Community and Volunteerism

We all have our opinions of what makes Foster City a great place to "Live, Work and Play". Most agree that our great quality of life is due to our excellent public safety, infrastructure, and quality education. Others might argue that our world class parks including our lagoons, central location are great contributors to our quality of life as well. To me, in addition to the aforementioned, I've always valued our diversity and the "sense of community" that Foster City provides. Diversity makes us stronger, smarter, more innovative and socially richer as each one of us brings his/her unique cultural, ethnic, educational experience.

This "sense of community" is demonstrated time and again at the various events held in our city. The 4th of July Celebration and City Fest (formally the Arts & Wine Festival) are two events where the community comes together. Service clubs, boy scouts, mothers club, businesses, seniors, students, teachers, individuals and city officials and employees all come together and contribute to the success of those events and to showcase the best of Foster City to our neighboring cities. One of my favorite events that highlight our "sense of community" is the Summer Concert Series. It brings fun, food and music to all and I've never seen an unhappy person at that event. It is a joy to see our diverse community come together and just have plain carefree good time.

Speaking of community and volunteerism, on June 6, 2016, the City Council held a special meeting to recognize Karen Dyckman as an inductee to the Foster City Wall of Fame. Karen's love to our community has been demonstrated over decades of volunteering with various community organizations such as PTA, AYSO, Little League, CERT, and the Chamber of Commerce. I've met Karen through CERT and later worked together at the Chamber of Commerce. Karen's passion, talent and dedication are evident in all the work she's done for the organizations she has volunteered for. Most notable is the City Fest for which I've observed Karen working tirelessly for months to coordinate an event for all of us and the neighboring cities to enjoy. Foster City is fortunate to have Karen as a valuable member of our community.

Thank you Karen Dyckman for all you do to our community. A recognition and an honor well deserved!

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth". - Muhammad Ali