Maryland Community Newspapers Online
I was sorry to see that The Gazette's 2009 Community Guide, published in the June 25 edition, failed to mention or include the outstanding volunteer service organizations in Mount Airy.
These organizations include the Mount Airy and 4 County Lions Clubs, the Mount Airy Kiwanis Club and the Mount Airy Rotary Club.
These organizations have contributed, through their community service efforts, to the high quality of life that this community enjoys.
They support our youth, our elderly or any resident in need. They support youth sports teams, donate money to school programs, financially support scouting programs, and provide scholarships to graduating seniors in our high schools.
They help fund educational programs in our schools, tutor young students in reading skills and provide new books for school libraries.
They will provide free eye examinations and glasses to those in financial need, they donate freely to Mount Airy Net, they will loan out hospital equipment free of charge to assist in home recovery.
They have helped finance student ambassador trips to other countries, bought scouting uniforms for scouts who families are experiencing financial crisis, and provided food baskets and Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts to numerous area families.
They support other community organizations, our Mount Airy resident troopers, the Mount Airy Senior Center and the volunteer fire company.
These are only a few of things these fine service organizations do for Mount Airy, and to be left out of this year's Community Guide is shameful.
Imagine if your tax dollars had to pay for the above services. I am afraid to think what we wouldn't have or where we would be without them.
Yet these organizations raise all of their own money and by their charters are mandated to "provide service" to their communities and return every cent they raise on their own back into service projects.
While I only represent Lions Clubs International, I know that all of these service organizations are disappointed that you overlooked them. Collectively, we hold our heads high and are proud of our service and contributions to Mount Airy, our country and the world.
Robert C. Disinger, Mount Airy
The writer is a member of Lions International, District 22-W and District Governor 2009-2010.