Mayor Mark Shuttleworth Reports to our Citizens

     In my column today, I wanted to follow-up from the last edition with some recognition of how we have supported our community through our volunteer efforts as individual citizens.

     Our area has survived intact through economic ups and downs over 120 years because we have maintained our traditional community institutions of church, school, civic groups and government.

     We should be tremendously proud of the religious diversity, community concern and educational opportunities available to us here locally.

     All of this is because of the thousands of hours donated by adult and youth volunteers to fulfill their responsibilities.

     Volunteers have contributed countless hours in church social work, counseling and day care and after school classes. Volunteers with Boy, Girl & Cub Scouts, the West Volusia Saddle Club, Little League, Teen Program, Boys & Girls Club, Meals on Wheels, Adult & Child Literacy Classes, the Lake Helen Garden Club, the Lake Helen League for Better Living, the Friends of the Library, the Biennial Historic Home & Church Tour, the American Legion, the Community Club, the Villas C.E.R.T. Emergency Response Team and the Volunteer Firemen and Police Auxiliary have donated their time and effort for the betterment of the community.

     All these volunteers & many others have worked with dedication to keep us viable as a small community. We could not have survived otherwise. Let’s look to our neighbor, the volunteer, and say thank you.

Let’s thank the merchants who advertise their businesses at the Mitchell Brothers Complex in order to help the Little League.

Recognize the efforts of the Lake Watch environmental group who ensure that the quality of the City’s lakes are maintained.

Take notice when Quality Brands pays for several hundred kids to go to Sea World and adults volunteer their own time to escort them.

Smile at people recycling newspapers at the Gas n’ Shop so the League for Better Living can improve Hopkins Hall or buy trees to landscape our City Hall.

Appreciate the teenagers who visit the elderly each day to check on them or buy groceries.

Support the people who help the recreation program at Melissa Park.

Comment to those in the Saddle Club who teach about the care and training of animals.

Salute as the flag is raised at the American Legion in honor of our Veterans.

     So, I guess I’m talking about the obvious heart and soul of our community. It’s so simple, yet so profound - so elusive, so fragile, yet so solid and truthful.

     Let’s all do our part for a better Lake Helen/Cassadaga community.

     I’m truly awed and thankful to play one small part in this future.