Let me begin by saying thank you to those who ran for the two city council positions and your willingness to serve this wonderful city. Congratulations to Sophie Paul and Randy Scadden for winning the election. We have much to do as we manage significant changes coming to Roy City. From downtown developments, widening of 5600 South, establishing fiber internet, and creating a new cemetery, we will be busy. I would ask that you listen more and speak less. The residents look forward to seeing how you plan to improve their quality of life.

We finally reached the end of another year: a year of successes, challenges, and memories. Some will say it is nice to get it behind us, while others will remember the wonderful moments. It is appropriate that, at the end of the year, we celebrate holidays that bring us together as a human family! Enjoy the Christmas/Hanukkah activities that suggest we have more in common than differences. Enjoy the moment with family and friends.

As we look forward to a new year, each of us must build on being better. Do a little act of kindness weekly. Try something new. Take time to appreciate your victories. Say thank you more often. Time and time again, research has shown that serving others is good for our mental health, our self-esteem, and our emotional well-being. An old Chinese Proverb is true: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody”.

May your holiday season be filled with joy, and may you never be too old on Christmas Eve to search the night sky!

Mayor Robert Dandoy