Lifelong Learner
Weekly Update 8/20/2023 to 8/26/2023 #187
I would guess that someone might have referred to me as a curious kid. They might have even said I was inquisitive. Now, I would call myself a lifelong learner. Before I finish this thought though, let me share some of my week serving as mayor of the best small town in America.
This week was round two of Power of the Praise Bands at Crossroads Park. This idea came from an Easter afternoon service where I watched a guitarist share his talents with his congregation. I walked into the Parks office on Monday afterwards and next thing you know we had a new program. Since then, I believe we have had six different bands perform during two concerts. Watch Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page to see upcoming performances. In 2024, we will hold two official events, and we may still have one left for 2023. Thank you to everyone who has performed or attended, and thank you to Chad Keithly for his work organizing the events.
During the Board of Public Works and Safety (BOW) meeting this week, several items were approved. From a food truck renewal to September dates and times at the Farmer’s Market lot to upgrades at Water Pollution Control, the BOW oversees many items in our community. One item in particular was replacing an older bar screen with a newer model, which should help us with repair and utility costs going forward. The contract with Wessler Engineering was renewed to help us stay compliant with our stormwater permit. We also took care of a permit to kick off the remodel at Fire Station 1. Add in a few approvals for upcoming events with Seymour Main Street and Oktoberfest and you have the most recent BOW meeting in a nutshell. As with all meetings in Council Chambers, you are welcome to join us for the next one or give it a listen over on the city page.
Back to that curious kid who grew up to be a lifelong learner. I have always wanted to understand how things work. For example, I took my tricycle apart as a small child, and later had a good laugh as my father finally put it back together for my nephew (his first grandchild) to ride a dozen or so years later. As a member of the Common Council, I wanted to learn more about the budget process. I wanted to understand the whys when an ordinance or resolution come before us. As I sat through the closing session at the Accelerate Indiana Municipalities Ideas Summit this week, I couldn’t help but reminisce on five years ago when I walked across that stage after earning my Certified Municipal Official (CMO) title from the Municipal Management Institute. I thought about the credit hours of work that I had put in on topics across the board when it comes to everything city related. From budget workshops to public art I was always able to get something from the sessions as I worked on becoming a CMO, and today, every time I pick up my name badge at an event, I am reminded of it as well. Prior to that closing session though, I had a busy few days with educational sessions on topics like mental health and the opioid epidemic, chances to pick up new material to use in the future. I also had a chance to be a speaker for the third year in a row. This year, I joined the stage with Alaina Shonkwiler from The Veridus Group and Mayor Bill Rock from Gas City to discuss public spaces and third places. Afterwards, I had a chance to exchange cards with several attendees as we shared projects they have done to make their little piece of the world a better place as well. Today, I want to leave you with the words of entrepreneur Brian Tracy, "Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it."