I will begin and end this column with a Merry Christmas and Happy Prosperous New Year of 2017 to all of our citizens in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area. We truly are an area and region where we thrive together in this place referred to as America's Heartland.

I recently attended a function at Slumberland Furniture where Jack Ford and a group of fellow Cape West Rotary members gathered to organize and deliver 41 mattresses, box springs, quilts and sheets to boys and girls in our community who last night did not have a bed in which to sleep. This project is sponsored by Jack at Slumberland and Cape West Rotary, and the recipients have been identified through the work of Brieta Church at Love Inc. (Love in the name of Christ). It was a touching moment as we prayed together for these children and their families that this delivery would have a continuing positive influence on their lives.

This multi-year project can fit into the potential of our Purpose Built Community project that is in its infancy here in Cape Girardeau. I feel that all of our many service clubs can have an impact as this project develops in the years ahead. I have had many positive and enthusiastic responses following the initial visit from the Purpose Built team.

I seldom highlight individual names in this column due to the fact that there are a multitude of citizens that are responsible for the continued success of our community. However, I feel compelled to lift up three individuals at this time.

First, I offer my congratulations to our Chamber President John Mehner who has led our Chamber of Commerce and Magnet, our economic development group, for well over 20 years. John was recently honored and recognized by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce receiving the Leadership Missouri Lifetime Achievement Award. John is a statewide leader and is highly respected throughout the state in chamber and economic development circles.

Also, my congratulations to Steve Bjelich, President and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare System, who has received the 2016 Distinguished Service Award given annually by the Missouri Hospital Association. I was privileged to attend that awards ceremony. The award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to healthcare in the State of Missouri and also in the communities in which they serve.

I also want to recognize and comment on the loss of Marcia Ritter and extend my sympathy to her family. Marcia was indeed a true humanitarian having served mankind through numerous international medical mission trips with her late husband C. John Ritter. Locally she served a productive and lengthy time on our Cape Girardeau City Council and other community activities.

2016 has been a year filled with numerous groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and construction starts. Some of the more significant events include the Cape Girardeau Sportsplex, Fire Station, Police Station, Pepsi, Hampton Inn, Waste Water Treatment Plant, Transfer Station, Capaha Field, Drury Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Marquette Center and the Marriott Courtyard Hotel.

Next month I plan to comment on prospects and opportunities for the New Year of 2017. Once again I wish all of my fellow citizens a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy Prosperous New Year.

Harry E. Rediger is the mayor of Cape Girardeau.