Susie congratulations on being volunteer of the year you have been such a fantastic commissioner for our community I'm very thankful for all the time you've given to ctage Grove Vincent Van go said great things are done by a series of small things brought together I can think of no better way to describe your work for Cottage Grove I'm a member of the parks recreation and Natural Resources Commission my family also participates in the adop a trail program I've learned a lot about how city government works how you can go from an idea to a real project that community members get to interact with Susie we love your contagious energy and consider you a key part of our parks and rock team you believe in what we do you believe our work creates opportunity for healthier and happier citizens you were with us on the shore when we launched our first paddlers on the river a hand handful of years ago you set at Expo booths and share our Visions or advocate for recreational improvements you run on our Trails you cheer your boys on at our Recreation programs you just don't believe in Parks and Recreation you live it and breathe it I've also learned a lot about cage Grove I wasn't lucky enough to be born here but it has been my home for several years and I've got to visit a lot of different Parks I've learned about the history of the land native plants opportunities for future growth so there's there's been a lot to learn Susie you came to us as a mother of a young family trying to find a way to give back to your community you stepped in and immediately helped roll the Parks and Recreation boat I remember our first workshop together when we were attempting to create the commission's work plan your face lit up with anticipation and excitement to roll your sleeves up and get to work but you weren't trying to change the world in one meeting you were looking for ways to make a life a little bit better in Cottage Grove for all whether it was modest Improvement like better playgrounds or more Equitable access to Trails drinking water and restrooms or it was Visionary work like Park Master plans Missippi river access the community center study or habitat preservation work it didn't matter how small or large the task you were up to the challenge and saw the value in all of it that type of leadership has generational impacts that are immeasurable it's really helped me feel more connected to my community I've learned better communication skills I've learned about participating in public meetings I've met a lot of different people and all of that I think helped make me a better person you are a doer we watch you single-handedly bring Arts to our parks with the Art Trail in my dreams the Art Trail is a permanent installation but for now it's opportunities for people to interact with the park in a different way I was kind of inspired by things that my kids like to do with arts and crafts and City staff helped me build different stations where people could create whatever was on their heart and we've been able to install that in a few different parks around the city for the past several Summers you advocated for Adult and Family Fitness in many different ways you even adopted a park with your family and make it an annual commitment to assure the Kingston Park trails are well cared for the more people are involved the more our city reflects Who We Are I think most volunteers know that few things get done by individuals everything we do is more successful when you're part of a team we thank you for being pro Cottage Grove we applaud your work and we congratulate you on a well-deserved volunteer of the Year award