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 St. George First Night 2010 - Mayor McArthur's Holiday Message
Where did 2009 go? It seems that our lives are passing very fast even with all the trials and economic hardships that many of us have experienced. I hope that each of you are holding on and doing the best you can as we weather the tough times together. I know that as we help others and give, even when we seem to have nothing to give except of our time and talents, each of us are the recipients of the joy and happiness that service brings. Here in Washington County we have so many people who volunteer for many good causes such as the Senior Games, the St. George Marathon, school and college events and at the many care facilities and religious institutions. All of these opportunities bring us the joy and satisfaction that only come from giving service without the expectation of receiving anything in return. It is like the poem I recently put to memory when I read it on a card attached to a candle given to me as a gift.
The candle is such a simple thing
It starts with just a bit of string
Yet dipped and dipped with patient hand
It gathers wax upon the strand
Until complete and snowy white
It gives at last a lovely light
Life is like that bit of string
Each deed we do a simple thing
Yet day by day if on life's strand
We work with patient heart and hand
It gathers joy makes dark days bright
And gives to all a lovely light.
This is the time of year when giving to worthy causes like Dixie Care and Share, the Dove Center or any one of many worthy causes will make a real difference in the community and in the lives of all our citizens.
The new airport is on schedule to be finished in the latter months of 2010 and is scheduled to open January 13, 2011. The Ford Ironman competition is coming May 1st and preparations are well under way. I would encourage as many of you as are able to get out and volunteer at this inspiring world-class event. I promise that you'll be moved by the determination and perseverance of those competing.
First Night has become quite a tradition in St. George and a place where family and friends, the old and young, aquantices and complete strangers come together to celebrate the passing year and ring in a new one. If this is your first time to this event, we welcome you to southern Utah's biggest party of the year! I wish everyone the very best that this New Year has to offer!
Happy New Year!!!
Dan McArthur
Mayor, City of St. George
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