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Saturday, April 20, 2024
Make an impact in our community. Consider joining a City of Southlake board or commission.
On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, the Mayor and City Council will select individuals to serve on multiple boards, including the Building Board of Appeals, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, Southlake Parks and Development Corporation, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
“The involvement of our boards and commission members are so important to the quality of life within our community,” said City of Southlake City Secretary Amy Shelley. “Their insights and perspectives help support the Council and City,” Shelley added.
If you wish to be of assistance to the City of Southlake, you can submit an online application before the deadline of Friday, May 5, 2023.
Board and commission members are typically appointed for a duration of two years unless they are selected to complete a term left vacant by another member.
If your term is coming to an end and you wish to continue serving, you will be required to reapply for your board or commission position.
If you have any inquiries regarding being a board or commission member or how to be appointed, please check out our webpage for boards and commissions. You may also contact the City Secretary’s Office at 817-748-8183.
This week on Minute with the Mayor, Mayor John Huffman meets with members of the Fire Rehab Team about their essential volunteer work that has spanned close to two decades.
In an emergency, firefighters are often the first to show up. They wake up each day to serve their community while putting their lives on the line, but they need support too. Volunteers Paul Simon and Kristine Kemp show how the Southlake Fire Rehab Team dedicates itself to helping some of our bravest as they are on the scene and connecting the community in times of need.
The pair relayed that when Southlake Firefighters are dispatched to a call for an extended period, the Fire Rehab Team provides support services to recoup, recharge, and get back to what they do best – saving lives!
The team provides water, refreshments, cooling towels, and much more. “Fire Rehab’s been around for a long time now. For nearly 20 years, we’ve been providing services for the department and expanding as we go along. I believe we started with a pickup truck and a trailer, and then we moved along to get a Fire Rehab vehicle…,” said Simon.
The benefits of the team go far beyond just helping Southlake Fire, though. Kemp said, “I think for me, probably the biggest personal impact has been being on the ground when we’ve got families in our community who go through an unbelievable tragedy. Many families have fled with literally the clothes on their backs, and they have nothing. And so, because I’ve been a Fire Rehab Volunteer, I’ve connected the community with those needs….”
Mayor Huffman commented that the work of these volunteers pours into the community and makes Southlake one of a kind. Many volunteers get involved through work at the Southlake Citizens Academy, which occurs yearly. For more information about volunteering with the Department of Public Safety, visit their volunteer page here.
To watch the full episode of Minute with the Mayor, click below.
As you know, we are ramping up for another incredible Spring season, and we need your help to make this one the best yet!
If you love sports, want to give back to your community, or are looking for a creative way to earn volunteer hours, then becoming a volunteer coach is the way to go! We are looking for energetic teens and adults to coach our spring athletic leagues. Becoming a volunteer coach is the best way to support our teams for those that love working with kids or have a sporty teen at home who has natural leadership abilities!
Coaching requires 2-3 hours of your time each week. Through this minimal commitment, you can mentor your team to victory while passing on the incredible values of teamwork, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Volunteer coaching is a fun and rewarding way to serve our youth.
The Spring Flag Football Season begins on March 23 and runs through May 19.
The Spring Volleyball Season starts on April 1 and ends on May 20.
If you are interested in applying to coach, contact the Athletics Supervisor, Jonathan Weeks.
See you on the field/ court!
The holidays are the perfect time for giving back. If you are looking to give back to a dependable organization that spreads holiday cheer to those who need it the most, look no further than our community partner, GRACE.
Last week, GRACE hosted its Christmas Cottage Open House on Tuesday, December 6, to kick start the holiday season of serving children and families in the community. GRACE also took the opportunity to thank the hundreds of volunteers and supporters of this year’s Christmas Cottage. Attendees were encouraged to help by bringing new, unwrapped toys to donate to the cottage.
“The Christmas Cottage is a program that many families in our own backyard look forward to each year,” said GRACE’s Chief Executive Officer, Shonda Schaefer. “The community’s role in donating, volunteering, or supporting the Cottage is very important to the entire mission of GRACE.”
The GRACE Christmas Cottage serves families facing financial hardship due to limited income or a recent emergency. Each qualified family is given a hypothetical budget that allows parents to “purchase” donated toys, home goods, and appliances in a private, store-like setting. This approach lets families budget their resources and select unique presents while preserving the family’s dignity.
GRACE is accepting toys anytime at their Donation Station, GRACE admin building, and at the Christmas Cottage from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday- Friday. To learn more about the Christmas Cottage and how you can get involved, please reach out to GRACE’s Seasonal Programs Coordinator, Beth Chernik at bchernik@gracegrapevine.org.
We are grateful to partner with organizations that give back to our community!
School is out for summer! If you are still looking for meaningful ways to spend your hard-earned vacation, look no further than becoming a Marq Volunteer!
The Marq is the recreational heart of Southlake. It’s where residents of all ages can gather and enjoy some of their favorite activities. Volunteer with us this summer and become a part of our world-class team!
Marq Volunteers serve in a variety of roles throughout the building. From monitoring the Indoor Playground, preparing for Member Appreciation Events, to helping at the Senior Activity Center, volunteers play a crucial role in the success of The Marq!
Are you ready to volunteer with us this summer? Here’s how to get started!
New Volunteers:
Existing Volunteers:
Are you ready to make your Marq with us this summer?
The endeavor of public service isn’t limited to those employed in the public sector. It takes every single one of us working together for the benefit of those around us.
The Southlake value of volunteerism unites us with energy and passion to serve the community we live, work and play in. In recognition of Veterans Day, the City of Southlake proudly salutes those who served in the U.S. military and are still proudly serving their community.
Southlake resident Milan Georgia was recognized with the Congressional Veteran Commendation for the 24th District of Texas from U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne during the November 2 City Council meeting.
