Tom and Claudia Mabie (seated) with other members of the Community Building Development Team. Tom was honored at this month’s meeting for his vision and support of the CBDT.

Life-long resident and community supporter Tom Mabie was recently thanked for his service on the Community Building Development Team (CBDT) as well as his efforts toward the library. Tom and his wife Claudia Mabie have supported numerous organizations in our community for many years.

Tom served as the Vice President and as one of the founding board of directors for the CBDT. He has been instrumental in establishing the vision and direction of the board. His eternal optimism and “let’s make it happen” attitude have inspired and motivated many in constructing the new library and other public facility enhancements for the Cedar Springs community.

Mabie’s passion for reading and learning began as a young child when his mother, Estella Mabie, would consistently read to him from a variety of genres and authors including Edgar Allen Poe. Mabie’s love for reading still continues when he is not tending to his organic garden, writing poetry, or exploring new places with his wife or family.

In 2003, the Mabies met with Librarian Donna Clark to discuss the need for a larger library to better serve the community. While various options were discussed, real progress seemed out of reach. Then, on December 1, 2006 they donated $300,000 toward the construction of a new library in an effort to kick start enthusiasm for the project. Since then, they have tirelessly continued to give of their time, wisdom, and resources to help make a new library a reality for our community.

In December 2013, Tom was instrumental in creating the Community Building Development Team. This group of over 60 community and business volunteers met with the various governmental and community organizations to determine if a library should continue to be a primary focus. The City of Cedar Spring’s Master and Recreation Plans were reviewed which included a long list of possibilities to include an amphitheatre, boardwalk along the creek, community building, and recreation center.

“Tom is often described as a visionary with a unique gift to see the possibilities,” shared Kurt Mabie, CBDT President and nephew to Tom. “He has always held strong to his belief that dreams do come true.”

In December 2016, Tom will complete his term as a CBDT Board Member and Vice President. He is ready to pass the torch to someone else. He and Claudia believe the mission to create the “Heart of Cedar Springs” will continue. They will always support and encourage but Mabie will no longer serve on the board.

The CBDT recognized Tom at the November CBDTeam Meeting and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation that reads, “This certificate is awarded in recognition of your contributions to our community and the CBDT. You have generously given of your time, talents, and resources for the enhancement and enrichment of the Cedar Springs Area. You have led by example and we are grateful for your leadership!”

Following the presentation Kurt Mabie added, “We all want to thank Tom and Claudia. You are a very important reason this is library is coming to fruition as well as a tentative site plan for the “Heart of Cedar Springs. You never allowed us to give up!”

The CBDT is accepting letters of interest from anyone wishing to serve on the board. The term begins in January 2017 with board meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. and team meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Letters can be submitted to Carolee Cole, CBDT Secretary, at CaroleeCole@gmail.com no later than December 20.