(Submitted by BG Mayor Mike Aspacher)
As we approach the end of 2020, I think it is important to reflect on the challenges our community has endured this year. Each of us in this community has been impacted by the pandemic. We have sacrificed in numerous ways – forgoing activities and gatherings with people we care about, working in adverse conditions, changing our routines, accommodating and adapting to challenges, and many other ways each of us has been impacted. While there have been so many hard, sometimes painful, things that have occurred, there are some bright spots that have emerged from these difficult times. As I’ve watched our citizens, students, and businesses forge through these uncharted times, I am in awe of what you’ve been able to do (and what you’ve refrained from doing, when appropriate) and am humbled and proud to serve as the mayor of this community.
Bowling Green is a resilient community and in times of peril, we have found ways to lift one another, to help those in need, and continue to move forward. Our local businesses, that I urge you to continue to support if you are able, have found new and creative ways to operate and stay open in safe ways. In a period of time when we had to physically isolate for safety we, as a community, were certainly not alone. As I reflect on this year, I am especially grateful for the community partnerships which have proven to be a significant reason we were able to meet the many challenges this year presented.
The students in our community—from preschool to college—experienced significant changes this year. I am thankful for the extraordinary efforts of the educators in our town, including those involved with the public schools, private schools and BGSU.
The list of people to praise and thank is exceptionally long as we are thankful for so many essential workers. I want to call attention to the work of those involved with public health and health care, particularly Wood County Health Department and Wood County Hospital employees. You are to be commended for your hard work and dedication.
On a personal note, I want to recognize the dedicated city staff who have remained committed to serving our community and providing essential services in Bowling Green.
The new year will certainly have its challenges but it is also a time for hope. I encourage you to be strong and safe as we close out this difficult year and join me in looking forward to, and hoping for, better days ahead.
