I have experienced an impossible dream. Our community has once again amazed me, to a level of gratitude that I cannot possibly express. The compliments, recognition and kind words stated in proclamations, emails, letters, speeches, and one-on-one conversation have been truly overwhelming to me. I have always held a special place in my heart for Lewes, but now, by their outpouring of support, gratitude and love, the people have penetrated my soul.

To have an Appreciation Day, and such an unbelievable event to go with it, was very much unexpected, and also very much enjoyed. Thank you to the Greater Lewes Foundation representatives Joe Stewart, Dennis Forney and Mike Rawl, plus the entire committee, and the City of Lewes, for organizing the Appreciation Day event. Also thanks to everyone affiliated with the event, taking your time and tremendous efforts to have this day mean so much to me, and my entire family. To everyone who attended, please know this is a magnificent day the Ford family will never forget.

A very special thank you goes to Gov. Jack Markell, as he was so kind to rearrange his travel schedule so that he could attend. The governor provided entertaining and original comments of delight, and his formal recognition award was extremely humbling to me. In addition, I would like to thank all the speakers for their outpouring of support of my community involvement. We all enjoyed your comments.

Most of all, I would like to thank the citizens of Lewes for providing me with the opportunity to serve this community. Of any community in this country, there is none better. This is because of you and your engagement into the City of Lewes itself. Our nonprofit organizations, volunteer base, city employees and other elected officials, past and present, collectively mold the fabric of these dynamics into a small town USA atmosphere that ranks at the top. Each of us demonstrates our community pride and desire to improve our already exceptional quality of life as seen by involvement and participation at a level that cannot be duplicated.

The citizens of Lewes have provided me with this unique public service opportunity, and as such, I am eternally grateful for the ability to represent all of us. The relationships, memories, and achievements would never be possible without you, and for this, I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

I look forward to seeing you around town, and will continue to be involved with Lewes as our family moves forward with the next chapter of our lives.

Thank you for the privilege of serving Lewes for these wonderful years. You made it all possible.

Former Mayor Jim Ford
Lewes