Moving Forward continues to be our theme for 2008 and I am convinced that as we step over the threshold of a new year, we are well prepared to make great strides.

Last month over 50 school children from second to sixth grade reminded me of our greatest resource ~ our people. Their responses to a City sponsored essay contest that asked them for a “few of their favorite things about West Chicago” spoke of an appreciation of their hometown that was inspiring. Obviously this pride is being nurtured at school and at home. The level of knowledge and affinity for West Chicago history, architecture and the City Museum was impressive. The parks, library and schools all received high marks from the majority of students. Many children listed their favorite places to shop and eat, some going into great detail when describing flavors or styles of certain favorite foods. There were references to specific teachers and police officers and fire personnel who had visited the schools and who had obviously made lasting impressions.

Perhaps most heartwarming was a noteworthy comment made by a contest winner who, after enumerating his favorite things wrote: “None of these things compare to the generous people in West Chicago. Some are so kind, they’ll help you when you need another quarter, or dollar. Then there is the plain kindness. When you fall, they pick you up, and when you ask, they answer. These people are so great, nowhere else in this world could you find a kinder group of people. I believe the people are the best part of West Chicago.”

One of the biggest gifts for our community as we launch the new year is in these declarations from the future of West Chicago. I have no doubt that moving forward in 2008 and beyond, it will be the people of West Chicago that will continue to define our community’s greatness.