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National Service Strengthens Lake Park and Cities Across America

Dorothy Paulson could be expected to live a quiet life of retirement. Instead, she volunteers

each week as an Instructor for the Senior Exercise Program, helping Senior Citizens stay

physically fit. Dorothy is using her lifetime of experience as a former teacher to help keep her

fellow Seniors in good health.

Carroll Clark could be expected to live a quiet life of retirement. Instead, she still works full-

time and also volunteers as a Hospice Aide with the Hospice of the Red River Valley. Carroll is

there when people are at their most vulnerable moments to be with them as they journey on

from this life to their journey in the afterlife while helping keep them peaceful and comfortable

during the end of life transition.

Dorothy and Carroll are just two examples of how Lake Park citizens making a difference

through national service. Altogether community volunteers serving in Lake Park, tackle tough

challenges including Senior Citizen Health, Disaster Preparedness, Community Revitalization,

and bridging the education gap.

You don’t hear their stories on the nightly news, but every day they head out, quietly and

without fanfare, to improve lives and strengthen communities.

As Mayor of Lake Park, I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of these citizens, who are

helping make our great city stronger, safer, and healthier. I have seen their impact first-hand,

and know that national service is a cost-effective strategy to meet critical city needs.

That’s why I am pleased to join mayors across the country today in the Mayors Day of

Recognition for National Service. We are taking time to recognize the impact of national service

and thank those who serve.

Given the many social needs facing our communities – and the fiscal constraints facing

government at all levels - mayors are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism

to help meet local needs. We know that engaging citizens is a smart strategy to make progress

on city challenges.

A key partner in our efforts is the Corporation for National and Service, a federal agency that

oversees AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs that engage more than five million

citizens in service each year. This agency works hand-in-hand with cities, nonprofits, and other

local partners to support high-impact national service at more than 60,000 sites in 8,500 cities

across the country.

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Here in Lake Park, we are so gracious to have seven Senior Corps volunteers providing vital

support by serving as Hospice Aides and Exercise Instructors for our Senior Citizens. It is an

honor on behalf of the City to recognize and thank each one of them; Ms. Judy Anderson, Mrs.

Carroll Clark, Ms. Marion Jacobson, Ms. Bette Haring, Ms. Dorothy Paulson, Ms. Jeanette

Jutz, and Ms. Mary Ann Raaen. These National Service participants account for over 650 hours

of volunteer service within the City of Lake Park during 2013, and are still volunteering their

time serving our City, we are so blessed to have them.

And more than 15 community organizations and well over 80 volunteers of all ages and

backgrounds serve in Lake Park providing vital support to city residents and improving the

quality of life within our community. On behalf of the city it is an honor to give thanks to the

services provided by these community organizations, the Lake Park Fire Department, the Lake

Park A.L.E.R.T. Team, the Lake Park Lions Club, the LPA FCCLA, the Lake Park Lutheran

Caring Hands and Caring Hearts group, Meals on Wheels, the PumpkinFest and Aesthetics

groups, the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary, the Relief Association, the local Women

of the ELCA, the Lake Park Garden Club, the Lake Park Area Historical Society, and others.

National service shows the best of the American spirit – people turning toward problems

instead of away, working together to find community solutions. Strengthening that spirit is one

of my goals as mayor. Today, as we thank national and community service members for their

commitment, let us all pledge to do our part to strengthen Lake Park and our nation through

service and volunteering.

Aaron Lee Wittnebel is Mayor of Lake Park, Minnesota. To find a volunteer opportunity, visit

www.lakeparkmn.com or www.serve.gov. To learn more about AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other

national service programs, visit NationalService.gov

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