I am a retired college professor, and have owned property on the Island for the past fourteen years. I took an early retirement and permanently moved down to the Island on Christmas, 2004. I and my wife knew of the Center and its positive reputation from our neighbors and favorable press coverage from the very beginning of our owning property here. When we completed fixing up our house (my wife was an Interior Designer), we were asked if we would offer our house for the Tour of Homes. We were glad to participate in the Tour since it is a major fund raiser for the Center. When my wife died last year, I turned to the Center to establish memorial gifts in her name, something which I knew she approved of whole heartedly.

As I got more familiar with the many programs for all ages at the Center, one thing I felt the Center would benefit from is additional Volunteers. So now I am spearheading the effort to develop Volunteer opportunities for people to participate in strengthening existing programs and creating new programs, (ex. the elderly) as the opportunity and needs arise.

Being on the Center's Board and helping the Center to address Volunteerism, has enabled me to feel as a part of the Island community and positive about being able to use my academic background and community experiences.

David A Dickson

As a child I lived for a brief time in Florida and have always felt drawn to return. After surviving many cold Northern winters, I decided to make the move South.

A resident of Anna Maria Island for the past several years, I consider myself one of the lucky ones able to answer the call of the sun and surf.

Opening Island Mortgage Services on the Island enabled me to get to know this charming community. The residents and visitors to the Island with whom I have since become acquainted have confirmed the uniqueness of this historic, quaint area of Florida.

The Anna Maria Island Community Center quickly got my attention as an ideal place to participate, sharing whatever knowledge or expertise might be of benefit to the local area.

A proud sponsor and board member of the new community center, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of an organization that provides a gathering place for old, young and everyone in between; a place where hard working, dedicated people develop and operate many and diverse programs that enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or just comes to play on Anna Maria Island.