It’s what we’ve all been waiting for: Time to turn the calendar over to a new year and officially put everything from 2020 in the past. Go ahead and pretend the whole year didn’t happen at all if it makes you feel better – most people wouldn’t try to stop you.

I decided that in order to get the new year off to a good start, I first had to reconcile my differences with the old year. That doesn’t mean forgetting the bad things. It means choosing to focus on all of the good things instead. And there were some good things about 2020.

Thanks to 2020, families spent more time together, learned to eat meals together at home again and found simple, creative ways to stay calm and entertained. Also, there was Tiger King.

Thanks to 2020, people came out of their houses and met their neighbors again. They waved from their front porches and said hello over the fence, kept an eye out in case groceries needed to be picked up and encouraged each other with sidewalk chalk hearts and rainbows.  

Thanks to 2020, the City managed to open two new parks, complete a major road project, open the city’s first movie theatre in more than 20 years and welcome the first class of students to a brand new downtown elementary school.

Thanks to 2020, I’m heading into 2021 with the confidence that Jeffersonville is ready for anything. So much last year was out of our control. But we excelled at everything that was within our control. Jeffersonville is a strong community. In spite of the challenges last year we have continued to pursue development opportunities and expand our economy.

Thanks to 2020, there was a renewal of selflessness in our community. We have stayed home, missed events we had our hearts set on attending, worn our masks – not because we wanted to, but because we know it’s what is best. This year, I’m asking everyone to continue the good work we’ve done – to stay safe, be patient, and continue to respect and look out for each other.

Let’s find a way to keep the best that came out of 2020 and move forward with the hope for a great new year.