The Unintentional Volunteer: Ron Olson of Crescent!

​The one thing Ron Olson never expected was to be a life-long volunteer for the city of Crescent, but 30 years later, that’s exactly what he became!

In 1984, Ron realized that taxes in Crescent were half of what they were in Council Bluffs and he had an inkling to sample the small town life so he bought a place in Crescent.  Little did he know after having served in the United State Army and then traveling a lot for AT&T that AT&T would offer him a chance to move to California or take a retirement buy-out.  He took the buy-out in 1992 and, although he hadn’t planned on it, he found himself available during the day and the Crescent Volunteer Fire Department in need of daytime staff to go out on calls.  It seemed like a perfect fit.  From there, Olson got recruited to help resurrect the Crescent Planning Commission which then led to a seat on the Crescent City Council and before long, he ended up Mayor of Crescent. 

While mayor, the walking track was put in at the city park, and that’s one of Ron’s favorite things he made happen (along with plenty of other helpers, he’d tell you).  He said the most gratifying thing he was in on though was the building of Veteran’s Park.  Greg Ferris donated the lot, but there were funds to raise, plans to lay out, and physical labor that had to be done to put in the eagle statue and the shelter.  The Fall Festival was actually started to help raise money for the park and the eagle.  Ron said the dedication in 2009 was a big day!  Beautification of Crescent wasn’t necessarily his concern in the beginning, but he sure doesn’t regret being a part of all of it!

Of course, Ron also got in on taking care of the flowers at Vet’s Park until the West Pott. Gardening Society took over, he ended up back on the planning commission, helped with the Fire Dept. Auxiliary Pancake Breakfasts, and Ron also adopted the town sign duties of posting events and birthdays, etc.  And, as Ron pointed out, once it’s your job, it’s your job for life!  I think all small town volunteers understand that sentiment. Lol.  It seems like there wasn’t a job in Crescent that Ron hasn’t had!  But recently, Ron has had to scale back and give up his sign responsibility as the hill it’s on is not conducive to climbing when you get a little older.  He was very thankful that Christina was willing to take over and that’s truly what he loves most about Crescent: it has a small town atmosphere and when something big or small needs to happen, volunteers show up! 

Olson says that Crescent has grown with annexation and new commerce like the new Dollar General and the Golden Hills subdivision, plus they have great eating establishments, and there’s just a lot to be proud of!  Yes, there is, Ron.  Yes, there is. 

So here we are heading into 2021 and Ron Olson tells me it’s time to turn the game over to the younger generation so there’s a little more time for bowling! Lol.  But one of the great gifts to Pottawattamie County, is that life has a funny way of putting us where we’re needed.  So Ron, you may be passing on the baton, but we want you to know that we are sure grateful that you landed in Crescent and found your way into a life of service for the Crescent community.  It’s very much appreciated, Sir.