Community Involvment

One of my favorite quotes is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded."

Community service is one of my greatest joys and challenges in life for it enables me to see this quote in action.  As I use my gifts, talents and skills as a board member for the Portland Rose Festival, I discover the joys of making new friends and of laughing often and much over and over again. I've had the privilege to serve on the Grand Floral Parade, Auction, Rose Festival Court, and Fleet Committees.  I've met incredible people, had dinner with governors and experienced many privileges.

As I serve, I discover how intelligent our community is and sometimes how challenging they can be with rules made to protect them. Yet, there is almost nothing better than seeing a child smile as a clown walks by in a parade or sees a float causing them to giggle.  Sometimes when I'm in my uniform they run up and hug me because they think I"m someone special when it is they who are special.  Service can be tiring at times but I love every minute of it. Currently, I am a Director for the Portland Rose Festival as a Board Member serving on the Fleet, Starlight Parade and other committees as needed, a member of the Portland Rose Society, American Rose Society and a member of the Royal Rosarians, the official greeters and ambassadors of goodwill for the City of Portland.

To serve your community is to leave this world a better place, is to give of yourself to others, and it is to have succeeded no matter how much money you have or do not have.  Giving of yourself to others makes a person truly rich.