Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert waves as he marches with his wife, Megan, and son, Lucas, in the Mardi Gras Parade on Nov. 20.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on and acknowledge the dedication, passion, and commitment it takes to keeping our community moving forward. Over the last year, there have been so many residents and community members who have stepped forward to help our community grow — be it in small ways like picking up trash in a park or big ways like volunteering to join our fire company or putting on a First Friday every month. Lansdale is so thankful for every person who has stepped up to the plate and committed themselves to serving our community and one another.
I often have people ask me how they can help our community with the belief that every commitment requires hours of dedication and free time to devote to it. The reality is that every little bit helps, and we need people volunteering their time and energy, even in small volumes, to put on events, food drives, clean-up efforts, and the dozens of other activities in the borough. So, to all those who have offered even a moment of your time and commitment, thank you so much for what you do. You are leaving a lasting mark on our community by keeping it in motion and I am honored to have spent so much time getting to know so many of you, your passions, your hopes for our community, and even your beer preferences.
If you are one of those people looking for ways to get involved or are unsure of how to volunteer, below is a list of links that might be able to help you identify the ways you can help.
Obviously, time commitments can be challenge especially for those with young kids and busy lives. As a husband and a father to a 3-year-old (with one on the way), I know just how important family time can be and how difficult it can be to find time for one more thing. If you can find it, that is wonderful and all of Lansdale is deeply appreciative. If you cannot, that is ok too. As one of my music teachers once said to me “every show needs an audience,” and by attending the events or donating to local causes around town you are ensuring that they continue to happen every year. So, thank you for being a part of our audience, because without you there is no reason for the show, and we want to celebrate with you long into the future.
On a final note, please make sure you stay safe this Thanksgiving, be it from COVID-19 or making smart choices around drinking and driving. I look forward to seeing you all at our annual tree lighting on December 3rd and wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!!
Here’s the list of local organizations that could always use volunteers:
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert.)
See also:
Mayoral Musings: Mardi Gras Parade This Saturday
Mayoral Musings: Forward Together
Mayoral Musings: Local Elections Matter, Remember to Vote Tomorrow
Mayoral Musings: Real-Time Data Systems and Emergency Management
Mayoral Musings: Streamlining the Community Event Application Process
