FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT: RICHARD LICATA – Page 2
Crisp air, cool breeze, fall leaves, all the things Autumn brings. With the approaching Holidays, it is also a time of reflection and to be thanful of what we have and what we have accomplished. The accomplishments in 2020 have been plentiful, too many to list here. But of all the accomplishments we did, the one that I am most proud of was our ability to keep our valued employees and customer safe. As I mentioned before, I am proud and inspired by the way our company has risen to this challenge – with flexibility, resilience, courage – and a caring heart. Thank you for your enormous contributions.
It’s been a long 2020 for the whole planet and we are not out of the woods yet. There is Covid fatigue as people are putting their guard down and not doing all the CDC recommended safety measures. Because of that and because the virus likes cold dry air, the virus is surging again. So, we will need to double down on all the things we are doing to stay safe. In that spirit, we will be cancelling our annual Sal Manso Award banquet this year. I know that comes as a disappointment to many of you, we just don’t have any choice given how easily this virus spreads and that banquet halls don’t allow gatherings of more then 25 people. Not to worry, we will still be recognizing and awarding many of you who excelled in your respective job duties this year along with announcing the much sought after Dominic Salemi Award. Additionally, Santa Claus being high risk with his round belly and his fondness of cookies and sugary drinks, will be playing it safe and hunkering down in the North pole as he saves his strength for Christmas. So the kids won’t be disappointed, Santa will be sending Ms. Claus this year to provide the children with their gifts. We will have to spread out the time slots and social distance when they meet with Ms. Claus, but no children will be leaving here empty handed; unless of course they were naughty.
As we head into the Holiday Season, we want to give thanks for the blessings we have. It is a time for family, friends, celebrations, and worship. But, I ask you to not lose sight of all the people out there who are less fortunate. 2020 has been a year unlike any other and amid this coronavirus pandemic, it is affecting people’s health, livelihoods, and causing many businesses to closing down. So lets pray to those who are less fortunate and to be mindful of those in need.