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miff?, DECEMBER 2008 V MAYOR SIfj kfV I, if'UaECk Letter from the Mayor Dear Friends and Neighbors, The light fades and the darkness grows during the winter months as the days grow shorter and colder, with forecasters drawing our daily attention to the threat of lake- effect snow. Whether you're an adult dreading snow- shoveling or a child praying for a snow day, it's a bane or blessing of South Bend's being just 20 miles from America's "Third Coast," something we perhaps take for granted in the summer months. Darkness, too, seems to afflict our national spirit these days. Most economists believe we're already in a recession, one that may deepen before the business cycle could begin an upswing when temperatures rise again. Neighboring Elkhart County is considered by some as the national epicenter of job losses, and our own residents have not been unaffected in this crisis. With deep challenges facing our nation, state and city, our hearts could feel heavy with a weight of despair. Yet, nature's patterns show us that the chill of winter gives way to the bloom of spring. Our faiths remind us that the even the deepest darkness can be overcome by the light of a single candle. In this holiday season, I encourage you to give thanks for the points of light that shine like stars in your life. I want to give thanks for: • Family, friends and a community that always reaches for new dreams or rallies in support of those in need. • The unprecedented economic opportunity presented by the Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery, and the efforts to make the most of MIND in the former Studebaker Corridor as well as at Innovation Park, now under construction. • Our police officers whose dedication and service makes them ever - vigilant for our protection. • Firefighters and other public safety workers who respond instinctively in times of crisis. • A vibrant downtown with community landmarks decked out for the season. • Streets, parks and other city crews who keep our roads clear and safe. • Dedicated city staff who provide valued services for our community. THIS MONTH... Mayor's Letter Snow Removal New Years Eve Fireworks Restrictions Morris Performing Arts Center Schedule Christmas Tree Pickup Snow Removal Snow season is upon us! Snow removal is a team effort and you play an important role in keeping our streets and sidewalks clear and safe: • It is the responsibility of the owner or occupant of any premises on any city street to remove snow and ice from the public sidewalk within 24 hours after snow or ice has accumulated. • If an owner or occupant fails to comply, the City may remove snow and ice after giving the owner or occupant 24 hours writ- ten notice. The owner or occupant will then be responsible for the cost of removal. • The Dept. of Code Enforcement works with the Police Dept. to make sure aban- doned vehicles are removed from city streets, especially during the winter months. Abandoned vehicles are hazardous and ob- struct snow removal crews from clearing streets for the safety of emergency vehicles and the general public. Please report aban- doned vehicles to Police, 235 -9201 or Code Enforcement at 235 -9486. Thank you for your help to make South Bend a Clean, Safe City! • Quickly rising Eddy Street Commons, an economic bridge between the city and the University of Notre Dame. • Strong nonprofit partners that add value to our community, strengthening and diversifying our local economy. • Elected representatives who give many hours to make our community better. • America's election of its first African - American president and that the capital of the former Confederacy, Virginia, put him over the top (and that Indiana, too, played a part). • The honor of continuing to serve as your mayor. In this holiday season, be mindful of the ways in which the light brightens your life. If you are blessed, find ways to be a blessing to others. Local congregations, charities and agencies in service to others report seeing the greatest need in many years. Please support their efforts today by making a financial contribution, giving your time or providing support in another way. Let's enable others to see that South Bend and its people stand out as a bright spot in uncertain times. Sincerely,