It is now 2004 - a new year filled with new hopes and new dreams. We continue to rebuild from the devastation of Sept. 11, struggle against a sluggish economy, fight a war against terrorism and unjust domination, and hopefully question what it is that is truly important to each of us as we live our daily lives.To those of us who make up the businesses on Historic 25th Street, we believe that questions beg to be asked. “What is it that compels both pride and commitment in the citizens of a country, the residents of a state, and the members of a community? What is it exactly that would compel each of us to take care of ourselves and our families; help our neighbor on either side; and volunteer our time, money, and energy to just one committee?"
We believe the answers to these questions really are not that much of an investment to any one person. Yet if each of us played our part, then we would create a form of local Utopia.
It is difficult to understand why something so simple is so impossible to accomplish. I believe that as human beings, all of our goals are basically the same. Each of us wants to live in a place that is safe; one that is prosperous; one that offers opportunities in education; one where career possibilities and advancement are available to both adults and children. We want a community that is united, that is strong, that is clean, beautiful, and enviable.
All of us on Historic 25th Street want to invite each of you to join us in making our community a better place to live. We thank those who serve in public positions because they do so on our behalf amid criticism and skepticism. We want each of you to follow us in thinking a little less about ourselves and a little more about our families, friends and community. We want to help our neighbor on either side and volunteer our time, energy, and money to at least one committee. We want to take pride in what we have helped to accomplish and then enjoy a life that is a little bit better, a little bit safer, and just a little bit closer to the dreams that we believe are truly possible to attain.
Jo Packham is president of Historic 25 Merchants Association for the past two years, president and founder of Chapelle, Ltd publishing company, co-owner of three retail stores on 25th Street: Ruby & Begonia, White Fig and Olive & Dahlia. A life-long resident of Ogden, Packham is committed to the revitalization and renovation of downtown Ogden. She is also a member of the board of trustees for the Ogden/Weber Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the board of the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce and the chair of Ogden’s Christmas Village. Jo Packham can be reached at Jo@chapelleltd.com.
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