A Reflection on 2011

To my fellow citizens of Animal-Ville,
     The year 2011 has been a great for this fine city.  We have seen both ups and downs, but one should never dwell in the past, just simply learn from it.  As part of the Animal-Ville tradition I will be reviewing this year as I have the years past.  I feel that as a community we faced a lot of hardship and troubles, but that we overcame it.  The city is doing better then ever and has grown in not only population, but in community togetherness as well.  The following is my list of highlights from the year 2011.

January - The citizens gathered together for our 3rd annual ball-drop ringing in the new year.  Last years promise was "community".  As mayor I think we accomplished our goal and beyond. However, we also had a tragedy this month last year, when a small house fire spread to three other homes, killing two moles and a squirrel.  The community really came together and showed their support, and I thank you for all that you did!

Feburary - Our amazing city surpassed all previous records on "Love Day".  We had an astonishing 3,548 animals gather at Animal-Ville Square for the occasion.  We estimate over 6,000 hugs were given out, and we hope to break our record again in the up coming year.  Thanks again for all who participated!

March -March was a relatively quiet month for Animal-Ville.  And you know what they say, "no news is good news" right?

April - We had some terrible rain storms early in the month that caused some major flooding.  Luckily no animals were lost in the flood, and once again our community did a great job with temporary shelters and donations of food, water, and clothing to all those who suffered.  As with life these unfortunate events did lead to some good.  With help from the Piggy Bank, and Beaver Lumber we were able to hire contractors and take on 100's of volunteers to rebuild the homes that were destroyed. 

May - We green0lighted the Bark Bar Expressway Expansion Project on May 1st and broke ground.  It was a long and grueling project that was extended beyond the original deadline but by November it was completed, adding an extra travel lane in each direction to ease congestion.  Also in May we passed into law the "No Animal Left Out Side Act".  This act protected any animal that was homeless by providing them government supported housing and food until they were able to venture back out on their own.

June - Once again the city was plagued with flooding and bad storms.  We suffered one of the largest power outages on record!  Once again our great community and Animal-Ville Citizens came together to help their neighbors.  We once again were fortunate to not lose any lives during the dangerous and terrible storms, although many homes did suffer damage.  Another, more positive event, was the record setting graduation rate for our higher education system.  This year we saw over 75 animals graduate from our program, attaining the highest available education level in the region!  Congratulations on all the animals that made it!  And for those who are still in basic education, keep working on it!

July - July saw the lowest Unemployment rates of the year. A mere 2.4%!  We would like to thank Chipmunk E. Moneybags for his creation of over 300 jobs through the course of the month.  Although the Chipmunk may get into mischief around the town, he is still the largest single business owner/employer.

August - Throughout the month our members of office worked hard to deliver our great city the "Higher Standard of Education Act".  This law effectively guarantees any legal citizen of Animal-Ville the right to a fair and honest education.  Prior to this act many animals never attended any schooling, now all animals have the opportunity to attend at least a basic level educational facility.  The act also appropriated funds for 30 new teaching positions.  It was a huge success and just in time for the 2012 school cycle.

September - As mayor I found September to be a difficult month.  I faced a lot of opposition from groups that claimed I was doing an inferior job as mayor. However, with the revision of our 2012 Budget plan I was able to save tax-payers a 5% rate hike and freeze our current rate for another year.  I have always welcomed competition, but after passing the tax freeze there was an end to the protesting and a greater peace came over the Animal-Ville Community.

October -October was another challenging month.  It held the highest unemployment rate of the year 3.73%.  However, we still held together as a community and helped each other along.  The great citizens held the 4th annual "Candy for a Cause" with great success raising more money then ever before!

November - Our community was never closer than November.  The citizens did a fine job coming together to help those in need, and those in shelters.  I would like to personal thank all of you for what you did this year!  It was an amazing month for the city!  I would also like to thank the citizens for their cooperation with our flea scare.  Thank you for taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of fleas in the city.

