A Message from Mayor Rosenthal

Dear Deerfield,

While many in our community have been tested for Covid-19, over the past nearly seven months all of us have been tested by Covid-19. It has tested our patience, our resolve, and our empathy toward others.

Living through a pandemic is hard. It’s hard being a parent with virtual learning. It’s hard being a teacher with virtual learning. It’s hard looking for a job, working remotely, and working in person while trying to follow all of the guidelines. We miss friends, family, homecoming, community events, hugs and handshakes.

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, we can bring light and warmth to one another in the way we interact. Let’s focus on empathy in our community. Empathy is not trying to solve all of the world’s problems, nor is it having to feel sorry for everyone’s troubles. Empathy is realizing the person on the other side of the mask, other side of the Zoom, and other side of the phone could be in a very different emotional state than you are.

Remember, kindness, too, is contagious. And not even a mask can keep it from spreading. As we watch the leaves change into vibrant reds and yellows, let us be reminded to show our true colors. We can bring brightness to one another in the way we interact. 

Please continue to check in with your friends and neighbors, and take some time to check in on yourself. For those who need assistance, the Lake County United Way’s 2-1-1 service and the Village’s Rapid Response Network webpage can help direct you to local resources.

Do it for you. Do it for each other. #DoItForDeerfield. 


Best,
Harriet