Volunteering is 
a great way to show community you care

So, from mid-August to the end of November, it was like living in Southern California – sunny and unseasonably warm weather, with so little rain we had a severe drought.
Now, just barely into December, we’ve had our first major snowstorm of the winter on Saturday and plunging temperatures with wind-chill factors taking them into single digits – and possibly below zero by the time this issue goes to press.
It’s pretty amazing, I think.
And though I don’t like the cold, I prefer it over the excessive heat. Though both extremes keep me indoors most of the time.
One good thing, though, is it has truly put me into the Christmas spirit. It seems that so many winters have been rather warm through December recently. When temperatures are in the 60s in the last week or so before Christmas, I’m a complete Scrooge.
So, bring it on, Mother Nature. We bought a new snow shovel a couple weeks ago, so we can take it!
“Light Up Bedford” also put me in the mood for the holidays. The Friday night event was very well-attended, despite the cold and nippy wind out of the north.
Kudos to everyone who made it happen. Without volunteers, our communities really would have very little to offer. Events like these – including the Apple Festival, the County Fair, the Bedford Bash, and this year’s first Milton Community Appreciation Day – require a huge commitment from people who are willing to give of their time.
And it always takes money, so the contributions made by Signature Health Care to keep this Christmas tradition going another year certainly are appreciated, too. SHC not only put $1,500 toward the event, but also provided volunteers who helped finish decorating the square – a job that was off to a great start thanks to the efforts of the Trimble County High School Class of 2011.
Often, events like these end up on the shoulders of a select few extremely dedicated individuals. I’ve been involved in planning similar events elsewhere, and I’ve seen it happen many times. Everyone seems to want the event to happen, but few people will roll up their sleeves and help with all the work and planning that goes into making an event a success.
The great thing about close-knit, rural areas such as Trimble County is a huge sense of community that I find here. That said, I want to remind folks that there are plenty of opportunities for anyone who has time, or money, to give.
With the New Year looming just around the corner, consider making a resolution to give some of your time in 2011. Volunteers always are needed at schools, churches and community organizations countywide.
Get involved in your community and these special events we sometimes take for granted. You’ll be glad you did. And so will your neighbors.

Phyllis McLaughlin lives in Milton, Ky., and is editor of The Trimble Banner.