Mrs. Williams Goes To City Hall

I had my foray into city government the other day.  It seems that two years of research of swimming pools and water parks makes you somewhat of a reference when your city wants to add a lazy river to the local water park/wave pool—something I fully endorse.  Here’s the story. . .

About a month ago, I wrote a letter to the editor of our local paper after an op/ed published the day before was somewhat skeptical of the addition of a lazy river to our local water park.  I felt compelled to respond.  The editor of the paper phoned to confirm that indeed it was me who wrote the piece and during our conversation it came up that the Williams Family frequents local pools and that we review the pools on the Williams Family Blog.  The letter to the editor was in the newspaper the next day and the next week there was a feature story about the Williams Family Blog—click here to read more.

Then, last week, there was a notice in the newspaper regarding a public hearing for the lazy river.  Checked the date and time and the schedule.  Yes, I was free at that time and made it a priority to attend.

My plan was to take the “temperature” of the room, sit, watch, and listen.  A few minutes into the meeting, when the public hearing portion began, the Parks Director called me by name to come to the table and address the board.  I swallowed, walked across the room, acknowledged the board, and began to explain the features at other water parks that have added lazy rivers.  Prices, depths, slide towers, tube availability, water features, zero depth entries vs. steps, etc.  I hadn’t prepared any remarks and was peppered with questions, many that I could answer.  Our experiences and research paid off!

A reporter from the local newspaper was in the room, so when I came home from the meeting I told the husband what had happened and that I might be in the newspaper the next day.  Sure enough, I was quoted. 

When I left the meeting I had a feeling that it wasn’t going to be the last time I might be in a similar situation.  A friend asked if I was running for City Council.  No current plans, but she did give me her vote!  Steering committee for the lazy river?  Most likely.

You never know when taking a risk, stretching yourself to do something unexpected, unplanned, will lead you.  I learned that in part from our trips to Disney.  Some of our most magical experiences have come from saying “yes” to a new experience, not being afraid or hesitant.  Or getting over and past the knot in your stomach or lump in your throat to discover the thrill and exhilaration that comes from being free of fear.

The husband is very supportive of my endeavors. . . writing, planning, reviewing, adventuring. . . and we have made many of them family affairs.  And, just a note—the title for this post was supplied by the husband.  Well, him and Frank Capra.  

I’m certain there will be more to this story.  

Williams Family Blog Featured In Local Newspaper

The Williams Family Blog was featured in our local newspaper and on-line—click here to read the on-line article.

The story behind the story goes something like this. . . Last week our local newspaper published an op/ed piece about how our local water park/pool may need to tread (no pun intended) cautiously when considering adding a lazy river feature.  I had to respond; I was compelled to respond.

After submitting my response via an editorial, the editor phoned.  Standard procedure—must check authenticity of the writer, source, etc.  I had a great conversation and since my editorial contained information from other nearby swimming pools/water parks, I made reference to our blog as the pools and water parks had been reviewed.  The editor then wondered out loud why they hadn’t done a story about our blog.

Cut to yesterday.  A reporter from the local paper phones.  I recognize his voice right away as we have visited about other stories within our community.  And, he was the ONE person who phoned me to tell me some pertinent information regarding a near tragic experience I had at work a handful of years ago.  I am still grateful that he went out of his way to make that call when he didn’t have to.

I am happy to talk to him.  It was easy to tell that he had done his homework, as he often quoted pieces from the blog or shared parts of stories.  I felt honored.   

When our conversation ended, there was still some uncertainty about when the piece might be published, etc.  There was a second phone call from the reporter later in the evening to double check some facts.  I was surprised he was till working and wished him a good evening and good night.

This morning, after fetching the paper from the mailbox and unwrapping the plastic cover to protect it from the welcome and needed rain, I found the feature on the front page with the continuing story on page 7 along with a picture from the blog.  The reporter asked permission, of course, to use pictures from the blog.

And as the origin of the Williams Family Blog was shared in the article, the continuation of it seems a bit of a mystery to some.  To answer the questions and clarify my own thoughts, I am just as compelled to write or share something almost daily in the Williams Family Blog, as I was to write the editorial for the local paper.  The words form and compose in my head, almost percolate, before they find themselves on “paper.”  The goal stays the same which is to help others have a smoother, better, more successful or satisfying experience whether it is to Disney or to a local pool or water park by sharing information that I would want to know as a guest or visitor.  Continually answering the question, “What would I want to know?”

And, if your wondering about our matching shirts--click here to read more!