City leaders thankful for community’s Christmas spirit

As I sit here in my office during this Christmas season, I have many thoughts in anticipation of Christmas Day.

First of all, let me say, I have a very clear comprehension of the true “reason for the season,” however before arriving at this special day of celebration there are many “paths” that we take – perhaps the most obvious one being the decorations, both inside and out. I really think that due to our milder weather this year the residents of Ritzville have gone all out and done more toward this effort.

One of the features I’d like to point out is Main Avenue – I think between the businesses and all of the outdoor decorations that Main Avenue has not looked more outstanding than it is this year. Even the newest business out on First Avenue has decorated. I’ve taken a tour of our businesses up by the freeway and please don’t sell them short, many of them have “decked their halls” also.

I would encourage each one of you to just wander through these businesses that have worked hard to decorate and offer holiday specials. Let the employees and owners hear a compliment or two, they’ve earned it.

Please take an evening, load the family in the car, and come see and enjoy the efforts of this community and their contribution to the Christmas spirit.

Our city crew, chamber volunteers, museum volunteers and so many others have put many hours into lighting up our downtown area.

There is one very outstanding volunteer that I would like to recognize here as year after year so much of this lighting responsibility falls upon him and that is Jim McBride, who works for the Avista company. The city would like to give a very special thank you to you and also to the Avista company for loaning you and the proper equipment to do the job. You really “light up our lives!” We thank Curt Jent also for his “ground assistance” in this operation.

Ritzville has once again transformed herself so beautifully for the season.

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is located up by the freeway – the huge Christmas tree that is lit up every year by the McGregor Company (Ritzville Chemicals). I see it every evening coming home from work – it seems to be saying to motorists as they pass by, “Take a look at me, Ritzville has the Christmas spirit.”

In the spirit of giving the Ritzville Police department recently sponsored the “shop with a cop” program, enabling many families to have gifts for Christmas that wouldn’t have otherwise.

This is just one of the many charitable efforts in helping others at Christmas time that happens in our community as there are many caring and compassionate individuals in Ritzville and the surrounding areas.

The City of Ritzville would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and may the new year be one of good health, hope and growth for us all.

Mayor Linda Kadlec, Ritzville