Seminole County (FL) Commission Meeting
22 September 2015
Brenda Frei (376 words - 3:08)

Good morning. It’s nice to meet all of you and thank you for having me.

When our family moved to Seminole County a little more than four years ago, our attachment and affection for this area grew quickly. We stood in awe in front of the breathtaking tree “The Senator". And then only a few weeks later we grieved along with you when hearing about the tragic loss.

We appreciated our recent visit to the welcoming Seminole County Historical Museum and to marvel at the beautiful memorial art pieces.

Since living in Seminole County we have seen in our backyard deer, raccoons, armadillos, turtles, and numerous gorgeous birds. We have seen a bear run by and a bald eagle soar overheard. Wow! What a special place that we can call home.

From a multitude of different plants and animals to a multitude of different people with diverse backgrounds, goals, beliefs, constructs, views of reality and motivations all make Seminole County unique.

Yet despite any differences I would hope and expect that our concern for humanity and environment is in each one of us here.

For example, for my husband’s work helping to improve the lives of people with epilepsy to our youngest son, a student at Hagerty High School volunteering for an Alzheimer’s care facility in Casselberry or playing piano for the Sanford Welcome Center. Everyone can play an important role.

We thank you for your role and your service, for your pledge and commitment to care about each of us.

Like many others we were drawn to Seminole County for its pride and excellence in education. Where skilled teachers require that students have factual support for their assignments and assertions. Perhaps above all is the importance of students learning to create a community of cooperation and inclusiveness with no bullying, name-calling, prejudice and unfair negative stereotyping.

May we as adults also choose to practice these values and principles. May we lead our young people by positive example. May we also learn from our children as well.

Today and going forward we ask that you use evidence-based knowledge as well as compassion, inclusiveness, and kindness in guiding your civil discussion and decision making over issues that affect us all.

Thank you very much.