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by Karen Lewis

As the Christmas tree illuminates the winter night…

The youth choirs charm the crowd with their festive songs, and…

Santa Claus makes his grand entry at the annual Heath Holiday in the Park, a small group of volunteers will be watching it all come together with that glow of satisfaction that comes from making something good happen for others.

The six citizens serving on the City of Heath Special Events Board plan and present numerous hometown celebrations throughout the year including the Holiday in the Park. The board is appointed by the Heath City Council and led by Chairman Lori Lawing.

"It is very rewarding to see the community enjoy the results of our planning," says Lori, who has lived in Heath 14 years. "You volunteer because you want to give back, but it always seems to me that I get so much more than I give."

Serving with Lori on the Special Events Board are Blair Baldwin, Maureen Cook, Tim Hartley, Joel Palin and Jason Severn. The group meets the second Monday of the month and is now focused of presenting another fabulous Holiday in the Park on Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m. in Towne Center Park. The board also plans the annual Heart of Heath 5k Run/Walk in the spring and the Independence Day Parade every 4th of July.

"It is hard to pick one favorite event that we plan," says Lori. "It’s like your children. You love them the same, but each has unique qualities that are special."

The unique features that make Heath’s Holiday in the Park a popular community tradition begin with Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe lighting the Christmas tree and the beautiful vignettes placed throughout Towne Park behind City Hall.

Families, friends and neighbors gather for the festivities and are then treated to wonderful performances by choirs from Pullen and Amy Park-Heath Elementary Schools. Another cherished tradition includes the Rockwall-Heath High School cheerleaders and Hawk mascot leading the entire crowd in a rousing version of Jingle Bells to help Santa find his way to Heath.

After arriving to a joyful greeting, Santa makes his way to the Heath Community Room where he visits and poses for photographs with all of the eager children. During this time, the Special Events Board members serve hot cocoa, wassail and Christmas cookies to all.

Families also enjoy rides around Towne Center Park on a miniature train, and last year, members of the Cain Middle School Rock City Players dressed as Victorian carolers and strolled through the crowds singing holiday tunes.

"Every year we challenge ourselves to bring new features and improvements to each event," says Lori. "This year at Holiday in the Park we are enhancing the lighting and sound system so that the growing crowd of attendees can better see and hear the choir performances and other on-stage activities."

For board member Tim Hartley, it’s easier to choose his favorite event of the year, which is the Heart of Heath 5k Fun Run/Walk. "We really want the runners and walkers to have the best experience possible, and I personally run the race route beforehand," says Tim. "I’m a little biased because I’m a tri-athlete, but I love to see people out exercising."

As the Special Events Board works throughout the year, they count on the support of city staff members. Their key "go-to" person is Assistant City Manager Kim Dobbs, who is the staff liaison to the board and also a long-time Heath resident.

"Kim is dedicated to the city and to helping create outstanding events where families and friends make lasting memories," says Lori. "Many times over the years that I’ve worked with Kim she has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and always does so with a smile and a kind word for everyone she encounters."

But Kim will be the first to point out the widespread support among all of the city staff, including the city manager’s office, the department of public safety and public works department. Many of the special events occur on holidays or outside of regular working hours and the committed public safety and public works staff put in overtime to ensure successful and safe events.

The department of public safety performs the critical role of traffic control along the routes of the 4th of July parade and Hearth of Heath 5k Run/Walk.

Members of the public works department begin their efforts months in advance of each event to make certain the grounds are groomed and all of the elements are in place for a good event including staging and lighting, the Christmas tree and the many vignettes at Holiday in the Park as well as race course and parade route preparations. And after the crowds have all gone home, public works staff makes sure everything is clean and tidy for the next day.

"Even as our community has grown, we have been able to work together to continue the traditions that make Heath special," says Lori. "Above all else, we are committed to retaining that genuine hometown atmosphere filled with warmth and friendliness when we gather."

"Anytime an event can bring joy to someone else, we as a committee have done what we set out and hoped to do," adds Tim. "It makes me feel proud to live in Heath."

Heath residents are welcome to attend the Special Events Board meetings, or any meeting of the other boards or commissions. Agendas and meeting schedules are posted at www.heathtx.com. Citizens who would like apply to serve on a board or commission, should complete a volunteer application and submit it to the City of Heath. Appointments are considered annually or as openings become available.

"Citizen involvement is needed and wanted," says Lori. "Without volunteers, our community could not be the place it is. You don’t have to have special skills, just a commitment to Heath and a little time to share."

For more information or to obtain a volunteer application, please contact Heath City Secretary Stephanie Galanides at 972-772-6228 or sgalanides@heathtx.com.