FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Leigh Britt, Volunteer Coordinator - (573) 874-7504

Civic Awareness Fair will be held Oct. 18

COLUMBIA, MO (September 29, 2008) - The public is invited to a special event called “Keys to the City” on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the ARC, 1701 West Ash. The purpose of the event is to provide the public with information on city government and with convenient access to both elected officials and city staff.

“We titled the event ‘Keys to the City’ to demonstrate the emphasis on connecting citizens with their local government,” said Leigh Britt, volunteer coordinator for the city. “We want people to know that, with information and personal contact, they hold the keys to the city.”

The event will include office hours with Mayor Darwin Hindman and City Council representatives Paul Sturtz, Ward 1; Karl Skala, Ward 3; and Laura Nauser, Ward 5. Twelve city departments will also have staff on hand to talk with the public and provide information on city programs and services.

The event will include a “Fun Facts Scavenger Hunt” featuring data on city activities, snacks and door prizes. The Columbia/Boone County Health Department will have a nurse available for blood pressure screening. The event is free and open to the public.

“Keys to the City” helps fulfill one of the vision statements identified by Columbia citizens during the community visioning process: “Columbia’s governance is a model of transparency, efficiency, and citizen participation that enjoys the strong confidence of its residents.”

For more information, visit the city’s Web site, www.GoColumbiaMo.com; call the Office of Volunteer Services at 874-7504; or email volunteer@GoColumbiaMo.com.

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