MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Craig A. Stough 5/2/2008

"Volunteerism Strong in Sylvania"

The message I most often speak about is that Sylvania is a great place to live. The strong spirit of community volunteerism in Sylvania is a major reason why Sylvania is such a wonderful community. Nothing enriches a community more than people willing to give of their time and talents for the good of others in their community.

April 27^th through May 3, 2008 was "National Volunteers Week" and I was privileged to recognize some of the hundreds of volunteers at Flower Hospital during a luncheon on April 30^th. I read a Mayor's Proclamation recognizing their volunteer service and proclaiming National Volunteers Week in the City of Sylvania.

The scope of volunteerism in Sylvania is simply amazing and goes well beyond Flower Hospital. Community volunteers are everywhere - in the schools, on government committees, on charitable boards, on church committees, in community recreation, in youth organizations, in community institutions and service organizations, and many more.

One of the responsibilities of the Mayor is to find interested and capable people to fill the many volunteer boards of the City of Sylvania, and Sylvania is blessed with many talented and willing residents. Whether for the Historical Village, Civil Service Commission, Planning Commission, Zoning Appeals Board, Tam-O'Shanter, Sylvania Area Joint Recreation District, Sylvania Recreation Corporation, Centennial Terrace Commission, Sister City Commission, Sylvania Conservation Corps, or Sylvania Community Arts Commission, volunteers always step forward to do a terrific job.

And those City volunteers are just a small fraction of the volunteerism in our community. There is Sylvania Area Family Services, Sylvania Community Services, the Sylvania Community Improvement Corporation, Lourdes College, Flower Hospital, the Olander Park System, the Senior Center, the Sylvania Community Action Team and the Ability Center. There is Sylvania Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and Sylvania Lions Club championing community projects. And the Friends of the Lathrop House Committee is working with the Metroparks to restore that historic home.

The many churches and religious organizations in Sylvania also have numerous volunteer groups serving our community. Our high schools have student volunteer organizations. And think of all the school board committees, parent clubs, neighborhood organizations, sports coaches, scout leaders, tutors and so many more. The list could go on and on.

The bottom line is Sylvania is blessed with thousands of volunteers, serving enthusiastically and effectively to make our community a better place. Many go unnamed and most unrecognized, but we know you are there and we thank you for all you do. Without you, Sylvania wouldn't be the great place to live that you make it for the rest of us. Thank you and Happy National Volunteers Week!