Wednesday, January 22, 2014

T.A.G. You're it!

Let’s play T.A.G. in 2014. Find the TENACITY to stay focused on what you want. Have the AUDACITY to strive for something just a little bigger than you thought possible. Show the GUMPTION necessary to get off the couch and take action. T.A.G. you’re it!

TAG You're It! by Preston Peine

A letter to my fellow citizens of Garnett, KS...

We the people of this humble community have collectively witnessed and participated in many exciting undertakings throughout 2013. From the activities that consume our free time to the events that strengthen our local economy we are left with many positive memories of the past year. Looking to 2014 it is up to each of us to choose to participate in the actions required to strengthen our fair city.

Many of the simple joys in life are what truly bind us together. We came together for events such as the local Easter Egg Hunt, Independence Day celebration, county fair, Cornfest, Art Walk, Christmas Parade, theatre performances, birthday parties, backyard barbeques and a plethora of other events. These events are integral to the relationships we form with our friends and family. In turn, they strengthen our community as a whole.

We the people can be proud of positive progress in education, business, government and community. In the past year public school enrollment increased and Neosho County Community College opened a technical center in Garnett. On the business front the East Kansas AgriEnergy ethanol plant restarted production, Rickerson Pipe Lining began a substantial expansion, Hurricane Services built a new facility to begin operations and multiple new businesses arrived on the square. Anderson County has started construction on a brand new hospital which is certain to add to the beauty of our already attractive town. The one event that sticks out in my mind as having really epitomized the wonder of our small community is the Garnett Area Paint Project. These and so many other items truly mark the strength and progress of Garnett and all of Anderson County.

What will 2014 bring for you, for me, for our friends and neighbors? No one knows for certain. What I do know is that each of the memories I listed from 2013 required the bold actions of average citizens. What bold action will you take to create positive change for your family? How can you be the change you want to see in the community? How will the lives of others be enriched by your actions?

Let’s play T.A.G. in 2014. Find the TENACITY to stay focused on what you want. Have the AUDACITY to strive for something just a little bigger than you thought possible. Show the GUMPTION necessary to get off the couch and take action. T.A.G. you’re it!

This article originally appeared in the Town Talk - Winter 2014.