There’s a lot of talk these days about change and the need for people to get involved. In our busy lives it is hard to imagine how we can add one more thing to our list. The beginning of a New Year is a fantastic time to reassess priorities. If we take a deep breath and objectively look at what is important and what will really matter in five or ten years, we should find the clarity to add meaningful things and bid farewell to those that really don’t mean much.

Remember that restaurant commercial where the little fairy whacks you over the head with the iron fry pan? It is a tough love light bulb moment. I hope to inspire you to have one of those moments about participating in the life of our Village of Geneva. There is a devoted but small group of folks who have continued to take leadership roles in some of the larger organizations like The Geneva Citizens Association and The Geneva Historical Society. These groups and many others need additional folks to step up and help lead our village into the future. Tracy Whiting always reminds me that some of the most active folks in Geneva groups were not born or raised in Geneva. If you are new to Geneva or even if you’re not, you may wonder what you can bring to the community. Maybe you have no idea about Geneva’s traditions or history. The truth is Geneva needs you! Fresh ideas and energy help a community grow and thrive. We have ongoing events throughout the year and the biggest one by far is the Annual Geneva Fourth of July Parade and Festival. A unique, one of a kind, all American event that is unduplicated in Central Florida. A big effort is also underway to expand Geneva’s recent designation as a Rural Heritage Area.

A great way to learn more about Geneva is to attend some of the events happening in February. You can be as active or quiet as you like, but I bet you’ll be surprised at the friendliness of your fellow residents. Plan on coming to Souper Bowl Sunday at the Methodist Church Feb 3rd-the young folks have made all kinds of soups and for a donation you can sample them, get ready for the big game, and you’ll have a great time. Then stop over and browse through our wonderful Geneva Museum from 2-4 pm. And make yourself a note to sign up next year for the Historical Bus Tour.

Plan on attending the Geneva Citizens Association Meeting at the Community Center at 7 pm on Monday Feb 4th. No pressure, just come on in and listen to what’s going on in your village. At any given meeting there may be 30-40 folks that attend. We’d love to see that number much higher. You’ll meet some great folks and learn more about the Rural Heritage initiative and the Fourth of July event.

A new event we’re excited about is celebrating and learning more about the rich African American History of Geneva. On Tuesday, Feb 5 the Oviedo Preservation Project (TOPPS) and the Geneva Historical Society sponsor an evening during Black History Month to explore Geneva’s Black Heritage, come at 7 p.m. at the Community Center.

In mid February and every month we enjoy the Geneva Jam held the third Saturday night of the month. The music is country, blue grass and gospel and anyone is welcome to bring a bluegrass type instrument and join in. No charge for the music but a modestly priced dinner is always available before the music begins at 630 pm. If you like to work with children Geneva Elementary is always in need of volunteers to help kids read through the Dividend Program.

How we behave in our community in terms of leadership, volunteerism, charity, and outreach is a reflection of our values and priorities. In general America could use a lot less couch time, a lot less celebrity obsession, and a lot more focus on making our world a better place. Geneva has a proud history of placing value on religion, country, education, neighborliness, conservation, nature, freedom and more. This will be a historical year when our country faces huge issues at home and abroad, as we elect a new President and as we try to save our planet. As developmental and political pressures grow and build on all sides of Geneva, we should practice the example of those who have gone before us and who have left us such a proud legacy in the form of our village. Let our spirit of change, commitment, independence and involvement begin right here in our own backyard.

We need you to tell us what you know that is good about Geneva! Please share your information, ideas and comments by calling 407-221-7002, via e-mail at karenmphillips@bellsouth.net, (please put “Stetson’s Corner” in the subject line), or with a fax to 407-349-2800. Thanks!