As we ring in the earth’s New Year, in Mars, PA, let us reflect on 2021 as another unusual time in our lives.
It is interesting that thinking and planning needs more effort than ever before, always a contingency plan, because of possible cancellation. We need to rethink activities, our daily habits, schedules, and routines whether we like it or not.
All these changes to everyday living have changed how we go about educating, working, and worshiping.
A new approach to living for everyone has emerged! No one is excluded from the impact of the pandemic, with all sorts of change on both the macro and micro scale. From virtual meetings and learning issues shadowed by our national political turmoil, it weighs on our collective psyche. Trying to work for the common good has become somewhat elusive at times.
2022 promises to be the best of times and the worst of times again. While inspiring, motivating, and exciting, the extra challenge of leading and guiding a community during a pandemic is constant.
What 2021 has allowed us to accomplish should give us pause as we look forward to building on the successes for 2022.
We look for a fresh start on the Mars International Discovery Center and Library of the Future project for the area and region.
Our intentional work on studying and having conversations about care for the Breakneck Creek/Watershed will advance in 2022.
More streets and sidewalks being replaced and repaired while managing our costs.
New water meters and lines are an on-going project and care for quality drinking water. This is a top priority for our community’s health and safety.
Wonderful improvements at Mars Borough Athletic Complex/Marburger Field with brand new bathrooms and refreshment facilities upgraded through a major donation of materials, time, and expertise. This athletic complex continues to be an added value to living here!
A reorganized police department got started in 2021 with the hiring of a full-time Officer in Charge. There will be more improvements in 2022 as the need for community policing is critical to keeping businesses and residents safe and protected.
Our support of the joint Adams Fire District (Fire Department) in having first responders ready to respond to emergencies in Mars, Adams Twp., Valencia, Callery, and Seven Fields is important to people living and raising a family here.
The Mars Area Public Library is a real asset to be in our town. We again work with other municipalities that make up the Mars Area School District in supporting a quality library for our communities.
This 2021-2022 reflection from me to you could go on to talk about the School District, Historical Society, VFW, RichMar Rotary, Mars New Year, Mars Runble Car Show, Brewfest, and churches in our community but many of you are involved and volunteer in helping in so many ways. I thank you for your service throughout the year as 2021 comes to a close and 2022 begins!
Mars Borough/Area is a beacon of a positive place to live with wonderful potential, laughter, new opportunities of health and prosperity. Let’s learn from our failures and successes of the past while embracing the passion, the fulfillment of our dreams and expectations yet to come in 2022 and beyond.
Happy New Year!
Mayor Gregg Hartung
