Saying Thanks
On Thursday evening, the City of Copperas Cove said “thank you” to the hundreds of volunteers who serve the community, from coaching youth sports programs to giving their time at the Hills of Cove Golf Course, the Senior Center and the Public Library. Recognitions also included those who serve or city boards and committees.
Approximately 95 of the hundreds who were sent invitations responded, and those who attended were given a certificate and a special volunteer coin from the city.
They were thanked not only by Copperas Cove mayor Frank Seffrood and city manager Andrea Gardner, but by members of the city council who were present to include James Pierce Jr., Marty Smith, David Morris and Kirby Lack.
Gardner first thanked the members of city council and the mayor for their roles as elected officials, which she stated truly were volunteer positions.
“They are responsible for setting the policy of the city and oftentimes have to make very difficult decisions that not everyone always agrees with,” Gardner said. “As you can imagine, getting paid $25 a meeting constitutes volunteer, wouldn’t you agree? That’s a lot of time they have to put in to get ready for those meetings as well as the amount of time it takes to participate in the meetings.”
She then addressed those present being recognized and gave several inspirational quotes related to volunteering and service.
“'If you want to know what's important to someone, just look at where they're spending their time,'” Gardner quoted. She then followed up with quotes from H. Jackson Brown Jr.: “'Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.' 'The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best antidote for weariness is the knowledge of helping someone who is even more tired.'
'One of the great ironies of life is this: he or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.'
I think this speaks volumes to everyone who is in this room, for the amount of time that you dedicate to this community. I want you to know that the City of Copperas Cove, our elected officials, our mayor, and our city staff appreciate you volunteering for this community,” Gardner said.
She added later that she couldn't tell the volunteers how much their dedication of time means to the City of Copperas Cove, not only in terms of commitment to the community, but also the financial impact that it has on the city.
“If we had to hire employees to do what you do for the city at no charge, it would be very difficult.”
Mabel Keeton, one of the volunteers recognized Thursday evening, is the cook for Meals and Wheels and has been volunteering her time for more than eight years, first as a driver delivering meals every weekday and then preparing the meals at the senior center for the past three years.
“A friend and I were attending a senior center event years ago, and when we heard about the Meals on Wheels program, we both said, 'Let's do it' and I've been doing it ever since,” Keeton said.
Before receiving their certificates and coins, volunteers were treated to a buffet provided by local restaurants Chick-fil-A, Jersey Mike's, Wingstop and Yaghi's Pizzeria, with coffee from Starbucks.