He served in the U.S. Army for over five years during the Vietnam War. The Army recognized his years of service with the Army Aviator Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and a Purple Heart.
“We moved here in 1995 and jumped right in to help make Southlake better for ourselves,” Georgia said. “There was no Town Square, nor was there a local grocery store.”
But Georgia’s service doesn’t stop with the military. Georgia served as a City of Southlake SPIN representative in the 1990s and was integral in the planning for turning the Town Hall development into the thriving environment it is today.
In 2016, he was recognized with a Presidential Service Award for his volunteer service with the City of Southlake.
As part of the Metroport Rotary Club, Georgia served in office positions, helping to raise over $300,000 in scholarships for local high school graduates and over $70,000 for local charities. His work as the 2005-2006 sponsorship chair for Southlake’s 50th Anniversary Celebration helped raise funds for City of Southlake Parks and Recreation projects.
Georgia is a graduate of the Southlake Citizens Leadership Academy and the Citizens On Patrol Southlake program, where he created and staffed the bicycle patrol. He also served on the City of Southlake Public Safety Department’s Citizens Association’s board.
For the past several months, Georgia has worked with the City of Southlake to establish more recognition for Southlake veterans.
“I’m trying to help the vets who are coming home from Afghanistan get the recognition they deserve instead of a cold shoulder,” he said. “I do it because I live here in Southlake and because it is what every citizen should do wherever they live, to make it better for the generations coming behind them. You might say it’s part of your civic duty.”
The City of Southlake is proud to recognize Georgia for his service to the country and to the Southlake community.
In honor of Veterans Day, the City of Southlake has placed yellow ribbons around Family Park in front of Town Hall and lit the fountain green to celebrate our community veterans. We ask that you consider changing the color of your porch lights to green this evening in recognition of our community veterans.
Interested in following in Georgia’s footsteps and serving the Southlake community? Learn more about serving on a City of Southlake board or commission or find more volunteer opportunities at www.VolunteerSouthlake.com.
Calling all recreation enthusiasts, go-getters, and civic-minded residents: The Marq Southlake is looking for volunteers this summer!
Summertime is here, and there are plenty of ways to get involved at The Marq Southlake. If you are looking to bolster your resume and learn life-long skills, register to become a Marq Volunteer.
The Marq utilizes volunteers in a variety of different roles in our mission to create life-long memories. Volunteers can serve at Champions Club and the Senior Activity Center by facilitating everyday operations and aiding with programs and events. Whether you are monitoring the Indoor Playground at Champions Club or helping at the Senior Activity Center, there is a position for you!
Volunteers are vital to our success at The Marq. Your time and dedication help us deliver world-class service to our members and allows us to remain the premier recreation destination in Southlake. While volunteers are an immense help to us, volunteering is also beneficial for you.
Volunteering is a resume booster and a fabulous way to learn new skills, but did you know that the benefits to your well-being go well beyond that? Volunteering builds a greater connection to your community and helps to make new friends and contacts. Volunteering can also combat stress and increase happiness and self-confidence. Knowing that you are helping others gives you a sense of purpose and achievement.
How to Volunteer:
New volunteers must submit a Volunteer Southlake Application and complete either a parental consent form (minors under 17) or a background check (adults 17 and older).
Once you have completed your Volunteer Southlake Application, you will receive an email from Community Services with a Virtual Orientation Video and a link to a Virtual Orientation Questionnaire. You must watch our Orientation video and fill out the questionnaire. When we receive your answers, you will be granted access to self-schedule your first volunteer shift through VicNet.
If you are already in Volunteer Southlake but never volunteered at Champions Club or the Senior Activity Center before, contact Milenka Lopez and state your interest in volunteering at The Marq. You will receive an email from Community Services with your Virtual Orientation Materials. Once you watch the video and fill out the questionnaire, you will be granted access to self-schedule through VicNet.
Former Senior Activity Center Volunteers must go through the Virtual Orientation to sign up for new Senior Center positions.
If you have already attended The Marq Volunteer Orientation for Champions Club, log in to VicNet to schedule your first shift!
Make Your Marq this summer: Register today!
In spite of 2020 being a challenging year, our volunteers responded with remarkable dedication under remarkable circumstances.
Between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, volunteers contributed 9,048 hours to the Southlake community. This equates to a value of $258,229!
This year’s volunteer service award winners will be recognized during a ceremony May 18.
Paul Kuriakose – Junior Award Recipient
This award honors the junior volunteer who served the greatest number of hours in the last 12 months.
Jeffrey Ng – Adult Award Recipient
This award honors the adult volunteer who served the greatest number of hours in the last 12 months.
President’s Volunteer Service Award Recipients – This award is presented to volunteers who achieve established annual service milestones within their age group.
Milestone Service Award Recipients – This award is presented to volunteers who have reached extraordinary lifetime volunteer service hours.
Interested in volunteering to help make Southlake happen? Visit www.volunteersouthlake.com.
Volunteers are an invaluable part of keeping the City of Southlake running smoothly.
Although opportunities to volunteer for the City have declined due to Covid-19, the Southlake Public Library had a few opportunities for volunteers to serve and remain safe.
Sohan Shrestha is a senior at Carroll Senior High School and has been volunteering at the Southlake Public Library since 2019. He has contributed roughly 60 hours in volunteer work at the Library this year alone.
“He’s a great volunteer,” Southlake Public Library Deputy Director Cynthia Pfledderer said. “We are so happy to have him and the rest of our volunteers as part of our team.”
Library volunteers are helping to disinfect and shelve library materials.
“Volunteering for the library has been a great experience,” Shrestha said. “I have been able to serve my community while also gaining experience for the future.”
For more information about volunteering in Southlake, visit www.VolunteerSouthlake.com.