Thoughts Along the Path . . .
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While chatting with from some out-of-town friends, I
mentioned that I’d be going to see New Year’s Eve fireworks at 6pm this
evening. When they asked why so early, why not at or near midnight, I told them
about Ayr200 — the town’s 200th anniversary — and the special
activities throughout the year. As I described some of the highlights of this
calendar year, I found that the energy was difficult, if not impossible, to
explain. I now wonder about its lasting effect.
Some ongoing events were presented this year with a special
Ayr200 angle. Just to mention one: the Ayr Community Theatre performed
“Brigadoon” during the summer, having selected that stage play due to the story
taking place in Scotland and Ayr having its own origins, including its name, in
Scotland.
Some projects this year were specific for Ayr200 and will
have a long-term presence. Again just mentioning one: the local Baha’i
community designed and created the 3-way affirmation hopscotch play area in
Schmidt Park.
Many initiatives around town gave us lingering memories.
Anyone who was at the August concert in Centennial Park will remember the
moment that the fountain (donated by McNeil Dodd Pharmacy) in the pond suddenly
turned on. “Came alive” is perhaps an even better way to put it. And let’s not
forget other special concerts in the park, parades, markets, and exhibits. Perhaps
you or your family participated in some of the sporting events, youth programs,
arts and culture displays. I also noticed the variety of locations including streets,
parks, ponds, schools, and other venues where people gather.
Taking all of this as a whole, it’s obvious that a year of
special events and projects is the outcome of more than a year of planning. So
many volunteers, so many donors — all motivated by commitment to community and
a desire to put that into action. How do we maintain the energy generated this
year?
As regular readers of this column already know, I often
include quotations from leaders of thought in a variety of disciplines. Looking
for an apt quotation for this story, I came across one from Protestant minister
Norman Vincent Peale: “The more you lose yourself in something bigger than
yourself, the more energy you will have.” And if we want even more
encouragement to keep moving forward, here is a brief quotation from the Baha’i
writings: “Let deeds not words be your adorning.” The past year has given us
abundant proof of both of those statement as well as inspiration to continue.
Now that Ayr200 has ended, what are your thoughts about Ayr
or wherever else you may live? What about North Dumfries, Waterloo Region, Ontario,
Canada, North America, and Planet Earth? (I’ll stop there, leaving the solar
system and galaxy out of the conversation for now.)
This
has been a year of enthusiasm, creativity, friendship, and joy. I hope you will
join me in appreciation for the year and a desire to maintain the energy and momentum.
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Submitted to Ayr News by Jaellayna Palmer, January
2025
© Jaellayna Palmer, January 2025