Spectators gather Saturday, Dec. 4 after the 2021 Holiday Lights Parade for the annual lighting of the trees at Ashley Pond Park. Photo by JohnMcHale/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
With Christmas just two days away, the Los Alamos Daily Post news team would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and wish our readers in Los Alamos, across the state, nation and around the world a very merry Christmas and happy holiday season.
Local officials with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos County, UNM-Los Alamos, Los Alamos Public Schools and those serving at the state level also took a moment to share their best wishes for the community during this 2021 Christmas season.
Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason: “I wish you and your families a safe and restful break. Enjoy the time with family and friends doing the things that make the holidays special.”
County Council Chair Randall Ryti: “I wish everyone in our community all the best this holiday season. We have many workers and volunteers helping to keep our County and region functioning at a high level this past year. I hope everyone has time to spend with their family and friends this season and take the opportunity to continue their favorite traditions or make new ones. I also wish everyone a healthy and happy new year.”
County Manager Steven Lynne and the County Manager’s Office: “Wishing everyone in the Los Alamos community a merry Christmas, a happy holiday and of course, a healthy, joyful New Year.”
County Utilities Manager Philo Shelton: “We value every customer. From the Los Alamos County Department of Public Utilities team to your family, wishing you a joyful and warm holiday season!”
Police Chief Dino Sgambellone: “On behalf of the Los Alamos Police Department I’d like to wish everyone in the community a safe holiday season. With many people traveling this year, please take some extra time, plan ahead, and arrive safely at your destination. Lastly, please remember the public safety employees (and their families) who will be working during this time. We thank you for your ongoing support.”
Fire Chief Troy Hughes: “Wishing all of you a happy and healthy Holiday season. Please keep our first responders in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. One impact brought by COVID has been an extreme delay in the hiring process for LAFD. We have been working extremely short handed and have been forced to hold our crews over on mandatory overtime to ensure our community and LANL are properly protected. Keep these weary responders in mind as you enjoy time away from work with your families this season. We are working hard to hire, but it’s a slow process and the initial training is long and rigorous before any of these newest members can fill in a spot on a response shift. I am very thankful these dedicated LAFD members have continued to work through this pandemic without complaint and made sure that when any one in Los Alamos called 911, LAFD would be on its way to help whatever the emergency. While giving thanks this holiday season, please add a little prayer for these dedicated individuals who will be missing spending time with their families while at work ensuring your family is safe and secure.”
UNM-LA Chancellor Cindy Rooney: “UNM-Los Alamos is honored to serve this community and we are very thankful for all of the individuals and organizations that are part of our mission … students, faculty, staff, advisory board members, supporters, collaborators and friends. To everyone, may this holiday season be a time of joy, peace, laughter, reflection and renewal. And, best wishes for a new year filled with good health, happiness and new opportunities.”
Los Alamos Public Schools Interim Superintendent Jennifer Guy: “I wish everyone in the community a peaceful, happy holiday. I hope everyone takes a moment to reflect on the good things that have happened this past year. I hope you each find joy and happiness in the new year.”
Los Alamos Medical Center Interim CEO Tracie Stratton: “From our family to yours wishing you a blessed and safe holiday season and a happy new year.”
Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard: “I want to wish each and every one a restful and blessed holiday season. Now more than ever, after two years of disruption, stress and loss of so many of our loved ones, we deserve a peaceful respite.”
Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus: “As we count our blessings and celebrate the opportunity to live in a wonderful community, I wish you and your family the very best this holiday season.”
