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Volunteers make a community great by Lois Rem the Arden Hills-based National Guard G reat communities dont just hap - Unit painted some of our park build pen, they are made. And a big part - ings. Many residents simply help out of what makes a great community is the with their neighborhood parks and the active participation of its citizens. Arden Hills is very fortunate to have a number need. The project need not be large or of residents who strongly believe in vol - time-consuming. - tion, go to www.moundsviewschools. munity but themselves as well. Some org/Community Education. The City depends on volunteers to work participate in order to give back, others on its committees and commissions do this because they are grateful for all Our local social service agency, North groups that work with staff and Council they have and wish to share; some just - east (formerly Northwest) Youth and like to be part of the big picture. What - Family Services, looks for volunteers to would like to practice writing skills ever your motivation or your location, help with projects that include helping and learn more about the City from the you can make a difference. seniors with light housekeeping and inside, consider the newsletter. If you lawn care so they can continue to live at home. The volunteer coordinator is planning, or parks and recreation, there They bring experience and enthusiasm Debbie Wells, 651-379-3451. are several committees to choose from: the Economic Development Commis by expanding their network of friends, - Ramsey County uses volunteers and/or sion, Planning Commission, and com learning and honing skills, and seeing - interns in the libraries, parks, Sheriffs mittees on Communications, Financial their knowledge and efforts put to use Department, Human Services, emergen Planning & Analysis, and Parks, Trails to help make our community a better - cy management, county commissions place. - and committees, and other areas. You tion form on the City website. can even be a dog park guardian. See Perhaps the www.co.ramsey.mn.us/cm/volunteer. volunteers most visible in Arden Hills Among the most visible are our coaches who work with children There are many other opportunities are our schools that each have several of many ages on a variety of sports, to consider, such as your church, Boy uses for volunteers during the school including soccer, baseball, and T-ball. If Scout and Girl Scout troops and the lo you enjoy children and being active, this - cal branch of the American Red Cross. opportunities. The Reading and Math may be the place for you. Buddies programs at Valentine Hills There are many places where your attracts many volunteers from Boston Other volunteers in the past year have presence and willingness to help can assisted the City by mulching play - In addition, School District 621 runs grounds (two done by North Heights you will meet new people, develop new the Ralph Reeder Foodshelf and Meals and one by an Eagle Scout who also skills, and have the satisfaction of ac on Wheels that serve our residents and cleaned the park and painted shelters). - complishing something worth others in the District. For more informa Some residents volunteer to pick up - - while for your community. garbage in parks and along trails, and Robert Ward joins City staff as Building and Code Enforcement In by Lois Rem in new and existing properties. Current obert Ward has been hired by the R R R R and pending building projects in Arden City of Arden Hills as the new Building and Code Enforcement InspecHills should keep him busy for several - tor. He comes to us from the City of months during the construction season, Crystal, where he was Code Compliance and code enforcement issues go on year-round. Examples of code enforce - ment include rental property, parking, as well as building inspection. He has animals, and vegetation issues. 12 years with the United Fire Depart For further information on building, - inspection, and code enforcement see wife and three teenage children. He seminars.the City website. enjoys a variety of outdoor sports and is (it goes without saying) a true Packer As part of the Community DevelopRob is a native of Wisconsin and still fan. Please welcome him to Arden Hills - ment Department, Rob will work with a resides just across the border with his when you have a chance to meet him. variety of construction and code issues 4