From Where I Sit…
by Bob Garrett
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
Memories fade after three decades, but yesterday morning, while our nation as well as most of the world waited in anticipation of the outcome of 2024 Presidential Election, the Social Media gurus with Leadership Susquehanna Valley broke through the chatter exclaiming: ‘Happy 31st LSV!’
The three official ‘incorporators’ headlined the official looking document titled ‘Article of Incorporation-Domestic Nonprofit Corporation.’ At the top was Gary Baylor, then the President of the Country Cupboard; me; and the late-Doris Elderman, who was the charming and gracious Director of the Milton Chamber of Commerce (now the Central PA Chamber). Admittedly, I chuckled when I noted the copy of a check that I wrote, from what looks to be personal account, for $100. Guessing that was the going rate for non-profit incorporations 31-years ago.
It doesn’t go without mention that the three of us were joined by seven individual who were our fellow LSV incorporators (in the order that they are listed): Robin Meredith-Golder, Leonard Issacs, Rod Keller, Andrew Malofsky, Don Dobson, Guy Temple, and Dona Solomon.
Here we are three decades plus one year later. LSV surpassed its 600th graduate last year. Also last year, a 30th Anniversary Gala was held creating memories worthy of the toil of 30 years. LSV Graduates are serving in all levels of local and state government, as well as on local boards and commissions. (And I’ve returned 31 years later to serve as the current LSV Executive Director.)
After 31-years what we know for sure is that our best days lie just ahead.
