January 1, 2019
From the Desk of the Mayor
Happy New year! And what a year this is shaping up to be! We will begin the year working on very needed environmental protection legislation in the form of Beach and Marsh Front setbacks.
2018 marked the 50th anniversary of man’s first flight out of Earth’s orbit to the moon. That’s right, for all those old enough to remember that wonderful Christmas Eve transmission from Apollo 8, in lunar orbit, to billions of people around the world, astronauts Jim Lovell, Frank Borman and Bill Anders read the first 11 verses of Genesis and then wished all those of back on the Good Earth a very Merry Christmas.
As historical as this live transmission was, it failed to compare to the image that Apollo 8 sent back when on the sixth orbit of the moon, coming around from the dark side into the light, man first witnessed Earth Rise from outer space. The crew took a picture that made the world stand still and take notice. For the first time, everyone on Earth could see our planet floating in the dark vastness of the universe. It showed everyone just how small and vulnerable the place we call home really is, compared to the universe we live in.
After this realization was thrust upon us, we began to make environmental protection a very important part of our lives.
So let’s all Google Earth Rise, look at that picture for a few moments, and remember that the protection of this place we call home, the protection of the environment, goes far beyond our personal wants and wishes to the preservation of the Good Earth, and the preservation of future generations’ ability to call the third rock from the sun home!
Be sure to watch the 2019 meeting notices from City Council, and other committee meetings, to follow closely what is happening in your city. I urge you to take advantage of the many opportunities for you to share your opinions and ideas.
If you have questions or comments, let’s talk about them. It’s one way to get correct information every time. Contact me at tgoodwin@cityoffollybeach.com or (843) 729- 0298.
Mayor Tim
