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Show . -\ -yr ; I-A ' Sentinel • Christmas Special Section Lincoln's words still ring true in today's world WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 • C3 Mayors* Corner Salem Just by being a resident of Salem, the pioneer heritage that is practically indigenous to the area becomes part of one's heritage. When one chooses to live in a smaller community, they choose to join in a spirit that makes one a part of the land and the community that the forebears of the community built. During the past four years, I have seen firsthand the spirit of giving found in Salem. Whatever the need, the call is answered by countless volunteers who enjoy the rewards of service. I personally want to thank every one of you for being part of what we do and how we do it. In my mind, no one does it better. The symbols of our heritage and growth — the community center, the city shops, the city office, economic development, pressurized Irrigation, modern equipment, Salem Days and Pondtown Christmas — remind me of the symbols of freedom like the flags, statues, uniforms and other emblems of our history. These things continue to inspire us today, keeping the prom- Jen Allen STAFF WRITER are, of course, the literal wars in which we are engaged across the seas. But As I've thought about we are also at war with an ' what I might write regard- economy that seems to be ing inspirational people in a forever deep, downor acts Over the past year, ward spiral. We are at war something odd struck me. with ourselves, our families As a writer for the news- and our neighbors while • paper I am privy to many politicians battle for equal interesting and inspiring access on the health care ispeople. I think back and sue. And yet, we see Presiremember Lori Clayson's dent Lincoln's wise advice fight to see again. I remem- taking hold of people's " ber businesses and individ- hearts. "With charity for uals donating to charities. I all" should in fact be our can recall young men who slogan and has become the saved the lives of family slogan for several in our ' members during house fires own community. " being commended by the I am constantly amazed city council. Even person- at the goodness within peoally, outside of the paper, I ple. Caring for the widow, am fortunate enough to be the orphan, means more exposed to friends and fam- than just supplying those • ily who have changed my military families around life and others lives for the us with the love and sup• better. But all these people port they need. In fact, it and acts of service follow a means that we should take care of those who're strug' central theme in my mind. In his second inaugural gling with the loss of a job, address, President Abra- the loss of good health, the ham Lincoln took the stage loss of self esteem. I have to address thousands of cit- been fortunate enough to izens who supported him. see that happen here in my And to thousands more hometown. But we must he issued a challenge. He continue "to do all which ' said, "With malice toward may achieve a just and last' none; with charity for all; ing peace." Armed with with firmness in the right, the Golden Rule and sent as God gives us to see forth with the mission "to the right, let us strive on care for him who shall have to finish the work we are borne the battle," I hope in; to bind up the nation's that this coming year, we will be able to "strive on to • wounds; to care for him finish the work we are in" 1 who shall have borne theas we1 have this past year. battle, and for his widow, Though the times may be _and tiis orphan — to do tough, and our will "do to i all which may achieve and all" may waiver, I know cherish a just and lasting the goodness in the hearts peace, among ourselves, of this town's people will and with all nations." prevail, if only "with charUnfortunately, we are at ity for all." war in many respects. There ise of freedom and service alive for present and future generations. When I was elected to office I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United Sates. I have and will always hold that charge as a sacred honor to the land and city I love. Back in 1787,theframersofour Constitution gathered in the muggy heat of Philadelphia. On Sept. 17 of that same year, the document was signed and it began with these remarkable words: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish the constitution of the United States of America." It is the keystone of our nation. It is the guarantee of liberty. The original document, along with the Bill of Rights, constitutes the charter of our freedom. Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who have preceded us who were men and women of courage and conviction. Over 200 years ago, Francis Scott Key wrote words that would become our national anthem. All through the night, enemy war ships bombarded Fort McHenry. But by "dawns early light," Key saw his country's flag still flying. We still feel what he felt when the anthem brings us to our feet in grateful remembrance of our liberty. Other symbols include the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell. These symbols are more than mere metal. They serve to remind us of our ideals for which so many have paid dearly to protect. In Salem, the symbols are the same. We stand united and strong. My thanks need to be extended to all with whom I have served. Members of our council and committees have been fantastic and willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Our city employees take ownership in their stewardships and finally to all of you — thank you. J. Lane Henderson Salem Mayor Elk Ridge People ask me what I will miss most about not being the mayor , and my answer is always, "I will miss the relationships that I have made with people the most." I mean the relationships that are with other leaders and citizens that contribute to building a better environment and community. Thanks to all of you who have made a positive difference in my life, and especially the lives of all whom we have had the opportunity to serve. I will miss you. The choice of being charitable and kind at this holiday time is what nearly all people feel and re- gard as "the spirit of the season." exercised the courage to walk Like most of you, I wonder why in the shoes of leadership, three that feeling eventually diminishes cheers for all you have been able , and is put away until next year. I to do. For those of you who have am not suggesting that you cel- chosen to put on our shoes that ebrate Christmas all year long, but we are casting aside, lace them that you try to maintain that posi- up tight and keep your balance, tive and caring heart and attitude - walk don't run until you have throughout the year. Remember, broken them in, and wear more the story about Scrooge is not holes in the soles. To all of you about those who hate Christmas who support your local leaders, but is a story about the rediscov- Merry Christmas, happy holidays ery of events and feelings that add and may you continue to always to and change lives for the better. abound in good things. Scrooge found what he had put Thanks, away for so many years. Dennis Dunn For those of you who have Elk Ridge Mayor Woodland Hills This is one of my favorite times year gives us a moment to reflect of the year, a time to enjoy the on our many blessings, to contincompanionship of loved ones, to - ue to pledge our respect for the bask in the cheer and goodwill of dignity of all people, and to offer the holidays, and to put aside our a prayer that peace, brotherhood problems so we can greet the New and goodwill will prevail in this Year with renewed hope and opti- world. mism. I hope the coming Christmas For Christians, the celebration will also create special memoof Christmas is the reaffirmation ries for you and your family and of the ideals that Christ embod- friends to share. For some in our ies. It is a time to show charity community, this time of year can and express goodwill to all. But be one of hardship or loneliness, for all people, whatever our ori- so I encourage you to extend your gins or beliefs, this time of the , friendship and look out for those neighbors who may be struggling at the moment. Caring for one another is something that many in our community do every day. On behalf of the City of Woodland Hills, I take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of our volunteers that help ipake Woodland Hills such a great place to call home. In this spirit, I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas. Steve Lauritzen Woodland Hills Mayor Elect • Computer Corner j $10.00 off In-home computer repair To all our valued clients go our warmest wishes for a Christmas that's a cut above the rest. Thanks for your loyal support. Susans Hair Design 293 North Main, Spanish Fork 798-9668 or $5.00 off Virus removal i Good until Jan. 8,2010 | May all your days be merry and bright. . . . . . To say^Merry Christinas and Wayne L^Shefto?? Physical Therapist^ 88 West Utah Ave. Payson. Ut. 801-465-9621 Happy Holidays from all of us at The Sentinel Guardian of Your Community News |