“Despite the horrendous events that our community witnessed this winter, the silver lining is that it allowed us to see the remarkable work that our neighbors do every day for those living in the community, regardless of what you look like, where you come from, what language you speak.”

Explaining the challenge in selecting the award winner due to many nominees and the community's response to recent events.

“My mom and dad lived out, bought a home here on Wentworth after the war and lived out their lives in Richfield. And in that process, they gave a a lot of contribution to the community. And so many of the things that we have that we take for granted, like paved streets and and schools and hockey rink and pool and all that were a byproduct of the council and mayor in that time pulling those those amenities for us together.”

Presenting the Jacobson Award and reflecting on his parents' legacy in Richfield.

“This award does not belong to me, it belongs to the spirit of Richfield and the remarkable organizations that show up every single day to ensure our neighbors are loved, safe, and supported.”

Accepting the Gene and Mary Jacobson Award, emphasizing collective community effort.

“An award like this is simply a reflection of what happens when we refuse to look away from each other's needs. It is about turning quiet care into collective action.”

Expressing the significance of the award in the context of community engagement.

“Let's keep loving our neighbors. Let's keep building Richfield and make sure that everyone belongs.”

Concluding her acceptance speech, promoting community values and inclusivity.

“We are not isolated by distance or geography. We are isolated by technology and staying in our bubbles. We live in our ego chambers, not isolated by geography geography, and not knowing the other language. We keep ourselves shut off from others. This creates the others.”

Speaking during Open Forum about societal isolation caused by technology.

“There's a lot of anger and mistrust towards government. My favorite personal protest sign says, 'No bully leadership.'”

Highlighting public sentiment regarding government during the Open Forum.

“When we ourselves engage with the other people around us, they become real and we can see their humanity. Step out and talk to each other. We ourselves are the others. When there are no others, there is we. Communication is our way out, and it depends on it little by little.”

Concluding remarks during Open Forum on the importance of human connection and communication.

“The opinion we're providing is an unmodified opinion, uh, meaning we do believe the financial statements are fairly stated in all material respects as of December 31st, 2025.”

Announcing the positive outcome of the audit for the City of Richfield's 2025 financial statements.

“When you're looking at the size of budget that you're dealing with to be less than half a percentage off, I'd say that's about as close as you can get. So great job there.”

Commending the city's finance department on the accuracy of their budget to actual expenditure variance.

“The public should be certain that this is highly accurate in spite of the challenges the city's had with with staffing.”

Seeking reassurance from the auditor about the accuracy of the financial report despite staffing challenges.

“My only sort of outstanding concern is still just the cost to holders, particularly related to uh the license expectation we have an off-duty officer being present for the whole event.”

Expressing a reservation regarding the financial burden of the new alcohol in parks ordinance on event organizers.