Village Manager's Message
The July 4th Parade is a featured event in Villa Park. This is the fifth parade I have been a part of. I have also been a part of at least 25 other parades when I worked for another municipality. My favorite part of the parade is walking around and greeting as many parade participants as I can. The best part is everyone is in a good mood. The bands were practicing their songs. The dancers were practicing their routines in anticipation of the start of the parade.
I decided to walk the parade to pass out candy. I am very happy to report that we did not run out of candy and were able to evenly distribute the candy throughout the entire parade. My daughter drove alongside me in a 1983 El Camino. Thank you, Mr. Benes, for allowing us to borrow the vehicle and trusting an 18-year-old with such a fine piece of machinery. The engine was loud, and many people along the parade route gave out compliment after compliment. We had several offers to purchase the vehicle. I could see my daughter smiling each time someone acknowledged the vehicle. My daughter also did an excellent job of throwing candy to kids on her side of the street.
I have been in public service for over 35 years, and I have met so many good people I have had the pleasure to work with, meet in daily interactions in town, and numerous families my children have played sports with. I always tell people I know so many people, not because I am popular, but rather because I have been serving others for such a long time. Serving others is still what motivates me to this day. Whenever we can help people or bring moments of joy to others, I am happy. Serving others is “why” I show up for work every day. The current Chicago Police Superintendent, Larry Snelling, stated in a speech at a recent police graduation: “If you lost your why, then you lost your way.” I could not agree more with Superintendent Snelling. The “why” gives us purpose. The why was the smiles on all the faces of the citizens along the parade route.
I look forward to seeing many more smiles as the Kiwanis Concert series continues in July, and then the Village/VFW’s concert series starts again in August. We have so much to look forward to this summer and fall. I look forward to seeing you all in and around town.
View the full weekly report here. All weekly and monthly reports can be found in our Document Center under Village Manager.
Mike Rivas
Village Manager
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