Sara Serves: Reflection
I know, I know. It is just so typical to do an old-year, new-year type of post for January. But I can’t resist. Mostly because the time to reflect and recalibrate only becomes more important to me every year. I’d really love to be one of those people who does a “things I’m leaving behind in the new year” kind of article. Unfortunately, that is not our gig. We take lots of things with us that are not our choice.
I am taking with me into the new year the local citizen who sent Council a message this weekend with a list of 24 reasons that he has an adversarial relationship with me. That is not my favorite thing to take forward. More importantly, though, I’ll also be taking into the new year the property the Town just purchased for its first active recreation park.
That 14 acres seems like a lot more than 24 reasons to be excited about a new year. We have a vision of a place for children to play, parents to chat, families to picnic, and community to gather. When I look back at 2025, I see projects completed, citizens who were able to realize their dreams for new homes or businesses, and employees who continue to grow and amaze me with the things they do to make our town better than they found it.
We are finishing up a water line project; installing new water meters so citizens can see their own usage on their phones (I love technology); helping citizens start new businesses and expand existing ones; and watching a new generation take over a favorite hometown restaurant. It’s great to be a part of these things.
The employees here at the Town do magic every day. They come up with ways to make our town better and improve the lives of our citizens. They will do even more of those things next year.
So yes, I’ll take with me some not-so-nice things into the new year, but more importantly, I am taking with me a great team, a supportive Council, new opportunities for recreation, and a love of public service.
So in January, reflect on the good and the bad of last year. Think about what you will be taking with you and how you can make it a great 2026. Happy New Year to all of you!
Sara
Welcome to our new members:
Michael Adkins, Assistant City Manager & CFO, City of Danville
Brian Haney, Deputy County Administrator, County of Powhatan
Todd Meredith, City Manager, City of Radford