Excelsior Springs said goodbye this year to two individuals who made Excelsior Springs a better place to live. Carolyn Schutte passed away on June 7. Ambrose Buckman passed away on August 20. Both had served on various boards of the city and local organizations. Both were beloved council representatives and Mayors.
I had the pleasure of working with both of these individuals on city projects, historic preservation activities, and through involvement with the Good Samaritan Center. Their examples of leadership, wisdom and inclusiveness gave me inspiration to get involved.
Carolyn relied on her understanding of finances to begin restoration of the downtown. She worked to fill long vacancies on our boards and commissions so that our government would be a better reflection of our community. In 2009, she saw that a new comprehensive plan was put in place to guide future decisions and fulfill community goals.
Ambrose on the other hand, led with his heart. He made decisions that helped people and that were fair. His sense of humor and humility made him a wonderful leader for bringing consensus to the council and staff. He was a champion for restoration of the Hall of Waters; helping to put in place a structural engineer’s study that would be used to secure the Save America’s Treasures grant of $1 million in 2020.
Carolyn and Ambrose both lit fires to instill leadership and sense of community in those around them. They never talked about what they had accomplished. They talked instead about what we, Excelsior Springs, have accomplished.
I love and miss them both. I know that encouraging others in the community to get involved is the best way that I can honor them. There are multiple opportunities to get involved.
Upcoming events to engage in the community include the Excelsior Springs Police Department’s Night Out Against Crime on September 21. The event, 6 to 8 p.m., is designed to bring law enforcement, first responders, and residents together in a positive and engaging environment, enhancing relationships and fostering a true sense of community. Learn more at https://cityofesmo.com/espd/
Over 800 residents support the Excelsior Thrive Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/
Our Community Foundation has an online Volunteer application form and a list of volunteer service needs. Check it out at https://esgives.org/volunteer/
September 28 through October 4 is Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Nominate a neighbor who goes above and beyond to be recognized at https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Excelsior Springs is a special place to live. The best part of Excelsior Springs is its people. People like Carolyn and Ambrose. People like you. We all have an opportunity to leave behind a better community, a better place to live.
Tribute by former City Councilwoman Sonya Morgan.
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