Commentary by Angela Smitherman
I’m fairly new to Westfield. I started working for the city in June. However, in my short time here I have fallen in love. I work as an administrative assistant for the public works department. I love what I do, but it is more about the people I work with at city services.
Volunteering is a big part of my life and one nonprofit that I am dedicated to is Girls on the Run. I’m a Central Indiana Girls on the Run coach for Washington Woods Elementary School as well as a board member. The organization uses exercise as a tool for pre-teen girls to learn life lessons.
Working for the city, I saw a great opportunity to host one of the organization’s 5Ks at Grand Park Sports Complex. From the first time I inquired about having the run at Grand Park to race day, Westfield employees, residents and business owners were overwhelmingly helpful. Westfield employees volunteered their time, residents helped spread the message about the race and business owners stepped up and donated coffee, hot chocolate, doughnuts and even pizza to the winning team.
I also volunteer for the nonprofit Back on My Feet. It gives veterans in transitional housing support and tools they need to succeed in life through an organized activity, such as running. I run with participants three mornings a week and I help coordinate rides to races every month.
I raised two boys and my youngest is a junior in high school. Now I’m starting to spend time on myself and I have found giving back is just as rewarding to me as it is to those I’m helping. Both of these organizations have made me a better person.
If you would like to know more about Girls on the Run or my involvement with the Indianapolis chapter of Back on My Feet, go to http://gotrci.org/ and http://indianapolis.backonmyfeet.org/blog/ind-angie-smitherman.
Angela Smitherman is the public works administrator for the City of Westfield. She may be contacted at 804-3101 or [email protected].
