I began the Spirit of Community Award 12 years ago when I was first inaugurated. I presented the award to my parents, John and Farrel Kleem, for their tireless work volunteering in the community.
Since then, the award has grown into a community event, recognizing individuals and organizations throughout Berea that give of themselves to help others.
Each year, we do this during Martin Luther King Jr. Week because this week is a week of service. We want to recognize those who contribute funds and talent to our community in some way. This is our way of saying thank you for all you do.
I’ve often said that Berea isn’t just a city; it’s a community. There’s a big difference. The core words in community are “common” and “unity.” Berea welcomes all types of people. We live together, work together, care together. We do a lot of things in common. We focus on those in the shadows of society – some are low income, some are seniors, some are families who are struggling.
Our volunteers range in age from the fourth-graders in K Kids at Grindstone Elementary School who tackle various community projects every month to octogenarians who spend time with veterans in nursing homes or deliver meals to the homebound.
I’m reminded of the story Mitch Rivas, one of our Spirit of Community Award recipients, told when he returned to work after the death of his 2-year-old daughter, who had been struggling with a congenital heart condition. Mitch is a mail carrier in Berea. He said homeowners along his route had tied pink ribbons to trees and light poles as sign of sympathy and support. That’s Berea. We support each other in good times and in challenging times.
That’s one reason I am so proud to recognize those who go above and beyond, not seeking any accolades or awards, to make Berea a community we can all be proud to call home.