the light of a star or the light of a candle there is something universal in its resonance. This magical light has inspired people for centuries. It inspires us to believe that a better tomorrow is possible and that we can all have an impact.
We are fortunate to live in a kind and supportive community. I witness acts of kindness every day. Our sense of community inspires us to do good deeds. It inspires us to be better people.
Thank you for supporting the St. Mathews Food Pantry, the Triangle Park Community Center, and the York Street Project. And thank you for participating in our activities and events.
I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our Events Committee Lead, Bryce Shaffer-Fine, who has produced our events this year. Thanks to our energetic and skilled Board of Directors who work tirelessly to strengthen the VVNA: Craig Zehms Angelo Estrada Rebecca Missel Jonathan Lum Caroline Dayton Pauker Taylor Bond Emily Hokanson And to our Planning & Development Committee led by Thomas Ogorzalek and Ceci Deleon, who stand up to the numerous development issues our community faces.
Thank you to Marc Wesson and his team who work diligently to maintain our gorgeous park. And kudos to our new Street Safety Committee led by Marc Triller.
And a warm thanks to our volunteers! (Please forgive me if I’ve forgotten to add you to the list.) Annie Cheung Ben Allard Dana Shilling Elisa Saxton-Lopez Gillian Heslinga Huan Sun Marc Triller Rita Kozak Rose Ginsberg Ruth Ingram Steph Ralph Xinping Zhu Riley Edwards Sue Palchak-Essenpreis Ruth Ingram Doriot Kim Brian Uy Liz Kinney Jim Kinney Dana Shilling Paola Macri Dan Weber Marlene O’Haire Sandkamp Tony Sandkamp Emma Flood Stuart Blake Maria Ross Oona Jackson Moore Shakera Rosa Roberto Rosa Irina Evelynda Rivera Ryan Ogden Paula Keung Mina Nicotra Chris Gratto Megan Swezey Nathan Tweti Fiona Jonathan Fine Charlotte Ennen Melissa Graves Jim Nelson Milan Zhu Stuart Blake Katie Leach Jim Moore Benjamin Bernouy Gerry Bakirtjy Aislinn Black Julia McCarthy Sir Eli Merles I’m also thankful to our strong working relationships with the Barrow Mansion, the Priscilla Gardner Public Library, and the Friends of Van Vorst Park.
Please join me in keeping the light burning in the new year. Craig Zehms VVNA President
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