Average Five
Weekly Update #251 11/10/2024 to 11/16/2024
Have you ever heard, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with?” I know I have heard this, or a variation of it, over the years. Before I get into this thought though, let me share some of my week serving as mayor of the best small town in America.
This week kicked off with several stops on Veteran’s Day. From an invitation by Vet to Vet coordinator Willie Steele to participate in an event at Wal Mart I headed to the Intermediate School for their program. Then it was off to Don Furlow’s program at the Veteran’s Memorial in Gaiser Park. Each program was similar and offered those in attendance a chance to reflect and think about those that have served. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the memorial in Gaiser Park, I encourage you to head to South Walnut Street and see it for yourself. While you are there don’t forget to use the QR code to find loved ones who have a brick or consider getting a memorial brick of a veteran you love. Thank you to all the veterans, and thank you to those who planned the various events around the community.
This week, we finally kicked off our work on our Safe Streets for All planning grant that we were awarded quite some time ago. As often happens with work involving federal funding, it is a hurry up and wait process. Hustle to get one item complete to wait for the next phase to open. With the meeting this week it finally feels like we are getting ready to move into a more rapid phase of the process. With a range of possible directions this planning grant can go it will be interesting to see where the input points us and what future ideas it may open up for drivers and pedestrians alike. Thank you to everyone who has been involved so far, and an early thank you to all that will get involved with input in the coming months.
Congratulations to Jay C Plus on East Tipton Street for the opening of their new Fuel Center this past week. As they cut the ribbon they had cars lined up in rows waiting to fill up. Store Manager Bill Castetter worked closely with everyone from his corporate team to get the $2.3 million dollar addition up and running in what seemed to be quick order as an outsider looking in. I am sure it didn’t feel that quick for them as they worked to get open. This week also saw the opening of the Jeff’s Car Wash expansion. Congratulations to both businesses and thank you for investing in our community.
Jim Rohn is often attributed the quote, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with," and while I have seen some prove it wrong, I have often seen people average out to those around them. If they are surrounded by people that are inspired to make the world a better place, they often seem to be inspired themselves. If they have chosen a friend group that is excited about the tasks at hand, it isn’t rare to see them get excited as well. Probably the biggest one that I see when I think about this quote is from those who are grateful for the opportunities they are presented. Being grateful for the chance to grow and learn really seems to raise that average among friend groups and lends itself to us seeing them take on challenges larger than themselves. For my friends over the years that have been inspired, excited, and grateful I can not say thank you enough. Without you I would not be the person that I am today.