Season's Greetings!
This year has been a transition from the COVID pandemic to a "new" normal. The Register of Deeds has reopened the "Walk In" Passport office and held our first Passport Fairs since the pandemic with our friends at NC A&T State University and Bennett College! We've hired new staff. We had a major renovation project to house real estate and vitals books in the Truist building. ROD staff have partnered and supported Operation Greenlight for Veterans through Thank a Vet and Suicide Awareness by fielding a Team at Triad Out of the Darkness Walk. We've continued eRecording efforts in Land Records and returned to normal customer contact in Vital Records. The Register of Deeds continues to serve citizens each day. I thank our staff and the support from our local property records partners along with you--the People of Guilford County for our success!
As we move toward 2023, I'm grateful to serve as Register of Deeds and look forward to a New Year!
Thanksgiving is behind us and we are moving into December. In the Christian tradition, we decorate trees, exchange gifts and say "Merry Christmas" as an expression of deep joy at the Nativity which is a landmark of the faith. There is Hanukkah in the Jewish tradition with prayers, hymns, food and the lighting of the menorah to celebrate the rededication of the Holy Temple. There is the Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and Festivals of Lights. December comes after Diwali important to Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and as Muslims look forward to Ramadan in the new year. There are those who view themselves as "spiritual" and/or "moral" who don't not claim any organized religious traditions yet simply seek to live lives of deep integrity appreciating the dignity, worth and potential of everyone. Its a time of "Merry Christmas!" "Happy Holidays!" "Season's Greetings"--and "Let's Get This Party Started!"
Within this backdrop, this season reminds us we are human in a time the weight of this world can be especially heavy. There can be stress and anxiety, overwhelming hard times, those in physical or mental recovery, and/or we just get worn down from it all.
In my successes and failure, I approach these days with deep gratitude. I've become more knowledgeable, respectful, and committed to public service through the gift of relationships with so many people. For me, all of you are the "Reason for the Season!
I thank you in advance for your commitments to promoting mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation based on your traditions and convictions in the coming year. We got this!
Wishing you the best this Holiday Season!
Jeff Thigpen
Guilford County Register of Deeds
