When the city offered me a blog - a new way of reaching out to the citizens that I have taken an oath to serve- I thought that it was a super idea. Until I sat down and tried to write something and realized that I either (A) Had too much to say about things that no one would find interesting, or (B) Not enough to say about the things that you all might care to hear. Then something happened that inspired me.

I don’t know if you have heard yet, but Darlyn Adams has given the Council her resignation. She, as of January, will no longer be the face of the Newberg Animal Shelter Friends. I found myself with tears in my eyes as I listened to how her dream for the animal shelter grew and the plans she has made for her future.

Darlyn’s vision for the animal shelter has been a driving force for over ten years now, and soon that vision will become her gift to all of us. Her passion and the passion of those she inspired will be part of the framework of what makes Newberg a companionate and caring place to live.  As a volunteer, she has given of herself as part of the Old-fashioned Festival Committee, her beloved animal shelter, and the Budget Committee (which she will still be a part of).

 Darlyn’s future is filled with trips to just about everywhere, and I could not be happier for her; she deserves this and so much more. To me, hers is the perfect example of what a good life is, knowing that you have lived your life in such a way that the value of what you have given is more than what you have taken for yourself.  She has given us plenty and I hope she enjoys her rewards, knowing that we are carefully watching over the final execution of her legacy to Newberg.

This is an example of what one person can do, if they believe that they can make a difference. 

A child is dying in my district and my Edwards Elementary family asked what they could do. Teachers, administrators, staff, and the volunteer parent group have been supplying meals, hugs, prayers, gifts, and I am sure a few tears for this family whose life has been struck by cancer and every hateful thing  that goes along with it. Time, kindness, and compassion are not always easy to give in a situation like this one. Sometimes, it really is easier to turn away and try to ignore the fact that death can touch the young in such a painful way, or even be so thankful that it isn’t our child that we forget that it could be. Not this group, they came together and shared of themselves.

This is an example of what a group can do, if they have loving kindness and compassion for someone in need.

All through this city you will find examples as powerful as these; people who are willing to give of themselves without pay, without reward, and without recognition. Volunteers that help make Newberg such an inspiring place to live—so if you see one of them today, tell them I said, “Thank you”.

Denise