Michael T. Mondak speaks about serving the public

In honor of today being the observance of Martin Luther King Jr's birthday, I want to speak today about serving the public.

When I say serving the public, I do not mean the work that I do to earn a living.  I'm talking about serving the public away from my daily labors.

Since 2009, I have been a constant presence at the Hermitage Arts Festival as the Balloon Man distributing helium balloons to the children.  Even after being recognized for these efforts as the grand marshal of the 2023 Holiday Light Parade, I plan on continuing in this role right up until the day that I die.

I have also served in my role as the Balloon Man as Buhl Day on Labor Day in Buhl Park since 2013.

And what have I learned in the fifteen years that I have been the Balloon Man?  You have to listen to your clientele, which in this case is the children of the community.

And in those fifteen years in my role as the Balloon Man, I have estimated that I have handed out at least four thousand helium balloons to the children.  Those kids who were in diapers when I began this role in 2009 are now in high school.

You can always count on me to continue to serve as the Balloon Man at the Hermitage Arts Festival, Buhl Day and many other events in the Shenango Valley right up until the day that I die.

Until next time, help in the fight against childhood cancers by contributing to the Four Diamonds Fund.  And please take care of yourself and each other.