In times of uncertainty, we all look for answers, for stability, for reassurance.

We are strong. We are resilient. The City of Holland does not close.

We have been doing our best to make smart decisions with the best information available.

Today is the first day of Governor Whitmer’s Stay at Home Order. City leaders have been planning for this possibility and yesterday we put those plans into action.

At City Hall and throughout Holland, our front line staff are maintaining our essential city services. When you see a first responder, waive and smile. When you turn on your lights or water, think of our dedicated BPW staff.

I’ve been hearing about so many great things happening during this time of uncertainty, This is just one charity, one program, one opportunity for the people of Holland to support one another. There is much we can do to help each other.

We know that access to nature through parks and green spaces offers important physical and mental health benefits. So go outside. Feel the sun on your face. Breathe in the warm Spring Air. It is good for your physical and mental well being. But not everyone has access to green space at home. Our public parks matter more now than ever.

And as the weather continues to warm, you may be inclined to bend the rules. Don’t. For the benefit of all of us, don’t. This is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a long race, but we can do it, together. We will stay healthy and get through this by standing together, but six feet apart.

Holland, we will rise by working together. It starts with a decision. It starts with a commitment to work together for all of us. You can be part of that commitment and show your support by sharing the message of OneHolland.

When you see a first responder, remember that they are putting in long hours and risking their lives to keep us safe. When you turn on your lights or water, think of our dedicated BPW staff working through the night to restore our power. When a tree falls and when brush needs to be cleared, remember our dedicated parks and transportation department workers who are here to clear away the debris.

We want to keep our traditions alive. We want to support Holland’s small businesses. We want to share a smile with our neighbors. We want to share the stimulus for the benefit of the entire community. We want to do what we can to preserve #OneHolland for the future.

Van Raalte Farm is a great place to leave the crowds behind and spend some time in the dappled sunshine, along a branch of the Black River, breathing the fresh Spring-scented air.

Holland, even in the midst of uncertainty. Let’s choose to be the best. Not just in energy efficiency, or sustainability, but also in resilience, in caring, in community, in perseverance, in hopefulness, and in hard work. Holland, if we are going to do something, let’s choose to be the best.

I love Holland tulips in springtime. I love everything about them and everyone and everything they bring. But there is something that I love even more… The people of Holland.

I promised that the tulips and Holland will bloom again. I will do everything in my power to keep that promise. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help. We must all work together to make sure that our community blooms again.

While this year we can’t have gatherings, we can still remember who we are. We can still celebrate our traditions and we can still dress in the costumes of our ancestors.

start most mornings downtown. The sunrise brings hope in the light of a new day. When the pandemic began, I new that I needed exercise and fresh air. I new that I needed routine and normalcy. I’m no great runner, but our downtown provides miles of warm social-distancing sidewalks.

Our downtown businesses have always been here for us. They have supported the community and contributed to our rich quality of life. They are part of what has made this area unique and special. And we need to do our part to support them.

We have adapted the Farmer’s Market space and methods for the challenges of COVID-19

As we head into Memorial Day Weekend and the beautiful summer days beyond we ask that you be courteous and considerate of your friends and neighbors along the lake.

Last week our downtown merchants voted to allow increased opportunities for increased outdoor sales and seating downtown. For the time being, they have decided that they want Eighth Street to continue to be open to vehicular traffic.

We have heard many times, and I have said it myself, “We are all in this together.” But for all of us, it has never been more true. Never in the last century have so many had their health and safety threatened by a common enemy.

Holland’s future lies in recognizing the value of our diversity. By supporting each other, by lifting up those who need it most, and celebrating what each of us brings to our community, we can create a more welcoming community for all.

And today is a new day. The restrictions are loosening. Today, for the first time in what has seemed an eternity, we can go to our local restaurants and sit at the tables again.

We have not fully weathered the storm, but it appears we are headed in the right direction. Stores and restaurants are open again. People are enjoying our beautiful parks and downtown. City Hall is open and we are once again enjoying each other’s company, while being careful to do our best to stay six feet apart.

Our merchants, restaurants, and hotels have been working hard to prepare for your visit. When you are ready, we are ready.