Nothing seems to happen as quickly as we would desire – except life itself. Time is relentless. It keeps moving regardless. The young among us would agree that time just drags by. Those of us with gray in our hair know better. Truly, the older we become, the faster the days seem to pass by. I trust I am not at the end of my days (yet), but I can see them from here.
So, as I close in on the end of 2024, there are so many things that have taken longer than I expected. So much more to do. God always has the last word, but 2025 looks to be lining up as a very busy and eventful year. Some of the business that is finally coming into view made me revisit the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. It was adopted in August 2019 and is ready for an update. The good news is, I was pleasantly surprised to see the many items that have already become reality. Not only changes and things built and bought but abandoned properties that have been removed and trash that has been cleaned up. YES – there is lots more to do, but progress has been made.
When the plan was developed, The Town of Marlinton Planning Commission wanted to highlight the best things about the town. One of the themes that kept surfacing during the initial discussions of the comprehensive plan was that Marlinton and the surrounding area are beautiful in every season of the year. That was the catalyst for the comprehensive plan having four chapters. Each chapter could have a theme that coincides with the various seasons. One chapter for winter, spring, summer and fall.
That way the comprehensive plan could not only serve as a blueprint for the community, but the plan could also serve as a marketing tool – and it has. The planning commission want-ed to highlight the fact that Marlinton and Pocahontas County are for all seasons, not just a certain time of year.
With that being said, my last Mayor’s Corner before Christmas, I mainly wanted to Wish All a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Remember JESUS IS The Reason for The Season.
Sam