I was at a fundraiser for Building Bridges last Friday evening. If you don’t know about this program, it is an East Stuart based organization providing guidance to the kids of that community. While there is help with school work, it primarily strives to give the participants moral and ethical guidance to serve them in life. The whirl wind behind this endeavor is Ollie Harvey ably assisted by her husband, local businessman, Philip.

My involvement with the organization began with the Centennial project of painting tiles for the East Stuart gateway sign which was supported by a grant by Women Supporting the Arts. The kids and senior citizens from the community (with the assistance of artist Maggie Blizard) hand painted tiles that were then kiln fired. City Commissioner Eula Clarke was instrumental in having the city agree to have the tiles placed on the gateway sign.

Over the course of the past year, the Harveys have suffered their own tragedy with the untimely death of their son. It was only their absolute trust and faith in God that have seen them through the hard times. The couple seems remarkably free from rancor as they devote themselves to Building Bridges, the East Stuart community and the city in general. They are inspirational in their wanting to help and improve the life of others.

They are one of the important reasons that Stuart is a good place to live. The greatness of a city is not the buildings and streets but the people who live and work and raise their families there. We need to remember that as we move forward. There are no panaceas or easy answers as we confront the future. But with people such as the Harveys, we can overcome any of our problems and Stuart will continue to be the place we want to live.