From the Mayor’s desk

Happy holidays to all of you! 

Our city is certainly hustling and bustling with lots of activity, so I’m really enjoying the lights, get-togethers, and all the festivities that go along with the season. As our family prepares for lots of family time over the next few weeks, my wife and I are excited about all of the fun events we have planned with all of those special people who mean so much to us.

As I think about all of the holiday events that occurred earlier in the month, my first thoughts are about our annual Winter Fest, which was held on Dec. 7 at our amphitheater. Guests were treated to food trucks, music, hayrides, ice sculptures, lighting displays, pictures with Santa and activities at the BVH location of Santa’s Workshop! And returning for another year was a crowd pleaser – fireworks! This is one of my favorite city events, and based on the excitement of all of the people in attendance, I think that community agrees with me. It brings me such joy to see people of all ages enjoying the afternoon with one another. 

Events such as Winter Fest are the product of a lot of hard work by many, many people who make it possible. All of the beautiful lights are coordinated by our City Clerk, Lisa Putka, and our Broadview Heights Service Department workers who work together to design the displays and then work really hard to install everything, culminating in a gorgeous winter wonderland. The holiday lights then set the stage for Winter Fest. 

Each year, the parks and recreation department, led by Amanda Hutcheson and her staff, create a spectacular outdoor celebration that brings together people of all ages. My wife and I were so grateful for another year of seeing our friends there and also for being lucky enough to spend time with our children and grandchildren, taking lots of pictures and making even more happy memories.

A few days ago, my wife and I hosted this year’s holiday party and welcomed our hard-working employees and their families into our home for another year of fellowship and lots of fun. As your mayor, I know that Broadview Heights is so successful because of all the people who work here. These folks are some of the most dedicated and generous people I’ve ever met. They pitch in to help each other at a moment’s notice, regardless of which dept. they are in, and continually strive to make our community a place that welcomes all people, for which city council and I are most grateful. 

This holiday season is also a time to think about those who are no longer with us, whether it is a spouse, parent, child, or anyone else whom we love and miss. 

Each year, Terry and I think about my dad, who passed away 14 years ago, and Terry’s parents, who both left us within the past couple of years. Their passing leaves a hole in our hearts that never fully heals, but each year, as we look around the Christmas dinner table, we see how much their love, example, and unconditional support are carried on through our children and grandchildren. 

Our parents always told us that “family” is the foundation for how we react to each joyous and challenging event that comes our way, and when one of us wants to share something we face, whether it be happy or sad, we know that we always have each other. This year, we are fortunate to have my mother with us, as well as Terry’s uncle, Tim, who moved back to Ohio after nearly 60 years living in the Pacific Northwest. As we move into 2025, I look forward to watching our family circle grow even bigger, whether it be the birth of a new baby, a wedding or meeting new friends. Regardless of how your family celebrates, I hope that you all enjoy your time together- carrying on traditions, visiting with family and friends, and relaxing. From our house to yours, have a blessed holiday season.