December - Santa's arrival marked the greatest increase in sales the city has ever scene.  The economy of Animal-Ville exploded this year as everyone got into the spirit of giving.  Also important to note is the city was offered a contract to film a new TV series right here in our back yard!  "Adventures in Animal-Ville" will be airing sometime soon and will be staring our own local talent throughout the city.  So please check into that as well.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful New Year
Mayor Harriman Bunny

WANTED: Chipmunk E. Moneybags and The Puppy

Attention Citizens,

We once again need your help in locating Chipmunk E. Moneybags and The Puppy.  They were last scene fleeing Fire Station #3 on foot after setting off the siren at approximately 2:10AM.  Anyone with information is urged to call the police department.  Please help us find him, our peace and protection depend on it!

Sincerely,
Black Bear

Tracking Santa

Track Santa this year using Google Earth and NORAD.  Keep your offspring in line as they watch Santa approach this Christmas Eve!

Ball Drop

Attention Citizens,
     We will be holding the 4th Annual Ball Drop on New Years Eve at Bunny Plaza.  The festivities start at 8pm.  There will be music, food, and fun!  Bring your friends and ring in in the new year!


Look forward to seeing you there!

A Very Puppy Christmas!

Attention Animals,
     Coming to a store near you, just in time for the holidays, "A Very Puppy Christmas"!  That's right the puppy has released his Christmas Album featuring the staples and standards of Christmas music!  "A Very Puppy Christmas" is a great addition to any family tradition and will be available in stores and online at Acorn.com on DEC. 13 2011!  Be sure to get your copy of this classic album!

Chipmunk E. Moneybags


A Very Puppy Christmas was recorded at Acorn Studios and it the sole property of Acorn Records.  A Very Puppy Christmas will be for sale at business city wide beginning December 13th 2011.  Acorn.com is a registered company and was used with permission within this post! 

Christmas Safety Tips

Hello again citizens, its the mayor here just reminding you to have a safe and happy Christmas!  Last year the city of Animal-ville had the "safest" Christmas on record, and I would like that to be the case for this year too!  I am going to take a moment to remind our fine citizens of some of the most important safety guidelines.  Please help us break our record and prevent fire and theft this year.

- Shopping Tips:
Shopping for Christmas (or other holiday gifts) should be a fun experience! But remebering a few simple precautions will ensure all your gifts make it safely under your Christmas Tree for you and your family to enjoy!

• Do Not leave your gifts Unattended or in plain site in your car.  Also lock the doors and place them out of sight to prevent burglary.
• Use credit cards for online purchases to prevent fraud, and to provide yourself with an insurance against the site and product ordered.
• Try not to carry multiple bags while mall shopping. It makes you a target for theft and will slow you down.
• Always keep your wallet secure in a front pocket, never place your bag in the shopping cart!
• Store gifts in a safe, cool and dry location.  The cold and water can be damaging to most
• Try not to carry multiple bags while mall shopping. It makes you a target for theft and will slow you down.
• Always keep your wallet secure in a front pocket, never place your bag in the shopping cart!

- Tree Maintance

• Each year inspect your light strings.  Wear and tear is extremely common.   Replace broken bulbs and if the wire is exposed replace the string entirely!
• Live tree's require LOTS of water.  Water them daily to prevent dry outs which lead to fires!
• Never hang ornaments or decorations from the light string...it's more prone to shorts and fire that way.
• Always make sure the tree is vertical in its stand.  A lop-sided tree can fall over at any time!
• Do not leave your tree lit for extended time periods or while unattended
• Do not use open flames on or near your Christmas Tree!

- Decorating Precautions

•  Each year inspect your light strings.  Wear and tear is extremely common.   Replace broken bulbs and if the wire is exposed replace the string entirely!
• Do  not place decorations directly on heaters, or near sources of extreme heat!
• Do not block emergency exits, such as doors or windows with decorations.  Always maintain a clear path to the exits in your home.
• Do not use indoor lights outside your home! They are not designed for water and cold!!!
• Do not bury lights under other materials the heat may cause fire.
• Never leave your lights on for extended periods of time, or unattended!

We hope you have a happy and safe holiday season!
Mayor Harriman Bunny

WANTED: Chipmunk E. Moneybags

Attention Citizens,

We once again need your help in locating Chipmunk E. Moneybags.  He was last scene fleeing Fire Station #2 on foot after setting off the siren at approximately 3:15AM.  Anyone with information is urged to call the police department.  Please help us find him, our peace and protection depend on it!

Sincerely,
Black Bear