Lessons Learned

If you had me as an elementary teacher, then you probably remember the phrase, "This is a life lesson." I often used that to draw my students' attention. This usually got their attention, because they knew a story was to follow and that probably meant no assignment for that particular subject. Little did they realize at the time I was giving them an assignment to study and analyze the effect of their judgment.

I have now been retired one full year from teaching of 25 years in the Cassville School District. As school kicks off and starts up, I thought this would be a good time to kick off or start up a conversation with my community about "lessons learned."

Sixteen months ago, I was giving my fifth grade students hands on experience of how our local city government is formed. Much to my surprise the experience and lesson turned out to be more detailed for me. I was elected by the voters of Cassville to serve as mayor of this wonderful town.

Several have been asking, "Do you miss teaching?" To them I reply, "Yes," but I'm still teaching; only now it's different subjects and a wider range of ages. Many ask, "How's it going being the mayor?" To them I say, "I'm learning something new every day." The best part is meeting people I hadn't had the chance to meet in the 27 years I've lived in Cassville.

I've been meeting some of the most interesting individuals at our local senior citizens center. It gives me great joy to listen to their stories, recipes, antidotes, and once in a while, some really good jokes. This is an excellent place to find out a little history of the area. If you don't believe me, just go down some day around 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and have lunch with them. Tell them the mayor sent you.

It is through this blog site that I hope to share with you some of the lessons I'm learning serving as mayor of Cassville. Through these lessons I hope to be able to inform you or give you a better understanding of how things work in the city. I'll try to cover a variety of topics and hope you will check in frequently to see what you can learn as well.

Also joining me in discussions will be City Administrator Mike Hayslip and our Economic Development Director Eugene Dilbeck. Together we will share our insights and visions of what we hope to accomplish to make this an even better place to live.