POWERFUL EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY SERVICE LEADERSHIP This week the City Council took the opportunity to celebrate volunteerism in our community. At Tuesday’s Council meeting, we acknowledged Oregon Bay Area Beautification (OBAB), the brainchild of Elisabeth Chu. Since November 2021, OBAB has been energizing community members to volunteer their time towards improving the Coos Bay/North Bend area with their Second Saturday Cleanups. The last cleanup, on September 14, 2024 at John Topits Park had over 70 volunteers. This effort is a great example of a grass-roots effort that has a positive impact on the entire community, creating a way for us all to work towards a common goal of beautifying our area. To stay up to date on OBAB activities, volunteer for their next event, or to support them financially, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/oregonbayareabeautification. We also honored the over 21 years of service that Cheryl Crockett has provided to Coos Bay, at our Visitor Information Center, as the Visitor Services Manager. Her dedication to this area, helping to drive the effort of promoting Coos Bay and its many amenities to residents and prospective residents, along with the many visitors that choose to recreate or vacation in our area, while continually growing a strong volunteer base to work alongside her, is commendable! While she will be greatly missed, she will remain in the community, ensuring her love of this community and her vast knowledge of the area and our rich history, will be readily available. Many thanks to Elisabeth Chu with the Oregon Bay Area Beautification and Cheryl Crockett long time Visitor Services Manager. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay