Mentor is a an active and engaging place and in the past year, especially, residents have stepped up to help and support members of our community in a variety of ways, including ordering take-out from local restaurants, and volunteering time and energy to services, such as the Senior Center’s curbside meal pickup.
In fact, community involvement helps everyone, young and old, and ultimately improves the present—as well as the future—quality of life in our city. If you feel inspired to do something different and help your community in the process, the options are far and wide.
Call to Action! Get Involved
Taking a more active role in your community can have great benefits for you, your family, as well as your neighbors. We all have individual interests, talents, and abilities that can bring people together and improve the lives of others. For instance, are you interested in the issues pertaining to government and our city? Getting involved in public service is a good start. There has been no better time to utilize this pursuit than during these challenging times.
City Council, boards and commissions are the bodies that govern the municipality, dealing with important matters close to us all. This includes building regulations/development, public health, libraries, roads/footpaths, parks and playing fields, and other issues of community concerns.
There are several opportunities to get involved in your local government. A great first step is to apply for a board or commission appointment. Currently, more than 50 residents volunteer their time and expertise to City officials through their participation on City boards and commissions. Citizens are appointed by City Council and represent a valuable resource to the community by making recommendations on various municipal issues. Members serve multi-year terms and openings are announced around November of each year.
Use Your Talents and Volunteer
Are you retired and find that you have too much time on your hands? Here are some suggestions that you might really enjoy.
The Meals on Wheels program is always in need of good help and friendly faces. You can be the driver who delivers meals to seniors’ homes or, if you love being in the kitchen, you can assist in the making of the meals, even if it’s just one or two days a week. This is a great opportunity to meet your Mentor neighbors and enjoy a little social interaction. Reach out to the Lake County Council on Aging at 440-205-8111 for more information.
If you love gardening and being outside, how about taking part in the annual Great American Clean Up? Many gather each year to do their part in keeping Mentor clean and beautiful. Or perhaps put together a team to do various cleanups all year long, such as spring cleanup at parks, helping older residents tidy up their yard, or offer cleanup services after a storm. For more information on organizing a cleanup drive, contact the Public Works Department at 440-974-5781 or email pubworks@cityofmentor.com.
Did you know that Mentor has a Cultural Arts Division? Have you given thought to sharing your talents and teaching a class? This organization supports and encourages the development of cultural arts in our community and is involved in groups such as the Basketry Guild, Garden Club and Quilters Guild. Housed at Mentor’s beautiful Wildwood Cultural Center, the association offers programs, workshops and special events throughout the year and is always looking for new instructors to teach their passions, be it a favorite hobby, art or craft. To learn more about the commission, or to suggest an idea for a new class, contact Wildwood at 440-974-5735 or e-mail wildwood@cityofmentor.com.
Finally, supporting neighborhood businesses has an enormous impact on our local economy. 68¢ of every dollar spent locally, stays local. The simple act of shopping local creates and retains valuable jobs, while supporting families and strengthening the community as a whole.
Clearly, there are many benefits in being an active part of your community, but best of all, it gives everyone a chance to meet new people and make new friends. Why not broaden your horizons today and help make Mentor even better!
Article written by Tracey Read and originally published in the 2021 edition of Mentor City Magazine.