Dear Longview-
What a summer it has been, and admittedly, I am not ready to see it go. Summers in the northwest are jam packed with so much sunshine, activity and joy, from sun-up, to sun- down! Longview, we are wrapping up the last of the summer August events, concerts, movies in the park, playground days and water events. We have much to be grateful for.
September the leaves will begin their descent off the many thousands of trees in Longview, Crafted Beer and Food Festival will be held at the Cowlitz Event Center on September 17, and just before the weather begins to change, Longview Downtowners will be sponsoring the first ever Harvest Festival all day downtown on October 22, with genuine pie-eating and pumpkin-carving contests, a street dance and so much more.
Recently, while enjoying one of Longview’s nuttiest events, Squirrel Fest, I saw a young girl approach a vendor booth. A woman working in the booth said, “I want to tell you something very important, and something you must never forget.” The girl had a puzzled look on her face, but smiled when the woman gave her a bracelet to wear that stated, DON’T GIVE UP on one side and YOU MATTER on the other. I am not certain which of these messages carries more importance; there’s no second to either.
On my way home that day, the YOU MATTER on my own bracelet caught my eye. I thought about the depth of that statement, for myself, my family, friendships, neighborhood, employment and community. It made me smile at the honor it is to serve the citizens of Longview as the Mayor. Thank you for the opportunity.
There are so many great joys, projects, events and activities of where to put our attention. Whatever your circumstance, find your groove and let it shine! Never give up. Never ever give up, and always remember that no matter what, YOU MATTER.
Blessings friends,
Mayor MaryAlice Wallis