Last evening, while attending the monthly Town Council meeting, The Orange Downtown Alliance was unexpectedly honored with a brief commentary from Mayor Chuck Mason.  To paraphrase, Mayor Mason recognized all the hard work and effort coming from the ODA.  “I read the report you submitted (referring to a monthly report I submit each month) and am impressed with everything the ODA  is doing for this town.  You are a friend of Orange… the Edible Festival, the other festivals, the blues festival, and all the activities you handle.  It’s an impressive agenda and we’re thankful for the effort…I hope you can continue to do all the good things you are.”

Being taken for granted can be a compliment. It means that you’ve become a comfortable, trusted element in another person’s life. Joyce Brothers

Thank you Town Council and Mr. Mayor.

Again, I am narrating as best I can but the sentiment was expressed from other members of the Council as well.  It was a surprising, sincere, and timely compliment that is shared with you and to your credit.

Thank you ODA volunteers.

There would be no ODA; no festivals, no landscaping, no children in town for Halloween or Easter, no promotion of our businesses or people, no recognition of our dear predecessors like George Lewis and Edna Lewis, no business workshops, litter clean-ups or kids races, no colorful sidewalk planters, no farmers market, no holiday celebrations or improved sense of community or newly found friendships or vision if not for you.

You are appreciated.

The ODA has been blessed with 4 years of strong leadership.  We have had the energy and depth of dedication other organizations envy because of the Board presidency of Dan Gregg and Eileen Whelan.  While at times the pace is exhaustive, their leadership has made the ODA a respected and appreciated (and sometimes taken for granted) organization.

Thank you OD volunteers, Board members and contributors.

We continue thanks to each one of you doing what you do through us.

With my respect and gratitude,

Jeff Curtis
Executive Director
“Making Orange a Great Place to Live, Work and Visit”