A Year in Review - 2021
It’s been such a wild year of ups and downs for so many of us. Unpredictable at nearly every turn, yet so much for which to be grateful. As this year comes to an end with the promise of a fresh start on the horizon, I find myself reflecting on all that has taken place in our small community. Words flash in my mind, words worth sharing as I think many of you can relate.
ASPHALT PLANT PROPOSAL = Fear, Frustration, Rally, Awareness, Community Unity, Finding Voices, Stick Together, Research, Learn, Share, Build, Communicate, Support, Ask, Pay Attention
ASPHALT PLANT WITHDRAWS, BUT M2 REZONE REQUEST STAYS = Limbo, Uncertainty, Questions
TOWN HOUSE PROJECT = Preservation, Stories that Came Before, People Who Will Carry Them On, A Building That Symbolizes Community Gathering, Bumpy Start, Frustration, Opportunity, Forgiveness, Focus on What Matters, Collaboration for the Community, New Start, Bringing Community Together
HISTORICAL SOCIETY = Wonderful People, Rich Stories, Dedicated, Service, Funny, Friends
1ST GOLF SCRAMBLE FUNDRAISER = Support, Friends, Fun, Thank You Herman, Rain, 1st Community Event Hosted by RCP, Success
ROADSIDE CLEAN UP = Thank You Sue, 7 bags in an hour, Praying Mantis, Too Many Tiny Bottles of the Same Vodka, Drive Safe Neighbors, Don’t Litter, Let’s Do More Clean Up Days, Next Time Wear Boots
MASTER PLANNING = Long Time Coming, Ball is Rolling - Wohoo! Exciting Opportunity, Community Involvement Paramount, Collaboration, Realign Ordinances, Vision, Participation, Educate, Share, Speak, Ask, Communicate, Survey
LOCAL ISSUES = Sight Lines, Lake Urban, Fire Services, Parks & Rec, COVID Relief Funds, Road Status & Safety, Development, 2 Public Comments, Stay Engaged, Ask, Listen, Speak
LOCAL RESIDENT SHOWCASE = The Curtis Elmore Project Coming Soon - Work in Progress!!!!
BEING PRESENT = Listen, Ask, Learn, Speak, Being Present at Meetings to Stay Informed, Share, Encourage, Live Stream
WHAT WE’VE BUILT = A Forum, Lines of Communication, Space to Ask, Connections to Each Other, Stronger Community, Vision for the Future, Motivation to do Better
At the start of this year, January 2021, I had never heard of a Master Plan for a community. I had no idea where to even find our local zoning ordinances or who our Township Officials were, even though I had voted for several of them. I never in a million years would have predicted that I’d be trying to organize a nonprofit around community engagement and advocacy, but here I am. The road hasn’t been linear, at times proving difficult, but I’m still here and so are you pushing ever forward - focused on what matters.
Not a moment of this journey over the past 12 months has been alone. Each and every one of you has contributed in amazing ways to making this community what it is. Together we strive to be more in the know, to do better, to look after Tyrone Township in the best way we know how. Thank you for your support, your time, your voices, your questions, your ideas, your concerns, your expertise, your patience, your kindness, your friendship. I’m beyond grateful.
It has been quite a journey with you neighbors. The greatest gift 2021 brought me, rather unexpectedly, was meeting so many of you. What a gift it is to realize we live in a place where people come together to support each other, to protect their community, to learn new things and ask questions, to strive to be the best we can be…TOGETHER. That’s a beautiful thing.
I can’t wait to see what we do together in 2022!
Wishing You and Yours a Happy, Safe, & Healthy New Year.
Fondly,
Sara Dollman-Jersey