Scott McBrayer headline
The holidays are approaching quickly, and Christmas in Homewood can be a wonderful time!
Please be aware that this is the season when criminals can take full advantage of our generosity and count on us not to think. Remember to keep packages in your trunk if at all possible when shopping and keep valuables in your vehicle out of view. We often make it too easy for criminals to see what is available to them. Remember to lock your car even when it’s sitting in your driveway at home.
Remember, also, that several years ago I started a program that enables you to contact the police department if you are going to be out of town. Simply call the HPD and let them know, and an officer will physically come to your home each day you are gone to check your residence. If you see any suspicious activity, please notify the police department as it is happening. Too often a report comes in stating a neighbor saw something 15 minutes ago. By then, it is usually too late.
I would also like to remind you to shop Homewood first. This is our chance to return the favor by purchasing as many items from local stores and merchants as possible. Throughout the year, our merchants sponsor activities that directly help our schools, bands, sports teams and all things Homewood. This is only possible when we support them. It also helps our city because your tax dollars fund all the services provided and pay our employees who work so hard.
And lastly, let’s pay it forward. There is a reason the Bible teaches us it’s better to give than to receive. As many of you know, my dad passed away recently in an accident. I called my mom the other night to check on her, and she said Mr. Jimmy (a neighbor) was over helping her get the faucets outside wrapped to keep them from freezing. Emotionally, it upset me because I didn’t even think about doing that for my mom; it was just something Daddy always made sure was done. But it immediately reminded me to go help someone else just as Mr. Jimmy had helped my mom.
How many of us know someone who could use help like that? Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
