About Me - Part II

I’ve been a volunteer in my community since I was a child. Being willing to do the work of a City Commissioner and serve my community is an extension of my life long volunteerism.

I graduated from Kalamazoo College with a BA in Theater Arts & Communications. My focus was lighting for live performance and film making. Upon moving to High Springs, I quickly became involved in the Community Theater. I’ve never acted on stage but enjoy helping to build sets and design lighting. During this campaign I’m not active at the theater but I believe institutions like our Community Theater play a vital role in creating a sense of community. Aside from helping with the actual plays (including a number of youth productions such as Charlotte’s Web pictured here) I assisted with the maintenance of the building – including overseeing a major remodel that resulted in new bathrooms for the patrons.

In addition to my work with the Community Theater I was appointed to the City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board twice and recently served as a member of the City’s Historic Commission Task Force. Serving in these capacities allowed me to learn more about our city and how our government is working. I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with City Staff and gain unique perspectives as projects are developed, learn about the history of High Springs and work with fellow citizens who were also volunteering time to make a difference with the City.

Just over four years ago a group of citizens established a Certified Main Street Program (www.mainstreet.org and www.HighSpringsMainStreet.org). I attended an introduction meeting and became involved in the Design Team. We have been involved in the placement of new benches, trashcans and light poles in the downtown area. We designed and worked to install all the new Gateway Signs to High Springs (the four that have yet to be landscaped will be done by the end of October). We created a set of colorful banners that appear around downtown. We have worked to help create a Pocket Park along Rail Road Avenue and assist in the design of lighting and benches for James Paul Park (the sink-hole behind City Hall). Both the Pocket Park and James Paul Park are ongoing projects that will see work completed in 2010. This is a lot for volunteers and I’ve learned patience. Community projects don’t happen quickly but a little volunteer work by a lot of people goes a long way.

The Main Street program is a part of the Community Development Corporation (CDC) here in High Springs. The CDC was originally created to operate the Youth Center that was run out of the old school for many years. I volunteer as the Treasurer of the CDC and am responsible for financial reports and paying the organizations bills (mostly related to the Main Street Program).

Part of how I make my living is to “organize things”. This past Spring I had the opportunity to work with the BMX track here in High Springs (www.HSBMX.com). In April of this year the four-year-old track hosted their first National BMX Race and this November 13, 14 and 15 the track will host up to 3000 people for a Dual State Race. Facilities like the BMX track are a community resource as they draw people to the area. Sustained Economic Development is built not only on large employers but also by the many small businesses that serve the tens of thousands of visitors to our area every year.

Aside from my volunteer work I like to dive, camp and attend live music festivals. I like to make a difference in my community and stay busy. With all I’ve been involved in being willing to serve, as a City Commissioner, is a responsibility I’m willing to accept. I will appreciate your vote on November 3rd.