Honorable Mayor Cohen and Council Members,  

Julie Andrews may have sang the song in the movie, Sound of Music entitled "The Hills Are Alive", but in the City of Menlo Park one can definitely feel the "Excitement In The Air". This may be the result of the three downtown Block Parties planned for later this year, one in June and two in August, along with the Connoisseur's Marketplace in July, the outstanding and hard work of the Visioning Committee and countless other plans and programs underway.  

As a result, the city is vibrant, dynamic and has that "going places" feeling. Various activities by the Menlo Park Community Services Department (aka parks and recreation) with over 10 annual Special Events, the Music @ Menlo program scheduled for this summer, various art shows and galleries, the important work by the Hometown Peninsula group, and potential development on the various auto dealerships and other parcels along El Camino Real all add up to a city "on the move".  

As a result, there is a lot on your plate. I want to acknowledge and express appreciation for your dedication to the city, the citizens and the community. Kudo's are also well deserved for the City Staff.  

Let us also recognize, in closing, the many, many "volunteers" that help to make a positive difference. As this is now the end of National Volunteer Week, a celebration started in 1973, nearly 35 years ago, these unsung hero's of our community deserve rightfully so, a pat on the back.  

Collectively this helps to make Menlo Park special. It is noticeable, as one can feel the excitement in the air.  

Respectfully,
Jim Lewis
a Menlo Park citizen for over thirty years

**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food.
(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Received on Mon May 5 12:47:09 2008