Hi Patrick!
I hope you are doing well. It has been a few weeks since we last talked. As you know, we have just had the busiest time of the year for tourism, which was both fun and challenging. Now that we are winding down, we can focus on the upcoming holidays, which is one of my favorite times of the year, despite the weather changes. Although the leaves are gone, and some people want to hibernate, we have much to be thankful for. Personally, I am thankful for you, and I appreciate your beauty, charm, the peace provided by the majestic mountains, and the many streams that flow through the valleys. I am also grateful for the community and people that make you warm and inviting. The community that shows up in times of need and assists us in overcoming life’s challenges is something to be thankful for as well. Patrick, you have provided us with opportunities to be better than we have ever been before. As you read this, I hope you will see how blessed you are! You may not have everything you want, but you do well with what you have. So, Patrick, I want to thank our Emergency Response Teams (Fire, Rescue, Sheriff’s Department), the volunteers, public offices, school staff, and citizens who make you unique. I hope you hold your traditions close this Thanksgiving, and as always, “Come get lost and find yourself here!”
Sending you my love, Patrick!
Happy Thanksgiving!
James Houchins, Director of Tourism (jhouchins@co.patrick.va.us)
