Fall is here! I am generally ambivalent about this change of seasons. Part of me loves the crisp fall air, the beginning of a new school year, and the opportunities to connect with family and friends during the upcoming holidays; but I’m not fond of the weather changes, the graying skies, and the stresses that seem to unavoidably accompany the hustle and bustle of the season. Notwithstanding, fall mostly reminds me of the positives, and at this time of year I often reflect upon my grandmother and the legacy she left behind.
My grandparents, Alice and Robert Lloyd, moved to Longview in the 1950’s from their home in Minnesota with my dad and his three brothers. Longview’s booming businesses offered greater financial freedoms to the young family. Grams worked long hours at the Woolworth’s restaurant counter in downtown Longview (on the corner of Commerce and Maple) and prepared sandwiches for Longview Vending. Grandpa worked for Weyerhaeuser, Scheurich’s Grocers (30th and Ocean Beach Hwy), and Longview Cleaners to make ends meet. Between the two of them, they scraped together enough funds for a small down payment on an old westside cottage on Field Street. While huge financial success wasn’t their lot in life, the family legacy they left behind has been the most important part of their story for me.
Grams taught me some of life’s greatest lessons through her lifelong service to family and community. She was the person that intentionally set every waking day in motion through service and action – whether it was standing out front at Bob’s Sporting Goods and ringing a bell to collect donations for “Poppy Days” for the American Legion Auxiliary on behalf of Veterans, or helping to support her family as a young working mother, walking the three miles to church each week, or delivering bananas to her friends in nursing homes when she was 90 - she led by example and commitment. She was the best woman I knew, and my best friend because she lived her life in the service of others. This legacy of an intentional, prayerful life of service to family and community has become a part of who I am, and I am forever grateful.
Serving in our community has given me a true look behind the working scenes in Longview. Thousands of hours are spent by many individuals to literally beautify, make positive contributions, and benefit the citizens of Longview. How grateful I am to be a part of many of these efforts.
Some recent noteworthy items in Longview:
- The beautiful Longview Beech Street Business Park grew from the vision of land owner Pat Sari and developing manager Jordan Willis. These 46 acres of shovel-ready property, connecting Oregon Way to California Way, will soon become home to 14 fortunate businesses in Longview.
- Oregon Way is now a pleasant and smooth new ride with ADA accessible sidewalks and storm drains. The $968k funds for this project came from the Transportation Benefit District. So, thank YOU, citizens, for helping pave the road!
- City of Longview Public Works Director Ken Hash helped acquire the Rough Roads grant, $4.7 million towards resurfacing Washington Way. Plans are underway for some exciting changes!
- City council approved a speed reduction for city streets in Longview. Council invites all drivers to take the foot off the pedal a bit and slow down to take in the beauty around the city and the lake.
- Centennial Celebration 2023 is underway. To get involved in the 100-year City Centennial Celebration, please contact longviewcentury@gmail.com
- Housing is coming! Mt. Solo Plat Phase 2 offers 16 buildable lots ready for purchase, with an additional 76 lots proposed for Phases 4 and 5 of the subdivision. Longview is growing!
Whatever season you find most enjoyable, there is no denying that Longview is a great place to reside, work and play. The best legacy you can leave behind is one of kindness. Share some kindness today!
Be well everyone,
Mayor MaryAlice Wallis