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Highlands Today

Melvin Believes Residents Should Step Up

Sue Ann Carpenter/Highlands Today

Ken Melvin in front of his Mi-La-Kee Avenue home with a portion of Bruce Maltz’s underwater mural.

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Sue Ann Carpenter

Published: September 10, 2007

SEBRING –– Idea people are always energizing. Often praised by progressives and sometimes reviled by the status quo, they are exciting to be around regardless of your opinion.

Ken Melvin is civic minded, always attending county meetings. He describes himself as a bull in a china shop and an eccentric. His home on Mi-La-Kee Avenue with its underwater mural airbrushed by artist Bruce Maltz is an example.

Previously, Melvin was involved with recycling and demolition. Now his dream is to create a citizens' committee putting together a group of business people, newcomers and retired people. Last week he got appointed to a citizens committee, looking into an action plan to reopen Lake Denton.

He wants to encourage anyone with positive ideas for government so money and taxes can be saved and positive plans made for the future.

For example, he said, Don Elwell, manager of Kenilworth Lodge, is just one of the volunteers involved in looking over the budget, seeing where the county is spending money, looking for ways to save money and operate more efficiently.

"We want people with a positive can-do attitude who want to help our government," Melvin said. "We don't want troublemakers with axes to grind."

He feels there are good employees with the county and city who care and lots of people who volunteer. Often they're behind the scenes, cleaning up highways, collecting trash, and beautifying with plants.

"I feel that working together, we can make a positive impact on Highlands County," Melvin said.

Partially retired, Melvin's current business, Anu-Way, focuses on recycling and demolition. He goes to businesses and creates a trash flow chart. He then shows them how to reduce the cost of getting rid of waste. He believes in recycling at the source, whether it's construction or manufacturing material.

As a conservationist, Melvin doesn't believe in tearing down. For instance, if there's a city-owned
building to be demolished for a parking lot, he'd prefer moving it to a suitable location so that it could be revamped and used for Habitat for Humanity.

Years Ago

Born in upstate New York, but living in Miami since 1944, Melvin grew up in Miami Springs with a circle like Sebring's.

"When I go downtown, I feel like I'm stepping back in time," Melvin said. "I love it here, even though I have to shift into really low gear." Retired two years ago, he was always interested in helping, and now he has more time. He insists it's not about money but about doing.

When Animal Control needed their cats and dogs separated, Melvin got donations of concrete from Jahna, chain-link fencing, and materials for building a 20x30 area. He thinks the county should have their own vet, because at a cost of $125-$150 to spay and neuter, many people dump unwanted animals into our rural community where they quickly become a feral nuisance.

Melvin would also like to have an "animal death row" photo page and a community bulletin board for lost and found animals.

Melvin hopes to have a brunch or get together at a local restaurant with people interested in getting involved. He foresees this Citizen's Committee tackling a variety of projects important to the well-being of our county. Depending on a person's expertise and interest, they could choose whichever splinter group that most excites them.

He suggests events like A Taste of Sebring to help people discover our area restaurants or even a Best Cuban Sandwich Competition. A big reunion party would also attract tourists and revitalize the downtown circle.

Because there's a core of at-risk kids, he feels a teenage/adult council could add valuable insight. People take pride in themselves if they participate in suitable outlets for their energy.

When trash and dumping in Miami in the '60s became a problem, Melvin proposed neighborhood trash stations to encourage people to clean up their lots. Now they are all over Dade County, and he'd like to see that happen here.

Melvin's grandfather was a policeman who patrolled the circle in Miami Springs. From him he discovered that when people feel disenfranchised or not listened to, it created problems. Melvin feels it was a good example and hopes to continue the tradition.

If you want to join his Citizens Committee, call Ken Melvin at 385-0779 or email him at K3nnym@earthlink.net.

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