May has been a busy and very productive month in Chatsworth.

The biggest single event sponsored by the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council coincided with the largest all-volunteer effort in the country on May 3. Hundreds of people attended the 5th Annual Day of the Horse and nearly a thousand people participated in a variety of volunteer projects in Chatsworth, Canoga Park and Winnetka as part of the combined Mayor's Day of Service and Big Sunday.

CNC board members Vicki Briskman and Kamesh Aysola spearheaded the effort to coordinate activities and provide breakfast for about 650 volunteers spread across Chatsworth for the Mayor's Day of Service. They were assisted by a small but enthusiastic and efficient group of community-minded family, friends and neighbors. Projects included street cleanups, school plantings and cleanups, tree trimmings, and a major project at the fairly new Chatsworth Trails Park, at the top of Canoga Avenue.

When the morning work was done, volunteers gathered at the train depot for lunch and a resource fair, complete with entertainment and a visit by the mayor to say thank you for a job well done.

When you participate in any of the many organized opportunities to help spruce up your street, one of our parks or a school, you are helping your family, your neighbors and your entire community. It's a great way to get children to care about the world in which we live,  for a family to spend important quality time together, maybe even a way to meet neighbors.

The Day of the Horse grows every year, showcasing the equestrian community that helps define what is special about Chatsworth. There were demonstrations of therapeutic riding, Parelli, reining, dressage, jumping and Cavalry, as well as displays, informational booths, a trick rope show, stick horses to decorate and race, and a visit by one of the largest horses in the world, sharing a corral with one of the smallest horses. The mayor made an appearance and showed everyone that city dwellers can always appreciate being on horseback. (See photo elsewhere in this newsletter.)

The full day's activities were coordinated by CNC Equestrian Committee member Mary Kaufman, with assistance from all members of the committee as well as the staff and management of Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship. The event was held at Ride On for the second year. Ride On teaches horseback riding to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.

Winners of the annual children's safety poster contest were on display and cash prizes were awarded to the winning artists and their schools. More than 350 posters were entered this year, making the judging process extremely difficult because so many were outstanding.

And while we're talking about good works, thanks to Jeanie Plumb who successfully pushed for the installation of a street lamp on Variel Street at the Browns Creek crossing.  The improved lighting will benefit pedestrians and equestrians alike.

Congratulations to Yoori Chung, a Chatsworth High senior, whose volunteer community service earned her Youth of the Year honors from the Chatsworth Community Cooridinating Council.  Sue Pickup, a volunteer at Superior Street Elementary School since 1978, was named Citizen of the Year.

We are all busy and have plenty to fill our days. Volunteering may not be on the top of your to-do list. But if every Chatsworth resident spent just one day a year participating in some service to the community, we could accomplish an amazing amount of work that would leave our community cleaner, happier and more responsible. The CNC website frequently lists volunteer opportunities. Check us out. We are here to be your voice in City Hall, but also to encourage you to get involved in our community.

Thank you to everyone who helped at the Mayor's Day of Service. Thank you to everyone who has helped at other volunteer events. And thank you for everyone who will participate in the near future to help your neighborhood.