Monday, June 12, 2017

Van Vleet Selected ‘Citizen of the Week’

A north side woman who sought a place for local young people to skateboard is this week’s recipient of a special city honor.
Margaret Van Vleet has been named the Logansport Citizen of the Week for her efforts to support the lives of young people. She actively supported the designation of city property for use as a skateboard park. Mayor Dave Kitchell said those efforts may surprise some people because she didn’t do it for her own children. She did it for the community.
“Margaret is the kind of person who saw a need that had to be filled, and she brought it to the attention of the city before the establishment of the Skatepark at Riverside Park,” Kitchell said. “This is a great thing, but it takes people who are committed to making the community better for young people to be their advocate in a an adult world.”
Van Vleet also is known to have opened her home for a weekly summer volleyball fellowship many years ago.
“She has been a model for people who find ways to help young people in their free time,” the mayor said. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in our case, it takes a Margaret Van Vleet to support young people in ways their parents either can’t or don’t. She saw voids and filled them in the community, and there’s no government program that’s better or cheaper than that.”
The Citizen of the Week is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and recognize as Logansport natives or residents who contribute to the community or are recognized for their achievements. Recipients received a certificate of appreciation from the city and a $20 gift certificate.


Press Release, Mayor Dave Kitchell