Dear Readers,
During the last 4 years, many people have asked me "Just what does a Guv'na do??" Well, the answer is simple: As much or as little as they choose to do to encourage community spirit as they see it. It is an honorary, volunteer, and non-political position.
For me in 2009, that meant supporting Lutz small businesses and getting a feel for the wide variety of non-profits and do-gooders that fill our community. It also meant helping to connect people with one another and to different aspects of Lutz life. We enjoyed developing and instituting the Lutz Shop n Stroll, and all the fun that came with it. The friends, businesses and neighbors I came to find inspired me enough to choose to run again.
In general, a Guv'na is asked to host a Christmas tree at the Old Lutz School, be a judge at the Lake Park Arts and Craft Show the first weekend of December, and judge parade floats and the cake contest the following year on the 4th of July.
My goal as Guv'na 2013, and during Lutz's Centennial year, is to do much of this and more. As I wrote about months ago, it is troubling to me to know the number of Lutz businesses that have shut their doors over the last four years for one reason or another. The economy is tough; in many ways the mood has changed. But for me, we're still Lutz. We've got plenty of character, and a whole lot of charm. For me, there is much to celebrate. If you have a special event or know of a grand opening or an anniversary being celebrated, and would like an appearance by the Guv'na , please e-mail me at suzin@illuminatedpublishing.com. I'll see what we can do to make that happen.
Over the next year, you will see many blog posts from me here about local businesses and the things that bring me personal joy in Lutz. Those of you who know me, realize I prefer to keep things light and positive. There's enough of the other in the world, and my goal is to do my little part to keep the focus on what is good and whole. I hope you will join me on this journey, and remember the message of our books at Illuminated Publishing: "We choose what comes out of our mouth, what stays in our head, and what lives in our heart." I wish you peace. Choose well.
Photo by Tracy Gaschler
