Dayton Daily News

Take time to thank our veterans, volunteers

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Dear Neighbors,

Tomorrow is a special day: a time to thank the men and women who have given so selflessly in defense of our great nation. We are grateful for our veterans.

Perhaps you have time today or tomorrow to make a trip to our Delco Park on Dorothy Lane to visit the Kettering Veterans Memorial & Charles F. Kettering History Walk. This monument celebrates veterans of all military branches and honors the men and women who dedicate their lives to preserving our freedom.

It also highlights the important contributi­ons of Charles F. Kettering to the war efforts during WWI and WWII and the many innovative and philanthro­pic contributi­ons of our city’s namesake.

The city of Kettering Annual Volunteer Recognitio­n Luncheon takes place each November.

I have overwhelmi­ng pride representi­ng such a wonderful city with so many truly caring and giving volunteers who are active as individual­s or as part of one of the many service clubs, church and school groups in Kettering. I am constantly amazed at the number of people who give their time and talent to help our community.

We could not provide the level of services we do without our volunteers. Each year more than 1,000 city volunteers of all ages give of their time, talent and heart to make Kettering the best it can be.

Volunteers help increase productivi­ty and extend services in many ways. Volunteers help provide resident services in our administra­tive offices, assist with family events that create memories for generation­s, drive senior adults to critical medical and life essential appointmen­ts, and so much more.

Volunteers work in every department and every location within the city. They are truly an essential part of the city’s day-to-day activities.

I am proud of the tradition of service in our Kettering community, and I am thankful for each and every one of our volunteers. As a city we are honored to commend our volunteers for their service and dedication.

With the holidays just around the corner, I’m sure that you are starting to make your list and check it twice.

I’d like to ask you to consider making a special effort to support our Kettering businesses and service providers this season. Start by making a list of small businesses you can support on Nov. 24 for Small Business Saturday. By doing so, you are contributi­ng to the well-being of our community and the livelihood of your neighbors.

Finally, I invite you to join me Nov. 30, in Lincoln Park Civic Commons for my favorite event of the year: The Kettering Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting. The community tradition is a perfect way to celebrate the wonder of the season and the many joys we share here in the Kettering community.

 ??  ?? Don Patterson is mayor of Kettering.
Don Patterson is mayor of Kettering.

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