Courtesy photo

Recently, we mourned the passing of James Earl Carter Jr. — Jimmy Carter for short. He died at 100 years old. I am in complete admiration of what he accomplished in his lifetime. He was the 39th president of the United States, yet that makes up so little of who he was.

His entire life was spent serving, sacrificing and caring. He said, “The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices. … We can choose to work together for peace. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can make these changes, and we must remember that there are many ways to accomplish our goals, together.”

His perspective resonates with me as I’m sure it resonates with many of you. It stirs inside me a desire to roll up my sleeves, look around and see what more I can do for others. That’s one thing I have always loved about my time as mayor: experiencing the bond of our community through service together. There are many wonderful things being done in American Fork and many wonderful people doing them. As I highlight some of those things and some of those people, I want to pull from the inspiration of Jimmy Carter to inspire us all to work together for the benefit of others.

Seniors in our community are thriving. With friends and family help, including the American Fork Senior Center, they are overcoming the challenges that often befall older communities. Our seniors are strong and capable and add so much to our community.

Last year, our senior center provided 22,130 meals to seniors. In addition, they make physical and emotional well-being a priority. Last year, seniors engaged in 150 different events and activities, many of which were active outdoor activities. We can’t do what we do at our senior center without our volunteers. Volunteer service hours account for more than 21,000 hours per year. We are looking out for our community’s parents and grandparents and love to see them thrive.

Alex Brandon, Associated Press

In their own ways, American Fork residents are also looking out for those in need. For example, Sean Durfey, who saved a resident from choking, or Anya and Ava, who rescued a 3-year-old from a pool and administered CPR and rescue breathing until the child regained consciousness. Also, there is Ronald Martin, who sacrifices his time regularly to pick up garbage throughout the city on his own time.

As a city, we try to recognize these wonderful people through our Hero Award, a formal recognition for members of the community who demonstrate outstanding determination, selfless service and heroic efforts. Last year, we were privileged to recognize nine different people or groups with our Hero Award. Their actions mean the world to those around them.

On Sept. 11, city employees and residents alike gathered around our city to engage in pure acts of service. Hundreds of people banded together to clear river channels, paint curbs and fire hydrants, cut and clear our trees and beautify our parks. It was a wonderful experience to witness so many people following Jimmy Carter’s counsel to work together to make changes and accomplish goals.

Jimmy Carter shared a statement, one that encapsulates my hope for myself and for others. He said, “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. I’m free to choose that something. That something — the something that I’ve chosen — is my faith. My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.”

Becoming president of the United States is a huge accomplishment. Instead of letting the high point of his life be his presidency, Jimmy Carter spent a lifetime striving to make a difference in the world. I am inspired to do the same and invite you to open your eyes to opportunities to make a difference around you and act. Your seemingly small actions can mean the world to those around you.

This is an excerpt from Mayor Frost’s State of the City address held with the American Fork Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 15. The full address can be viewed at americanfork.gov.