<p>Mayor’s Minute – November 2013</p><p>Well it’s been 7 months and sometimes it feels like yesterday and sometimes it feels like years. A drive through the North part of town shows amazing recovery. Some homes have been demolished, lots are being cleared and over 30 new homes are in various stages of being built. Some families will be able to enjoy being home for Thanksgiving; while others are expected to be home to celebrate Christmas back in the old neighborhood. WHAT A RECOVERY! The Students are back in West in temporary but very nice accommodations, better than I had in school but remember it’s not the classroom that teaches the student; it’s the teachers and parents. The students will be just fine and I truly believe that each will be better and stronger for the experience. The Ambulance Service will be home very soon in their new and improved building. WHAT A RECOVERY! The West Rest Home plans for a 71,000 sq. ft. new nursing home which is beginning to take shape and construction is planned to start after the first of the year. The High School will start demolishing soon with their construction to start also after the first of the year. WHAT A RECOVERY! Brethren Church is back home and had their first service a couple of weeks ago thanks to the United Church of Christ for so graciously allowing the use of their building, what a wonderful act of sharing! You would be hard press to find that spirit of community anywhere else but West, Texas. WHAT A RECOVERY! Over 180 building permits with so many homes all over West are being repaired and moved back into. Our business community is doing well with increase in the past 6 months of sales tax revenue over last year and now with the opening of Slovacek’s this week we should also have a boost. WHAT A RECOVERY!</p><p>We have so much to be thankful for, most of all you the citizens. The people of West are showing the world what Czech Texans are all about. Hardworking, resilient, faith filled people. WHAT A RECOVERY! </p><p>We still have a lot to do, but together we’ll get through this. With Thanksgiving upon us, what a wonderful time to take stock and be thankful for all of our blessings. What a wonderful time coming up to really take stock in what we all have. Some citizens received injuries that will take years if ever to recover from. As a community we must support these folks and if nothing else keep them in our prayers. Stay focused on the positive, for you who lost a loved one, carry with you the honor of that man that gave his life for others knowing full well he is now enjoying his eternal reward. As a community we will never forget them and that is my promise to you.</p><p>To some of us it’s very easy to see Thanksgiving, others not so much. I do ask all of you to reach out and if you have been blessed, help someone that is not as fortunate. Invite them to dinner or take them out, do something this holiday for your neighbor. </p><p>Our Thanksgiving meal will be in a few weeks, please come celebrate with the community. Huge thanks to Robert Nors and Cheryl Mynar for heading this event up, we greatly appreciate it!</p><p>City business will be discussed in future Mayor’s minutes. </p><p>Peace be with you this Thanksgiving season.</p><p>Mayor Tommy Muska </p>