Dear Neighbors,

We are now a month into our community’s response to the Novel Coronavirus and two weeks away from the current end date for the Governor’s shelter in place order on April 30 that could be extended.

It has been incredibly difficult time for everyone. The pandemic has created uncertainty and anxiety, hurt or closed our businesses, put people out of work, and most directly has sickened or taken our loved ones. We have not encountered anything like this in 102 years. But I want to commend our City staff for all their hard work during this unprecedented event. And I want to thank you, fellow citizens, for your courage and cooperation in flattening the curve, an expression we will never forget. During this event, we have continued to work on the projects and initiatives underway as best we can, as this will be over one day and we will still have a great city to take care of and steward into the future.

In our neighboring city of Pine Lake, one of their residents, Angel Morales, has set up her food services trailer to serve free meals to first responders. DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw praised her in this online article. Also, if you wish to help, you can contribute here. I will be contributing my next commissioner stipend check to this worthy cause.

This experience has been introspective for many of us. But it has made me realize how grateful I am that my family has remained healthy, for our beautiful community and the comfort and reassurance that it provides as we walk around our streets daily to get some air, and for the gorgeous spring we have been able to more fully enjoy while staying at home. And I am grateful for all of us being considerate and respectful of each other during all this weirdness.

I hope all of you are well and please keep up the good work towards ending this terrible pandemic.

Jonathan Elmore, Mayor