Dear residents:

I wish above all that you have a safe, peaceful and blessed Christmas, Kwanzaa, and prosperous new year. 2013 has been a year filled with challenges and obstacles. We have had to make due under some of the most extreme conditions. Nevertheless, we managed to press our way through it all to reach another annual milestone.

There is no question that 2014 will welcome us with more challenges as well but we are resolved to continue pressing forward until we reach and experience the changes we want to see in our communities, neighborhoods and in our city as a whole. Let this holiday season be a time of reflection, meditation and introspection. Let us always remember to be thankful to.

Let us be thankful for our loved ones and our friends. Let us be thankful for the all of the experiences we’ve had throughout this past year. Let us be thankful for life, health and strength. Let us be thankful for having a piece of mind despite all that’s transpired. Let us be thankful for our children and the great accomplishments they will make in the near future.

All in all, this is a season and a time to be thankful. It would do us well to remember that some of the things we take for granted are the same things others wish they could enjoy. No matter how unfortunate you think your situation might be, there will always be someone out there in an even more unfortunate situation than you. So, be grateful for what God gives you.

Lastly, remember to be a blessing to someone in need. For as you bless others, you also are a blessing to yourself. That encompasses the law of reciprocity, what goes around will also come around. As you work to place a smile on the faces of those in your community, you aloe put a smile on God’s face. Always remember, it’s always better to give than to receive.

From the Teague Family to your family,

Happy Holidays Paterson!

Corey L. Teague