As we prepare to leave 2005, reflecting on it with thanks, and looking forward to the New Year, my administration and I want you to know we are committed to continuing our mission to make our village the best place to live, work and play. I am proud of what my administration has accomplished to date and eagerly await the upcoming year to continue making our improvements. Our goal is not just to do more with less, but to accomplish more without sacrificing the quality of service. We are dedicated to taking this concept one step further, to improve quality of service at a reduced cost. Our relentless pursuit has led us to review every department. Some changes have been made and others still need to be put into place. My next few columns will detail the many changes that have been made and outline our plans for the future. Back by popular demand, is a very apropos recipe for the New Year. If we all can follow just some of the recipe below, I think we can accomplish even more. I once again invite all residents and community members to come to our trustee meetings, join a committee and get involved in our community. We all will benefit from it. On behalf of the village Board, I extend our best wishes and warmest regards to you and your family for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

"Take 12 fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past - have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into 30 or 31 equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing - don't do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor."

Anonymous