Giving Thanks to Our City Staff
Thanksgiving is nearly upon us! I hope you will join me a bit this week to pause and reflect on the many things we can be thankful for in our lives here on the banks of Lake Michigan.
Today, I would like to highlight and thank our City's staff. Earlier this year, the Chamber of Commerce presented the staff at City Hall an award for going above and beyond the call of duty during the ice storm we struggled through last spring. They deserved every bit of the ovation they received by the community.
Public service can often be a thankless job. But, it shouldn't be. When we need them the most, the staff who supports Harbor Springs spend time away from their own families to help. They support volunteer boards and commissions. They keep our City looking gorgeous. Daily, they do hundreds of unnoticed tasks that make this place special. They keep us safe, warm and connected.
The staff have a culture of service that our City Manager has built and it is valuable. As we wish Victor well as he takes on a new job, I know he leaves behind a legacy befitting the highest standards of the International City Managers Association. He will be missed, but we can be proud of what we have accomplished together.
If you have ever spent much time in City Hall, our small but mighty staff often seems like family. They care for one another. Right now, that work family is stressed.
As many of you know, Lucas VanderZee, the City's Public Works Director, is bravely battling a rare and aggressive cancer called mucosal melanoma. Lucas is currently undergoing treatment at the University of Michigan and could use our help.
Lucas has spent his career working for the people of Harbor Springs. He began mowing grass for Public Works and through his dedication (and general awesomeness) he worked his way up to lead the Department.
The VanderZee family has set up a Go Fund Me page and called for help for Lucas, his wife Michelle and his family. You can donate and learn more about Lucas here:
https://www.gofundme.com/.../please-help-lucas-beat...
In this season of thanks, please take a moment to contribute if you can. Every bit helps and I know it is appreciated.
Please join me in expressing gratitude for our City staff and all they do for Harbor Springs. And please take a few moments to say a prayer or send positive thoughts to Lucas and his family.