Giving Thanks for Community

From the natural beauty of the countryside to the service of our police and fire departments, the Eureka and Wildwood communities have much to offer 365 days a year.

Few people have as good a perspective on the area’s blessings as the people entrusted to be stewards of community resources:  city officials. Patch asked and officials to share what they’re most thankful about the local communities.

For , chair of Wildwood’s Planning and Zoning Commission, “I'm most thankful about our [Planning and Zoning] recommendations for Wildwood's community park. We were able to preserve open space, trees and worked with our natural resources, including a creek bottom. The future community park will be a great gem for the city."

"When something needs done, there always seems to be someone there taking care of the need,” acknowledged Eureka Mayor . "I'm grateful to be in a great school- and church-based community with outstanding individuals and families.”

, Wildwood council member representing Ward 6, had no hesitancy in quickly summing up his thoughts: "I am thankful for my family, friends, and pets in my life; and the incredible unspoiled natural environment we live in."

“Eureka is populated with some very dedicated residents who enjoy the country atmosphere and all its amenities,” agreed Eureka Alderman . “In my position as an alderman, I work with some very dedicated officials and staff who are only interested in keeping the community safe, as well as financially sound, and who focus on the activities that best benefit the people that reside here. Even those in the business community who strive to make Eureka a better place to live, work and play even though some do not live here."

She said Eureka has an excellent school district and that she is thankful for the education her children received. "The is very protective of its residents and I am very pleased with their concern about the drugs in the schools and their programs to keep the kids off drugs. I have a very deep respect for the work that they do. We have an and over the years they have received many awards for their services to their district and residents. Both the police department and the fire district have some outstanding leaders. I am very fortunate to live in a community that has great access to the highways and areas that I need to travel to get to work and to visit family and friends in other areas."

Our educational system is cited by officials from both communities, including of the Wildwood city council, Ward 3. “First of all, Gail and I feel blessed to live in Wildwood. With a progressive community college, our parks and trails, combined with the only ski resort in Missouri, and an abundance of green space, it promotes a healthy lifestyle and outstanding quality of life for all residents and visitors. All of these are complimented by our city's unsurpassed natural beauty.”

LeMay is among the officials who took time to recognize the often-unseen employees and volunteers who keep vital community services running smoothly. “I want to recognize the talented and dedicated city staff as well as our many community volunteers. We all benefit from their tireless service to our wonderful community,” he noted. “With so many needs, our community is blessed to have agencies, such as , that provides resources to families caught in the whirlwind of harsh and changing times.”

One thing all the officials are grateful for is the opportunity to give something back to the communities that have given them so much. As Wildwood city council member , Ward 1, put it, “I'm thankful every day for the incredible natural beauty and peaceful location where I live in Wildwood, and for the opportunity to give back to my community by serving on the Wildwood City Council.”

Eureka’s Leistner shared a similar conotation, noting “Eureka has given my family and I much, and there is no way I can give it all back in the few years I have served as an alderman.”

"In and around Wildwood I am thankful we continue to see growth throughout the community even in these very difficult economic times.  This is embodied in the continued investment we see across the City both by private and public institutions," said Wildwood Mayor . "I am thankful, too, that in these difficult times we see growth in the community spirit which helps to define a city."

Woerther pointed out that while having community events certainly helps, it is also the work done by organizations, such as the , that goes a long way to support and build that community spirit. "For that I am thankful."

Eureka’s Mayor Coffey summed up the feelings of all the officials by pointing out the area “is simply a great community to live in."

Editor's Note: All of Eureka's and Wildwood's aldermen and council members were given the opportunity to contribute their views to this article.