Thank You Volunteers in our CITY of Aliso Viejo | Note from our Mayor of Aliso Viejo

Our city has seen much change since it incorporated a decade ago on July 1, 2011. We have grown, matured and welcomed new residents, homes, developments and amenities. Though we've seen much change, one thing has remained the same – our residents’ innate willingness to give back

Through our city's volunteer program, groups and individuals have worked at our Family Resource Center and with the Aliso Viejo Boys & Girls Club branch. Others chip in at our annual Community Cup golf tournament, Founder's Day Fair and Snow Fest. Some spend their time serving as members of the Aliso Viejo PALS program and Neighborhood Watch. And still others continue to devote tons of hours to an array of projects that benefit the community.

The list of dedicated volunteers in our city goes on and on ... No matter what their individual contribution, each volunteer shares a common desire to make a difference in our community. Each volunteer is a success story in my book. And that success has nothing to do with what we gain in life or accomplish for ourselves. It is based on what we do for others. Volunteerism is one of those activities that no one seems to have time for, but the successful simply make room for.

Some may ask why people feel the need to help others, including those they've never met. Most of us would agree that they don't do it for the money – there is none. They are not in it for the recognition, because it is modest at best. Whatever the reasoning, there is a personal payback – a sense of ownership and commitment. For some, it is a means of giving back what they have received; for others, it's simply a feel-good experience. For a few, however, it can be a life-altering encounter that actually helps each of them identify their singular purpose in life. Whatever the reason, having a positive impact on the life of another can be an awesome experience.

So I thank all of our selfless volunteers for “giving back” and for their investment in the wonderful city of Aliso Viejo. Our city is indeed a better place because of them.

For information about volunteer opportunities, call 949-425-2519.

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AS A MEMBER OF CITYHOOD OF AV 2000-2001, IT WAS FUN BEING INVOLVED WITH TEAMING UP WITH CARMEN VALLE (NOW CAVE) IN ASSISITING WITH ALISO VIEJO BECOMING A CITY OF CALIFORNIA. CARMEN CAVE IS AN AMAZING MAYOR AND GIVES BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY AS WELL. BEING THERE FOR OUR AV LITTLE LEAGUE AT CLOSING DAY 2011. WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE HER! LAUREN SELINSKY-

YOUR ALISO VIEJO AREA SPECIALIST | BUYING OR SELLING IN ALISO VIEJO OR IN AND AROUND ORANGE COUNTY, CALL LAUREN SELINSKY, 949-310-4960.