One day, I answered a knock on my door from a neighbor asking if I’d be interested in serving on a city board, which she chaired. I hadn’t thought about it before, but I applied. Little did I know that volunteering back then would eventually lead to becoming mayor two years ago. I served as a volunteer for nearly seven years before being appointed to a city council position, then being elected twice. It’s a path I never imagined when I moved into Edgewater. I’m glad someone asked me to volunteer and that I heeded the call!
I’m asking you to think about volunteering! There are many opportunities to help out in our community. Whatever you do to volunteer, it can have a positive impact! Volunteering in our community is a special way to connect with your neighbors and others.
Earlier this year, we were able to recognize many Edgewater neighbors at a volunteer appreciation banquet. I named Jeanette Papp as the inaugural Pauline York Volunteer of the Year honoree. Jeannette serves on our Sustainability Committee and was instrumental in early recycling efforts in Edgewater. The award is named after Pauline York, who was another active volunteer who passed away this year. Whether you volunteer once for a few hours, or take on an on-going role, you can make a difference.
Throughout the year, you can volunteer to help at events like the recent Hometown Fest, park or ally cleanup events, youth sports or holiday activities including wrapping gifts for children. The general form to volunteer is at www.EdgewaterCO.gov/volunteer. Check back often for ever changing opportunities.
There are many ways to volunteer.
Victim Outreach Incorporated: (VOI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support victims of crime and other trauma, empowering them to access resources that protect their rights and promote safety, healing and hope. They work with Jefferson County Police Departments. You can get more information at https://victimoutreach.org/
Snow Angels: With the changing of seasons, thoughts turn to snow! The City of Edgewater’s Snow Angels Program pairs older residents and residents with disabilities with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist them with snow removal on their sidewalks and walkways.
Along with fostering stronger community relationships and relieving some of the stress that comes from a snowfall or freeze, Snow Angels make our sidewalks safer for those who are outside during the winter weather, like postal carriers, firefighters, police officers, and other neighbors. Get more information at www.EdgewaterCO.gov/snow.
We are often looking for volunteers for our boards, commissions and task forces. Recently, I appointed seven of our neighbors to the Chater Review Task Force, and other opportunities will come up in the future. The Sustainability Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, History, Arts, Recreation and Parks Board (HARP) and Board of Adjustment are longer term commitments (typically two- or three-year terms). When there are openings, they are promoted on social media, edgewaterco.gov and our “Town Cryer” e-newsletter.
You may have read in the most recent Neighborhood Gazette that the results of our 2025 Community Survey were generally positive. I know from the many times I represent Edgewater in the community we are perceived as a great place to live, work and play. Thank you for being a part of the community and for considering volunteering.
