Last year I wrote a letter about how important volunteering is to our community. There are many benefits volunteering can have for your health and wellbeing. Not only does it enrich your life but the community around us. This became very apparent to me over the last five years that I have been a member of the Seymour Library After Hours Committee.
Six years ago, I attended my first After Hours Fundraising Event at the Seymour Library, where I met Deb Cody. After the event, I decided to join the After Hours Committee. I decided on this committee because of the love I have for our local libraries. It is where I took my kids to storytime, where they became teen helpers, and where I went to do homework when I was finishing my degree. I thought it was my time to give back to the library as much as it had given to my family and me. I reached out to Deb to let her know I was interested. Deb was welcoming with her soft voice and New England accent. Not only did she welcome me, so did the entire committee. Deb has selflessly dedicated her time to the Seymour Library in so many ways over the years I have known her. Deb helmed the Fundraising Committee, where she coordinated volunteers, scheduled meetings, sent out invites, created baskets for our auction, and worked with businesses and individuals for financial contributions for the event. No task was too big or too small for her. The funds Deb helped raise during her time as Chair went to essential resources for our library. Deb has held many hats at the Seymour Library, from working the circulation desk to running the Craft Club for kids and an overall volunteer where needed. So, it was no surprise to me that the Seymour Library Foundation dedicated a Red Maple Tree in her honor on the library grounds outside the Story Tower Room for her years of service and her leadership of the After Hours Event.
I want to thank Deb for helping me be part of my community and making me feel as though I have been part of something greater than myself. That is why it was my honor and privilege to present Deb Cody with a Certificate of Recognition from the Monroe County Legislature for her tireless work as a volunteer at the Seymour Library.
Thank you, Deb, for all you have done for our community, to unite us through your volunteering, and to all those unsung heroes who volunteer in a million different ways to keep our community going.
Jackie Smith
Monroe County Legislator, District 2
