As the year 2020 comes to an end, I'm sure you would agree with me that we all can't wait for 2021. It has been a very challenging year for everyone for various reasons. I'm sure that in 2021 there will still be challenges but I feel that it will be a better year.
The Covid pandemic has been the biggest challenge for all of us this year and it doesn’t seem to be going away. Unfortunately that means with the holidays coming up we all have to be vigilant and careful about how we celebrate and spend the holidays. We all need to wear a mask, social distance and limit our gatherings to small numbers. This will be tough because we all love to share the joy of the holidays with our families and friends. But we need to do it for our own safety and our families safety. There will be other times next year to get together. We need to be vigilant not only for our own safety but also because coronavirus has greatly affected our small business owners who have been trying to just hang on till things get better. This problem touches all of us and we need to follow the safety guidelines that are being recommended. We can get through this working together. This is no time to let up.
Even though a lot of things have been cancelled or postponed, there are two things as Mayor I am still doing this year. The first is I presented the Sycamore Award for 2020 to two deserving Lansdowne residents at our November general council meeting. I started the Sycamore Award to recognize local businesses, civic groups and individuals who have done something above and beyond that benefits Lansdowne. I think that Caryl Carpenter and Christine Du Bois-Buxbaum have done that this year. Caryl and Christine were volunteers for our 2020 Census committee. They worked tirelessly and put a lot of commitment and energy into making sure every resident completed the Census and let residents know how important it was for Lansdowne. On behalf of the Borough, I thank Caryl and Christine and I was happy to present them with the 2020 Sycamore Award.
As Mayor I also give out the Boroughs highest award “The Helms Award” each year. It is with great honor and appreciation I will be presenting this year's award at our December general meeting to long time Lansdowne resident Jim Klingler. I have known Jim and his family for a long time and I have seen first hand all the things Jim had done to benefit Lansdowne and its residents. Things like volunteering for the Union AA, Folk Club, Scouts, LBPA events, LEDC events, Habitat for Humanity and work at his church. Jim also served on Borough Council for six years and is currently serving on the Zoning Board. He is the longest serving member on that Board. Jim is someone who is always there to step up and help. He is a person I feel reflects what the Helms Award is all about. It is my honor to be presenting him this award.
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Please wear a mask and be safe. Thank You.
See you around town.
Mayor Tony