CAPE GIRARDEAU'S NO. 1 VOLUNTEER

The power of positive thinking illuminates from Melvin Gateley.

This educator-turned-city-councilman has a smile and pat on the back for everyone he meets.

He's a people person, who delights in helping the underdog and the down and out.

Serving on the city council since 1992 certainly hasn't gone to his head. Most sunny days he can be found watering the daffodils or pruning the rose bushes planted at a dozen sites around the city by Vision 2000, the Chamber of Commerce's beautification committee and Zonta.

He ladles water to the flowers from a child-size swimming pool from the back of his truck.

Mary Spell said Gateley is probably the No. 1 volunteer in Cape Girardeau, putting in long hours for numerous causes.

Enthusiasm and encouragement are a way of life for Gateley.

He believes that if you reach out to people, they'll answer the call. He's ready to do almost anything for anyone on a moment's notice.

As a volunteer for the transportation tax campaign, Gateley would arrive at the public forums an hour before anyone else, lugging coffeepots, coolers, cookies and cups. He'd set up all the sheets and charts.

"Then he'd stay an hour after everybody else to clean up," said Spell. "He doesn't even expect a thank you."

Lauchette Low has worked with Gateley through Vision 2000.

"He always thinks about everyone else and the good of the community," said Low. "He's so generous not only with his time, but his own money. I've never seen him down -- ever. He's amazing."

Gateley developed his good-natured outlook on life growing up on a farm near Oran, the middle of 11 children. He has five brothers and five sisters.

On the farm he also learned the value of hard work without complaint.

"My mom and dad's cardinal rule was no grumbling or griping," said Gateley. "We always appreciated and respected each other."

He spent 37 years in education, four years as teacher in Sikeston and then 33 years as a principal in the Cape Girardeau public schools.

He retired from education in 1986 and earned licenses to sell life insurance and real estate. But a sales career never materialized because Gateley was introduced to Vision 2000, a program to help prepare the city for the next century.

Gateley said Vision 2000 was the answer to his prayers and dreams. He threw himself into the project wholeheartedly.

Spell said he takes the Vision 2000 effort to heart.

"He's so excited to see the Year 2000 come. The effort may have died out without his enthusiasm and support," she said. "He's one of Cape Girardeau's biggest cheerleaders."