Maitland City Talk

As I sit here composing this article for you on a Wednesday afternoon, I can't help but reflect on the beauty that surrounds us with the remarkable weather and clear skies. Holiday lights and decorations intrigue and astonish us as we go about our evening activities, holiday parties, community gatherings, church services and family reunions. We all look forward to the holidays and the hustle and bustle and excitement that they bring to us. At the very same time, we are reminded that we are also called to serve those around us that have very obvious needs that we can minister to everyday, especially during the holidays. 

This sobering reminder of service should be with us always prompting us to remember that we are all connected with the obligation to do our very best for the least of us in every setting. Obviously as stewards of the city of Maitland, your City Council is privileged to serve you, your children and your children's children with the wisdom and discernment that is both sacredly demanded and humbly understood. This holiday season and the foreseeable future comes at a busy time for us and while we live in an imperfect world, we have controversial topics on our agendas with weighty decisions ahead. I believe that, for once, I can speak on behalf of our Council and city staff that we will make these and upcoming consciously considered choices with both today and many tomorrows ahead in mind. We collectively appreciate the confidence that you have placed in us and will do our very best to warrant that trust.

During these blessed days that we are enjoying, please keep a sharp eye out for your brother's and sister's well-being, while appreciating all that we have to be thankful for in these times. We have great faith that Santa is preparing and will be on this way soon, but challenge yourselves to be somebody's Santa every day.

Happy holidays to all with the prayer that the upcoming New Year will leave us all with a humbling sense of wonderment. Thanks again to all.


Office closures

City offices will close on Friday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Jan. 1, in observance of Christmas and New Year's Day, respectively.

Similarly, the Maitland Community Park office will close during these two days as well. The Maitland Community Park and all off-site parks will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all to enjoy. Restrooms will be open at all off-site parks as well, except Bellamy Park, which is not currently open.

The Senior Center has been closed since Monday, Dec. 21, and will continue to be closed through Friday, Jan.1, 2016. It will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016.

Happy holidays!