In the quiet yet solemn atmosphere of the Somers Point City Hall, a moment of reflection set the tone for the first council meeting of 2025. As the council gathered, the invocation led by a council member resonated deeply with those present, honoring not only local heroes but also reflecting on the life of former President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away.

The invocation began with heartfelt prayers for the recovery of Fire Company Number 1's safety officer, Mike Weierbach, and a tribute to the family of former commissioner John Carmen, who had also recently died. The council member urged attendees to remember the victims and survivors of a recent tragedy in New Orleans, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in times of grief.

With a reflective pause, the speaker shifted focus to Jimmy Carter, sharing a poignant summary of his life. The council member highlighted Carter's dedication to various roles throughout his century-long life, from his service in the Navy to his humanitarian efforts through the Carter Center. This tribute served not only as a remembrance of Carter's legacy but also as a reminder of the values of service and goodness that the council members aspire to embody in their own roles.

As the invocation concluded, the council member called for a moment of silence, inviting all present to join in a collective prayer for wisdom and safety for the council members as they serve the community. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose, as the council prepared to address the pressing issues facing Somers Point in the year ahead.

Following the invocation, each member of the City Council was invited to address the public, marking the beginning of a new chapter in local governance. The meeting promised to be a platform for discussing vital community matters, with the spirit of service and reflection guiding the council's decisions in the months to come.