Be the Change
Weekly Update 10/8/2023 to 10/14/2023 #194
Ten years ago I asked, “What don’t you like about Seymour?” on a social media post. Before I touch on the 24 comments that were left, let me share some of my week serving as mayor of the best small town in America.
This week, I made a trip to Indianapolis to speak at the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Symposium. I was joined by representatives from other communities that participated in the recently completed Brookings Study. It was nice being able to share our experience with the participants. I was also able to join a table discussing youth issues and share about the Mayor’s Youth Council as they consider adding one to their communities. Thank you, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance and Brookings, for the chance to participate.
Last week, I reported on the Oktoberfest. This week, I get to share that Sakura Helping Hands brought in a donation to help improve our community. The ladies from Sakura were able to raise $3500 with their talents in origami. Over the years, their donations has helped accomplish many things, and this year they have asked to put the money towards something kids-related. I look forward to seeing how Parks and Recreation uses their donation. Thank you, ladies, for your continued support of Seymour.
Even when faces change the work continues. This week, we received an update on our work with the EPA Brownfield grant from 2022. While we are on target with where they would like us to be, we still have more work to come. The grant is to help complete Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental studies of potential redevelopment properties and is open to all of Jackson County. We also learned that our contact was leaving and got to meet his replacement going forward.
It's time to look back on that post from ten years ago. While now I might change the question to be in a more positive light, I enjoyed reading through the responses. It was interesting to read some of the same things we hear today. It would lead me to believe that we quickly become used to what we have and forget that we have it and want more. For example, better restaurants was an answer; that is also a top answer on our opinion survey we conduct each year. With 84 choices to grab some food or drink in Seymour, I know they are not all what some would consider better. We continue to see continued choices from top to bottom added. Drug use was a topic mentioned in more than one of the 24 comments. Just a few weeks ago I heard someone say that they wish their community had what Seymour is developing around recovery. That all started over a year ago and continues today with different organizations creating an atmosphere of hope. With miles of different trail options now available, those comments have been and continue to be addressed. Throw in a couple of finished projects and it was an interesting glimpse into the past, and even into the future if you will, as you realize that continued work leads to long-term success. Later in the comment section, I encourage everyone to get involved and find the area that they are passionate about to start being the change they want to see here in our home community. Be the champion of your cause, if you will. Today, I leave you with an often-used quote from Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”