Sunday Spotlight: The Value of Volunteerism
Written by: Jacob Oswald, Director of Parks and Recreation
Date: Sunday, September 22nd, 2024
Volunteerism holds tremendous value not only for the organizations and communities that need it, but also for the volunteers themselves. Volunteering can improve mental and physical well-being, create a deeper connection to the community, and further a sense of purpose. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers in our community. Whether it's youth coaches, board members, or individuals who take on yearly projects and make them their own, their contributions are invaluable.
For example, Cindy B. has beautified Pocket Park with her plantings, Madonna H. is in the early stages of cultivating a hosta garden at the Berndes Center, and Tara M. has stepped up as a site supervisor for youth activities. These are just a few examples of the many selfless acts that help make our community shine.
If you haven’t had a chance to read Derek Lumsden’s article in this week’s paper, I highly recommend it. He talks about “Focusing on the Big Picture,” and his insights couldn’t be more accurate. My favorite part of the article emphasized not just sharing ideas, but also stepping up to help implement them. Whether it’s volunteering at the activities you want for your family and friends or raising funds to improve community amenities, it’s about taking action to bring those ideas to life.
This got me thinking. We live in a community that takes great pride in everything we set our minds to. However, one ongoing challenge is finding the right volunteers for specific tasks. Whether it’s a one-time need (, a special project (like the bike park), or something more regular (such as a site supervisor or official), it can be hard to know who to ask if we don’t know who’s willing.
That’s why we’re asking you to take a couple of minutes to fill out a quick volunteer form. Share with us what you’re interested in, and help us continue building a stronger, more vibrant community. Together, we can accomplish so much more.
With that said, we have some exciting upcoming projects and volunteer opportunities, and we could use your help! Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Tree Planting this Friday: We’ll be planting trees to beautify our community, and we need extra hands! (More details to follow tomorrow.)
- Adult Olympics Activity Leads: We're looking for individuals to lead activities for our upcoming Adult Olympics event. If you're enthusiastic about fitness and fun, this is a great chance to get involved!
- Holiday on 1st: Help us make this year's Holiday on 1st a festive success! There are opportunities to assist with planning, decorating, and event day logistics.
- Landscaping Updates: If you have a green thumb or just enjoy outdoor projects, we’d love your help with some upcoming landscaping updates around town.
