President's corner: Join the journey
By MARY AVERY
PMSA President
I watched the Thanksgiving Day Parade with my granddaughter, Suzy. Watching the parade through Suzy's eyes with her joy and excitement of each balloon, float, and performance made this annual event new again. I even learned that Sesame Street has a new character, Abby Cadabby.
The Thanksgiving Day parade is the official beginning of the holiday season. Soon anticipation will fill the air, along with secrets, smiles, and holiday decorating.
We will plan our holiday menus around family favorites — and maybe a new dish or two, with hopes of starting new traditions. In our family any holiday meal should include Gwen Gaines's famous broccoli casserole and Kim's twice baked potatoes. All these moments fill our lives with happiness and joy.
This year a new tradition will begin on Main Street with the hanging of our new banners. Last year the dream was to have new banners by 2007. When the new banners arrived and we opened the carton, thoughts of the journey whirled through our minds. They symbolized all the plans, contributions, auctions, quilt drawings, and Jack Walker's memorial. They are so much more than holiday decorations. They symbolize our dreams and the community support that made them possible.
Already we have a new dream — fall welcome banners. We will kick off this effort with a decorated boot silent auction Dec. 8. You will find the boots on display at the American Legion post. Come and leave a bid and join us on the path of our newest journey.
Life, as we've discovered, is not about the destination but rather the journey that enriches our lives. It is the journey itself which brings change and joy. The future of our community is not about arriving at a static vision; it is about embracing ever-evolving goals and aspirations, of making Peabody the best it can be today and tomorrow. Please come and join us on our journey.
Call Kristen at the city office or visit with a Main Street board member about how you can use your gifts and talents on this grand and wonderful journey.
