Maria Alvarez-Simmons' goodbye letter

Hot, hot, hot! But the Maitland Chamber of commerce is in full swing

getting ready for the Taste of Maitland on Monday, October 15th from

5:30-8 p.m. This is the 15th annual event, and as in the previous

years, every year gets better and better.

Once again, Clear Channel has partnered with the chamber, and one of

their successful radio stations will be working with us and promoting

this awesome event. The City of Maitland, Performing Arts of Maitland

and the Art & History Museums once again will be partnering and making

it possible for the chamber to bring this event to the community.

Tickets will be going on sale starting in August for $20. You can also

buy tickets at the door for $25.

July also is very special month for me; on July 25, 2011 I started

with the Chamber. It has been a great year. Long days and weeks but

everything has been worth it. Whenever I go home I'm tired but I'm

happy.

Unfortunately, I've had to make the difficult decision to get off this

great ride to spend more time at home near my family. My husband, the

most supportive partner that a woman could hope for, and we still like

each other a lot. Now that we are almost "empty nesters" with our

precious daughter Nicole going into her senior year in UCF, I have

made the difficult decision to step down. I miss my home, my family

and friends.

I'm very thankful for the amazing friendships I have developed with

so many of you and what I've learned from local business owners that

didn't hesitate to answer any of my questions. From day one I felt

welcome and encouraged. A special thanks to Chief Doyle, it has been

an honor to work under your leadership and to my assistant Judy Lee,

the city staff and the council, library staff, and Arts & History

Museums staff. Also, thanks to Mayor Schieferdecker and Councilwoman

Reponen. Thank you for all the volunteer work hours we've done

together. I will remain a board member and help with consulting from

time to time.

Until next time... and don't forget to smile!

questions. From day one I felt welcome and encouraged. A special

thanks to Chief Doyle, it has been an honor to work under your

leadership and to my assistant Judy Lee, the city staff and the council,

library staff, and Arts & History Museums staff. Also, thanks to Mayor

Schieferdecker and Councilwoman Reponen. Thank you for all