Town of North Castle
Supervisor
Michael J. Schiliro
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Dear Neighbors and Friends,
What a year, 2020. Although one of the most challenging in recent memory, many of us have probably heard stories from our parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, of living through times like the Great Depression and World War II, and somehow they came through it stronger. I’ve seen and heard enough through the last 10 months to know that despite incredible tragedy with almost 350,000 lives lost, we will be stronger, have gained perspective, and reminded of what’s really important in life. But also happy to leave 2020 in our wake.
We welcome 2021 with open arms! Here is a 40 second quick video to lighten the mood as we enter 2021. Enjoy.
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Many of us miss live music, parties, social events, seeing each other’s actual faces, attending sporting events, meeting a friend at a bar, shaking hands and hugging, to name a few.
We won’t miss eating outside in 30 degree weather, unnaturally distancing ourselves from others, or bumping elbows in place of a handshake like ancient Romans.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Vaccine has arrived and we are much smarter about Covid than we were 10 months ago. Our normal lives will be back soon. As a Town Board, we miss our normal in-person meetings and those residents in attendance, especially our regulars. We’re getting closer!
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A few closing thoughts. Adding to all of this year’s challenges, we are often told how so very divided we Americans are; personally I don’t buy it. We can certainly have our differences, but if we focused more on what we do agree on, and solve to that, versus starting at the widest chasm of differences and solve to nothing, we’d all be better for it. I’m blessed to serve on a Town Board that practices the former. In these times, I’m reminded of two historical figures, Sam Rayburn and Nelson Mandela.
In 1952, after President Eisenhower’s landslide victory and the Republicans took control of the House, outgoing Speaker Sam Rayburn told his Democratic caucus, “We’re in the minority now, but we’re still going to be helpful and constructive. Remember, any jackass can kick over a barn door. It takes a carpenter to build one.”
In 1994, Apartheid ended in South Africa and Nelson Mandela showed true leadership. He had every reason not to seek common ground after 27 years in prison, but instead he counseled his supporters to surprise the opposition with compassion, restraint, and generosity. He led with collaboration and compromise. We can all learn from them.
Surprise yourself by saying a prayer for someone you care little for, or buy a gift (think something like chocolate chip cookies from Beascakes, etc.) for someone that you would never consider doing so for.
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Councilwomen Barbara DiGiacinto, Councilmen Barry Reiter, Jose Berra, and Saleem Hussain, Town Administrator Kevin Hay, and I wish you all a very Happy New Year. Please continue to stay safe, Be Decent, Mask Up, Stay Patient, and Model Good Behavior.
Mike
Michael Schiliro - Supervisor Town of North Castle
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