Volunteerism in Lake Lure

Click here for Volunteer Application Form

 

The town sincerely welcomes and encourages all interested residents to apply for appointment to the various town boards and committees. The role of citizens as advisory board or committee members is important to the town as they provide a vital link between the community and its local government. Local government is dependent upon its citizens to volunteer their services on these bodies. Service on such boards and committees fosters direct and meaningful citizen participation in local government affairs.

 

Neighbors helping neighbors is a principle that goes back to the settling of this continent. Volunteerism is this principle taken to a higher order - citizens helping the community. This is particularly important in small communities like ours with small budgets and limited staff. We rely heavily on volunteers here in Lake Lure.

 

Probably the most obvious is our reliance on the three volunteer fire departments, Fairfield, Chimney Rock, and Bill's Creek that serve the town. There are often openings for volunteer firefighters, so here's a good chance to help, if you are so inclined.

 

Then there is the entire category of elected and appointed officials of the town, all of whom qualify as volunteers, starting with your elected mayor and commissioners. The mayor and town council meet at least monthly to set town policy and regulations, establish the town budget and pursue the goals and desires of the town. There are several boards that assist and advise the council or act on appeals based on the town's regulations. These boards consist of the zoning and planning board, board of adjustment, lake structure appeals board, and parks and recreation board. There are also two standing committees, the lake advisory committee and the golf course advisory committee, which assist council on the governing of the lake and town golf course. More recently formed is the constructive forestry and landscaping committee and the tree management committee.   In addition, the council appoints the members of the ABC board, although that board is totally autonomous under state law.

 

Other organizations which welcome volunteers are the Volunteer Water Information Network (VWIN) program, who's members collect water samples from around the lake for testing; the Upper Broad River watershed protection committee, made up of a whole variety of citizens and professionals who's goal is the protection of our 94 square mile watershed; the Lake Lure Youth Center, which is the after school youth program at the community center that is manned by volunteers; and a whole host of neighborhood organizations. The need for volunteers is never ending in our piece of paradise; therefore your willingness to participate is always welcomed.

 

If you would like more information regarding serving on one of the town’s boards or committees, then please contact the town clerk at 828-625-9983 extension 104 or by email to TownClerk@TownofLakeLure.com .