Throughout October, the City of Largo is planning the following activities:
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Advisory Board members will be highlighted in LargoToday, a weekly eNewsletter from Largo’s City Manager, Henry Schubert. To subscribe, visit Largo.com/enews. View this week's spotlight member.
VIRTUAL TRIVIA NIGHT
On Thursday, October 22 at 7pm, the City is hosting a Virtual Trivia Night on Zoom. Tune in to play at Zoom.us/j/99112187074. First prize is a 4-pack of tickets to “A Million Dollar Christmas” at the Central Park Performing Arts Center.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE MAYOR FOR A DAY?
To reach Largo’s younger audience, the City is partnering with Ridgecrest Elementary to educate students on City services, and ask students what they would do if they were Mayor for a day. In late October, the City will share student responses on the City of Largo Facebook page (fb.com/CityofLargo).
GET CONNECTED
The City of Largo is committed to fostering civic education and collaboration with residents through the Youth Leadership Council, Advisory, Advocacy and Affiliate Boards, Largo Citizen’s Academy, Community Ambassadors, Speakers Bureau presentations, and more. For more information and ways to connect, visit Largo.com/Volunteer, Largo.com/Connect or email [email protected].
ADVISORY BOARD SPOTLIGHT: ANNALIESE SMITH
Aileen Carey, Community Engagement Specialist, spoke with Annaliese Smith about her involvement in the Recreation Parks, and Arts Advocacy Board. Are you interested in applying to join an Advisory Board? Visit Largo.com/AdvisoryBoards for more information.
Can you share a little about yourself? What do you do? What are you involved with in the community?
Annaliese loves Largo and has lived here since 1992. Starting her career by serving in the Air Force for 18 years, Annaliese graduated from USF with a degree in Gerontology. From there, she began working as a Social Worker Case Manager for 24 years at Palm Garden of Pinellas, a nursing rehab center in Largo. She retired in 2016 and enjoys spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends. She is very active in the community volunteering at the VA and with the City of Largo on the Recreation, Parks, and Arts Advocacy Board.
Please share with us how you got involved in the Recreation, Parks and Arts Advocacy Board.
Annaliese has been active in the local government wherever she has lived. When she arrived in Largo and learned about Citizens’ Academy she jumped at the opportunity to take part. She said that Citizens’ Academy was, “... the best time and most informational way to learn about the community.” At Citizens’ Academy, Annaliese met Joan Byrne, Director of Recreation, Parks, and Arts for the City of Largo. Annaliese shared her interest in joining the board and applied after completing Citizens’ Academy. She was accepted onto the board and at the time she joined, the board was chaired by our current Mayor, Woody Brown. Annaliese now serves as the chairperson of the board.
What are the responsibilities of the Recreation, Parks and Arts Advocacy Board?
The board members serve as representatives of the community, vote on various matters that will then be presented to Commission, and Recreation, Parks, and Arts events. To Annaliese, board members “need to be visible for the community and listen. Go ask questions and learn what residents want and need.” At events, she and fellow board members would speak to attendees and listen to their thoughts and feedback. She also shared that during the renovations of the Southwest Recreation Center and Highland Recreation Center, the board were invited to provide input based on feedback from fellow community members. "Listening to the community informs discussion at board meetings and recommendations they will make," Annaliese said.
What are your responsibilities on the Recreation, Parks and Arts Advocacy Board?
As the Chairperson, Annaliese is responsible for assisting with the development of the agenda with Joan and facilitating the meetings of the Board so that everyone is heard and can share their thoughts.
What is your favorite part of living in Largo?
Annaliese’s favorite part of living in Largo are the family events hosted by the City that she can attend with her grandchildren. She also loves all of the numerous parks offered in Largo, where she can go experience nature and enjoy Florida. "As a board member, I have had the opportunity to tour all of the parks and learn about each of them," Annaliese said. She also noted that, “…another thing I love about living in Largo is it is a safe place to live and family friendly!”
