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IN H ty Re rt lets Dear employees, As we look back over last year, I want to thank all who gave back to our community as volunteers. From our Civic Alliance team who dedicated more than 4,500 hours to the creation of South Bend's City Plan; to those who made events like Art Beat, Sunburst Marathon, and the many community runs and walks a success; to residents who worked with their neighborhood organi- zations on projects like Adopt -A -Block, Weed& Seed, and Bicentennial Fire Hydrant Painting to keep our City clean and beautiful; to all who volunteer at a shelter or mission or read to a child through programs like Partner Up; to the volunteers in schools, hospitals, libraries and countless other organizations across our community, I say thank you for your commitment of time, energy, and tal- ent, to make South Bend a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. I want to recognize a special group of volunteers whose spirit of partnership and community are helping to preserve a community treasure that may otherwise have been lost. As a restricted City budget and limited revenue are no longer enough to support the Muessel-El- lison and Ella Morris Conservatories, The Friends of the Greenhouse and the Botanical Society of South Bend have stepped in to help the City find solutions to keep this important asset open. Through their persistence and hard work, and with the help of the Historic Preserva- tion Commission and Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, they are working to develop a plan for proper care and long term sustainability for our community. The job ahead is not an easy one. As municipal budgets continue to be cut, success will rest in the commitment of these volunteers, and of the entire community, to ensure the survival of one of South Bend's historic treasures. As the Conservatories' volunteers continue to recruit mem- bers and funds, I thank them for their passion, creativity and determination to preserve South Bend's history and attractions. As you make plans for the new year, I encourage you to take an opportunity to give back as well, through a local organization or simply by sharing with someone in need near you. Together, we can make South Bend a City of giving. Sincerely, Mayor Steve Kick off the New Year with a new look at Local Government Once again, the Legal Department's Local Govern- ment Academy is offering residents the opportunity to get up close and behind the scenes of City government at work! The next session is scheduled to begin on Thursday, Janu- ary 25, from 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. Applications for the 10 week course are due no later than Friday, January 19, and registra- tion is free. Academy class size is limited to 25. Registra- tion is open until January 20 or until the class is full. Please contact the City's Legal Dept. at 235-9241, or register online mat: www.southbendin.eo0eeal. The Local Government Academy provides community members the opportunity to explore a different aspect of City Government each week, gaining a unique perspective on a 21st Century City in action, from the inside out. The sessions are held on Thursday evenings for 10 weeks and will take participants inside City Departments where they will be able to view operations, learn about policies and procedures, review budgets, and discuss the op- portunities and challenges facing local government today. The City encourages participation and dialogue with community members to help make South Bend a 21" Cen- tury City. Mayor Luecke believes that opening the doors for communication will help build awareness of the City's programs and services and is a win-win for the entire com- munity. This is a great opportunity to explore the City outside of your department! submitted by Stephanie Achterberg (Legal Dept.)