Hidden Treasures
Weekly Update 10/9/2022 to 10/15/2022 #142
Remember on Super Mario Brothers how you would find the hidden boxes that had coins inside? Before I share some of Seymour’s hidden treasures though, let me share some of my week serving as mayor of the best smalltown in America.
We recently held a reception for FBI National Academy graduate Chief Greg O’Brien. During the event, he gave a presentation on his 10 weeks at Quantico and some of what he learned. He shared about the wealth of resources that he found in his 200+ classmates and their combined experiences around the world. If you didn’t get a chance to join us for the event, you can find the video on the City of Seymour, Indiana (City Hall) page on Facebook.
Early in 2022 long-time Parks and Recreation employee Dave Wilson suffered some health issues. During his recent retirement luncheon, he shared that at one point they didn’t think he would make it. Then they didn’t believe he would ever walk again. He shared this as we walked out of the building. Congratulations, Dave, on your retirement. It was good to see you up and going. Many blessings on your retirement.
This past week brought a chance to share City Hall with some area fourth graders. We got to share about the origins of City Hall and the many things that it was used for over the years. Then we chatted about the various departments and their roles in making Seymour what it is. As always, we had some good conversations, and the kids had some good questions as they learned about our community.
Time to see if we can’t bump into some of those hidden treasures and wrap up this week's update. As often happens, we stumble across them completely by accident. They don’t speak of their good deeds much, and they don’t really seem to notice as they do them. My guess is when they are noticed for a good deed, they feel that it is them doing what needed to be done. This week, I noticed one of those moments that, unfortunately, I can’t go into much detail about because they wouldn’t want it. This citizen has taken on a headache of a project to improve our community. In doing so they are trying to help people in many ways, some of which most will never know about. They don’t want any recognition, but I want them to know that I see what they are doing for our area and members of our community. Now let's tap the A button on the controller again to see if we can find the next hidden treasure. A few weeks ago I was asked to speak at a local factory by a member of Human Resources. Honestly, this confused me a little as “Motivational Speaker” is not even on my resume. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy speaking to anyone that asks, but what did I have to offer them? I went and spoke, but the real reward for the employees is an HR team member who cares enough to try and bring in fresh thoughts and views for them to consider. Last but not least on this eight-bit saga of a thought, I will share that we have community members that are always willing to donate for their given causes. They are quick to write a check to help with various areas of interest with just a phone call. Several prefer zero recognition for their donation and are just happy to help. Today, I want to say thank you to all those who are just doing what they believe needs done. Our community is a better place because of your humble support. We would not be such an amazing place to live without you. Pulitzer Prize winner Edith Wharton said, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Today, I encourage you that if you can’t be the candle to be the mirror.