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My dad once said to me, following a years-long battle to maintain a manicured, weed-free yard, “I’ve come to the conclusion that God didn’t plant lawn; only meadows.”  With that, dad embraced a reality that the diversity of nature, left to her own devices, ultimately arrives at something beautiful, with her ragged edges and wildness of spirit.  That the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  

Here in Teton Valley, we know a little something about meadows, where variety thrives.  Recently I attended two events in Driggs which reminded me of my dad’s statement.  The first was the Tin Cup Challenge, presented by the Teton Valley Community Foundation and our local non-profit community, now in its 14th year.  I have participated in this event nearly every year since it began, yet I am struck by it every year.  A wide variety of organizations participate, from animal rescue to music and arts, from education to athletics.  It feels like a festive circus with many colorful tents, costumes, and fun activities for kids from 1 to 100.  But what is most astounding and unusual is the way our community comes together in this event to raise money for a broad variety of local nonprofits.  With our giving, we help the local causes we each value, we help our neighbors, we build our community.  It is a beautiful expression of community, and has proven a powerful teaching tool for our children, who are now embarking on their own life journeys with education in personal philanthropy.

The second event was the memorial and celebration of the life of a wonderful human and resident of our valley, Susan Rose, who recently passed.  Family, neighbors, and friends gathered to celebrate her life.  I learned that, as an art educator, Susan inspired many people to look beyond their first impression- to see color, shape, shadows, and light in the world around.  She drew beauty from the seemingly mundane, even painting a lowly mud puddle.  As an accomplished artist, her paintings hang simultaneously in institutions of regal repute, as well as humble homes.  She was both ordinary and extraordinary.  Susan was one individual, but her presence brought energy and vibrant color to our community.  

Like Susan, each of us are individuals; Together we are a community.  Like the individual flowers and grasses of the meadow, we each bring our own uniqueness to the whole;  a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.  Cowboys to skiers, construction workers to quilters; a variety of people, beliefs, and interests all interwoven into a beautiful meadow of people that is the Teton Valley Community.  

I agree with my dad; the wildness and diversity of a mountain meadow put any uniform manicured lawn to shame.  I am honored to be a part of this meadow with each of you and serve as your Mayor for this great, diverse city.

 

Thank you Henry J. McCracken for more than 20 years of service with the City of Driggs Public Works Department.  Henry has retired and his last day was Thursday, June 24.  Henry’s commitment and contributions to the city cannot be overstated.  We will miss Henry, but wish him a happy retirement.

In recognition of Henry’s contribution to the City of Driggs and the community in general, the city public works shop has been named in his honor:  
Henry J. McCracken Public Works Facility
 
Thank you Henry!
 
Job Openings with the Driggs Public Works Department
Thank you Governor Little and all that attended to make the Capital for a Day event a huge success. Our city’s fiber-optic project with Silverstar Communications and several other successes and concerns were discussed. It was an honor to show Governor Little and his team around our city and we hope to see them back here soon!
Residents doing important work for our city:
Driggs Planning and Zoning Commission.

 
From left to right - Carol Barker, Josh Holmes, Grant Wilson (Chair), Eva Marmsater (Vice-Chair), Guyon Moseley

The Driggs Planning & Zoning Commission serves an important role in our community. The P&Z Commission reviews and analyzes development proposals, such as subdivisions and rezones, and provides recommendations to City Council, which makes final decisions. In some circumstances, like Design Review applications and Conditional Use Permits, the P&Z Commission assesses the application and makes a final decision. Each member brings a unique perspective to planning and zoning matters and works together to formulate essential guidance to our City's development.

There is currently an opening on the P&Z board.  Please click here for more details or click the link below to apply. 
Apply for P&Z Commission
It's Teton Valley Fair Week! Don't miss out on all the fun... 
Get the full Teton Valley Fair schedule here
Driggs Plein Air Festival was a huge success bringing 60 artists from our valley and far and wide to compete in the plein air painting competition.  Works are still up! An extended Gallery Show and Sale will be in the City Center until September 12th. These pieces can also be found online from August 6th - September 12th by clicking on the link below.
Driggs Plein Air Gallery and Sale
The Downtown Driggs Association does so much to support our downtown businesses, arts, culture, and entertainment and we are immensely grateful for all their hard work and attention to detail.  Not only are they bringing a free performance by Calle Mambo to the City Center on August 14th from 6:30-9:30pm, but the flower barrels in front of the City Center are also maintained by the DDA.  To learn more about all that the DDA does for our city, please visit their website and sign up to volunteer or support their efforts.  
Downtown Driggs Association Event & Business Directory
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