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Many of you know this has been a difficult few months for me and my
wife Barbara following our serious accident in New York City. It has
helped lift our spirits immeasurably to know the caring and concern
of our friends, colleagues, and members of the community. We want to
express our deepest appreciation for all the show of support. Thank
you very, very much. It means more than I could ever say.
As some of you know, we were the victims of a child on a bike working
at the age of 10 as a delivery boy for his uncle’s restaurant.
He was being exploited by the adults in his life, for their benefit,
not his.
With the new year about to begin, I think it’s important for
us all to focus once again on a vision for all children that we can
support and work toward as our way of making a difference in this world
and in our own communities.
In this vision, we see the children of Santa Barbara County growing
up in good health, with a zest for learning and living. We see them
with a spark inside that makes them want to share their talents with
those less fortunate, and work for the good of the order, just because
it's the right thing to do.
We see children who are free of fear, free of abuse, free of drugs,
free of prejudice.
We see children who are free to reach beyond their circumstances, whatever
those might be, and to join a society that welcomes their contributions
on the job, in the community, and in the voting booth.
And we see a community willing to work together to bring all our children
closer to that dream.
It’s not really that much of a stretch. If we all work together,
and stop pointing the fingers of blame, we could form a circle of responsibility
around all our children.
We could make sure that our efforts are focused on improving the conditions
of children in our communities, and working together with that goal
always in mind. That effort alone could make a real difference. And
that is my vision for all of us this year. I hope you will all join
me in this quest.
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