Community Volunteers

Community Volunteers. Historic Fairbanks. , It took a tremendous amount of determination and fortitude to live in the Tanana Valley in the early days of Fairbanks Survival during the long winters that isolated the community from the outside world required fellowship. People had to depend on each other to survive, and they understood the importance of volunteering. Some called it "friendship," some "sharing," some "lending a helping hand" and some "community pride." Then, and now, the community pitched in whenever needed., Lavish flower and vegetable gardens transformed even the humblest cabin into a thing of beauty during the summer. In 1923 townspeople eager to beautify their city planted hundreds of birch trees throughout the community. Now matured, many of the trees still line the streets in historic neighborhoods. Fairbanks' ongoing community spirit is exemplified by this park, conceived, created and built by volunteers in 1997., In the fall, with the last boat of the season, some Fairbanksans left for a warmer climate. Others could not afford the expense of the trip and remained behind. Since 1903, the community has consistently supported activities to make the holiday season a rich and meaningful experience for all its people., [Photo captions, clockwise from center left, read] , . Above: In 1909 Santa Claus arrived by horse-drawn sleigh filled with gifts for the children gathered in front of Hall's Book store on Cushman Street (now Key Bank building)., . Right: Local residents gave generously to the Red Cross. During the First World War drop boxes such as the box in front of Albert J. Johnson's photo shop on First Avenue were common., . Right: In the 1940s the Rotary Club of Fairbanks sponsored the Boy Scout float during Winter Carnival days., [Bottom boxed text reads] , "What you do for yourself dies with you; what you do for the community lives on forever.", This is a tribute ay all of the men, women and child who have helped to make our community a terrific place to live, work and play., Volunteers look at the world and decide what needs to be done and what needs to be celebrated. Then they find ways to do it. They work to bring us good health, sports, arts, education, opportunities for children, an appreciation of history, safe communities and local festivals. Their work may be with their minds at a board meeting or with their hands at a park like this., The volunteer spirit in our community created this park. Though the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Fairbanks, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-the Mormons, the City of Fairbanks, the Chena Riverfront Commission, the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, West Valley High School, Hutchinson Career Center staff and students, Master Gardeners, the Downtown Association, businesses like Ben Lomond Company, Kelley Hegarty and Associates, GDM, Inc., Holm Town Nursery, Sunnifa Deehr Brady Design, and Design Alaska, and dedicated individuals like Mayor Jim C. Hayes, Beth Sampson and Guy Van Doren-this site was cleaned up, redesigned, replanted and expanded., We are proud of [the] difference that volunteers make in the Tanana Valley. , We are proud of our belief in the importance of service., Thank you, volunteers!.