A second look at Mr. V

Some things do bear repeating.

A couple years ago, it was my pleasure to write a story on the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors' presentation of the coveted Bill Patton Award to Gordon Vandemark. And, as sometimes occurs, the story produced an accompanying column.

Now, I know it’s not good news policy to rehash old story lines, but in the case of Mr. V, an exception is certainly in order.

There was no way to include all the statements about Gordon's contributions to St. Johns schools - and the community overall - in the article on his retirement that is included in this issue, so this little 'extra' offering on our editorial page becomes necessary, just as it was when he received the Patton Award.

His receipt of that honor says a lot about the man called Mr. V. As was the case in the award's namesake, Gordon truly exemplifies the qualities of community service, professionalism, religious involvement, and high standards and moral character that the award represents.

Whether singing or directing the choirs at the First Baptist Church in St. Johns, helping the Mint Festival run smoothly during most of its 16 years, or working with the St. Johns City Recreation Department on a multitude of shared programs and projects with the school district, Gordon's talents were always an asset.

How lucky we are that he is merely stepping down from his position as director of maintenance and community education with St. Johns schools - and not leaving the area entirely.

No doubt, his creativity - his 'baling wire' approach, as he calls it - to problem-solving will be much needed in the months and years ahead. The future of education in this country is very much in question - no one really knows what directions it may take.