BOONE, Iowa—The Boone City Council took time at the beginning for their meeting Monday to recognize two organizations that provide a number of opportunities for many Boone County residents.

Michele Hull, Director for RSVP and Courtney Clement, Coordinator of the RSVP Volunteer Program serving Boone and Greene Counties and Kathy Jipson, Coordinator of the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) serving Boone, Dallas, Story and Marshall Counties were on hand with a number of volunteers for a proclamation signing ceremony.

RSVP (formally known as Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) and FGP-Foster Grandparent Program are part of Senior Corps of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that helps millions of Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service.  Following is a copy of proclamation presented during the council meeting.

Boone Iowa

National Service Day of Recognition

and Senior Corps Week

for National Service and Volunteerism

WHEREAS, service to others is a hallmark of the American character, and central to how we meet our challenges; and

WHEREAS, the nation’s Cities and Counties are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to meet their needs; and

WHEREAS, Senior Corps, under the Corporation for National and Community Service, (RSVP Volunteer Program and Foster Grandparent Program-FGP) participants address the most pressing challenges facing our communities, from educating students to independent living for our older citizens to assisting local non-profits and health proprietors in meeting their needs though volunteerism and

WHEREAS, national service expands economic opportunity by creating more sustainable, resilient communities and providing education and leadership abilities for those who serve; and

WHEREAS, RSVP and FGP asnational service participants and community volunteers increase the impact of the organizations they serve through direct and indirect service and dramatically impact the individuals they serve by recruiting additional volunteers; and,

WHEREAS, RSVP and FGP and volunteerism represents a unique public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages non-federal resources match to Senior Corps federal dollars brought to our communities to strengthen impact and increase the return on taxpayer dollars; and,

WHEREAS, RSVP and FGP national service participants demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service, a commitment that remains with them; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation for National and Community Service shares a priority with local leaders nationwide to engage citizens, improve lives, and strengthen communities for National Service Recognition week April 15-21, 2018 and National Senior Corps week April 29-May 5, 2018.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Mayor John Slight and the City of Boone Council Members do hereby proclaim April 15-21, 2018 as National Service Recognition week and April 29-May 5, 2018 as National Senior Corps week, and encourage residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our community, to thank those who serve; and to find ways to give back to their community.

Seated left to right is Council Steve Ray, Mayor Slight, Council BJ McGinn and Dave Byrd.
Standing left to right staggered is Council Holly Stecker , RSVP Karen Johnson, Betty Cox, RSVP Coordinator Courtney Clement, RSVP Mary Coleman, Joan Kerwood, FGP Vicky Elsberry, Peg Bielfelt, FGP & RSVP Linda Crandell, FGP Bronda Johnson, Jan Larson, Kim Desher, RSVP Jane Brunette, FGP Coordinator Kathy Jipson, Council Kevin Hicks, Elijah Stines, and RSVP Walt Stroeh