Normally, my newsletters address community events and issues like council votes, traffic, roadwork and other initiatives.  But as I reflect on the events of today, Sunday, September 11th, 2016, I feel the need to share a message with you that is perhaps a little deeper than the events of our daily lives.

The American Flag flew high and proud above Holy Innocents Episcopal Church today as our community came together to remember those who died 15 years ago in the tragedy of 9/11 and to honor the tremendous team of first responders in Sandy Springs who put their lives on the line each day to protect ours.  An honor guard accompanied by bag pipers playing "Amazing Grace" lead a procession of hundreds who gathered for this special day. Reverend Michael Sullivan, who also serves as Chaplain for the Sandy Springs Fire Department, delivered a powerful message about the responsibility that we all have to reach out to those in our community who are lost, in need or in danger, just as our first responders do.

In this era of divisiveness, particularly within our political dialogue, Rev. Sullivan reminded us of the tremendous blessings that have been bestowed upon America and the necessity that we all should feel to come together as a city, a state and a nation, to respect one another and celebrate and embrace the things that make us uniquely American.  More than anything, an event like 9/11 puts life into perspective.  It makes us understand that the most important things in life are earned through service, sacrifice, kindness and love.  Perhaps the next time that we want to lay on our car horns because someone is driving too slowly through the the traffic circles, we will think about what is really important in life and will lift five fingers in a friendly wave instead of lifting just one.

It is an honor to serve as your councilman and to serve with the men and women of our police and fire departments who do such a great job for our community. The next time you see one of our first responders, please take a moment to thank them for their service.  I hope that each of you has a wonderful week.

Chris Burnett

Get your family outside this Fall!!  The Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department is again offering nature classes at Lost Corner Preserve, including stream ecology, a nighttime owl walk, nature photography, and trail walks with a naturalist.  New this season is a weekly nature series for kids on Saturdays. Classes are FREE or a minimal cost.  To learn more visit their website here or see the flyers below. Check out more Sandy Springs recreation opportunities here.

If you are interested in reading the Week in Review provided by the City Manager regarding work activity on behalf of the community, you can access it here for the week ending in September 9th. If you missed any of the weeks in review, you can access all of them from the City's website here.

As always, please direct your questions and comments to me at cburnett@sandyspringsga.gov. Best wishes for a wonderful week.

Chris Burnett