December Editor's Alley

Kofi Antobam, Communications Committee Vice Chair, Director of Administrative Services, City of Rancho Mirage
Kofi Antobam

Yes, we made it to the last month of 2022 CSMFO Family! December is a busy month for many of us. It doesn’t matter if we are parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents – the festive Christmas season keeps us busy. There are Christmas concerts to attend, Christmas celebrations to organize, and Christmas church programs to help with. Myriads of elves and Santa Clauses appear in the shopping centers or on TV, together with other holiday-themed paraphernalia. Most of us enjoy the carols or hymns associated with the season – at least for some weeks of the year. We cherish time with family and friends, and enjoy special meals together. In the mist of all the busyness, we sometimes forget the world around us.

Christmas is a ‘getting stuff’ holiday, but at its most joyful it is a ‘giving stuff’ one, too.
There is joy in opening a present selected for you – something fun, funny or useful. But there is more joy and fulfillment in watching someone else open a gift you selected for them, thinking of how it will put a smile on their face or make their life easier or more interesting. As we think about our immediate families, friends, and loved ones during this season, remember the less fortunate in the society by donating toys, cash, or your time to put a smile on the face of someone you do not know or in need.

One thing that makes the Christmas season special is that Christmas helps us to see each other more clearly and more realistically. As we see each other, we recognize that our own brokenness and flaws can also be seen by others. Therefore, thinking about a neighbor, a family member, grandchild, or a work colleague, helps us to not just focus on ourselves.

Are you wondering how to fully participate in this ‘giving stuff’ spirit? You do not have to look far as one of the three primary themes for the 2023 CSMFO Conference is giving back/philanthropy. Join, if you have not already, by donating to this noble cause of supporting the efforts of the selected non-profit organizations – Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, Sacramento Loaves & Fishes, and My Sister’s House. For more information on how to support please click here or contact incoming CSMFO President Rich Lee at rlee@cityofsanmateo.org.

As we draw the curtain on 2022, I shall be forever grateful to everyone in CSMFO who volunteered when asked or not asked to help our awesome organization. You are the reason CSMFO is strong and will continue to be stronger! A special shout out to all our authors who freely shared their experiences and knowledge throughout the year. CMSFO appreciates you all!

Now let’s all go and make this season a special ‘giving stuff’ one! Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Healthy 2023!!!

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Kofi Antobam is the Director of Administrative Services for the City of Rancho Mirage. Kofi serves as Vice-Chair on the Communications Committee, Coachella Valley Chapter Chair, and a member of the Recognition Committee. Kofi has a combined 20+ years of experience in the public and private financial industries. He enjoys spending time with his wife Elizabeth and daughter Dannelle, singing, volunteering for church activities, and watching basketball.