Three cheers for the volunteers!

Posted 8/21/12

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” These words, written by H. Jackson Brown Jr., rang true over the last few days, as I made my way through the …

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Three cheers for the volunteers!

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“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” These words, written by H. Jackson Brown Jr., rang true over the last few days, as I made my way through the Upper Delaware River region. Wherever I went, I saw smiling faces and people helping people, as is often the case here in the country. While volunteerism exists in cities, villages and towns across America, the impact on our local communities appears (IMHO) more immediate and visible. Maybe it’s because I’m always on the road, but I recognize folks (and they recognize the dog) wherever I go. As it states on the front page of The River Reporter, our 40-plus years of reporting has been “spanning two states, four counties [60 communities] and a river that unites us,” so I see a lot of familiar faces while out and about.

“In some cases, those who volunteer are always the same people,” Bryan Pulsifer wrote about giving to others. “Are you always on the sidelines or are you able to step up and help?” he asks. It’s a good question, but from my vantage point, more people in our neck of the woods step up, rather than aside. Lunkhead that I am, my first thought when seeing a flyer for a “Volunteer Fair” in Liberty, NY was of carnival rides and cotton candy; so naturally, I made plans to check it out. What I found instead was more than 27 local organizations gathered in one place seeking volunteers for a myriad of services. Arts programs, adult care centers, food pantries, museums and libraries were just a few of the opportunities being offered to those seeking to give of their time and energy. As Dharma and I strolled from table to table, I was not surprised to run into Liberty Rotarians Gary Silverman, Anthony Sinacore and Gary Siegel, who greeted the pooch warmly and nodded in my general direction.

“You may not have saved a lot of money in your life,” Seth Parker wrote, “but if you have saved a lot of heartache for other folks, you are a pretty rich man.” I have no clue how much money those guys have saved over the years, but have recently become aware of the Rotary Club’s rich impact on others, specifically through their “Haiti Clean Water Project,” which provides filtration systems and clean water for Haitian families. The guys were out in full force soliciting donations and discussing the project with members of the community. “For only $50,” Silverman told me, “your contribution will purchase a water filtration system for a family in need of clean drinking water.” I need to be reminded sometimes, that it’s the smallest things (like fresh water for me and the dog) that I seem to take for granted. Looking to help? Contact Gary at gsilverman@hvc.rr.com, “or any Rotary member,” he suggested as I moved on. “And thank you! Every dollar helps!”

Many of us don’t have much spare cash and are busy with jobs, kids, homes and farms to run but still seem to find the time. I see hands stretching across county lines on a daily basis, as friends and neighbors do what they can to help one another. “Of course, money is always good,” WJFF radio station volunteer Kevin McDaniel said when I stopped by the booth, “but our hydro-powered community station is always looking for volunteers who are willing to share their time and talents with us.” As I reached for a bumper sticker, Kevin smiled. “That will be $5, please,” he said, extending a hand. Scrounging through my wallet, I reminded him of Ethel Percy Andrus and how her words echo the sentiment of the station itself: “The human condition is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.”

“Uh-huh,” he smirked. “That’ll be five bucks.”

My visit to the fair was only the tip of the iceberg, and I gathered info on dozens of worthy organizations before heading over to Bethel Woods (www.bethelwoodscenter.org), where more volunteer opportunities were being presented. “We’re always looking to meet members of the community,” manager of volunteer services Kellee Thelman told me, “and we strive to make all opportunities an experience—hopefully one that is educational, inspirational and empowering for individuals in Sullivan County and surrounding areas. I know you’re a busy guy,” she said. “Do you have time to volunteer?”

Thelman’s question gave me pause as I headed out the door, thinking about another quote I had read somewhere. “I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that,” Joyce Flaugher once said. “Then I realized I was somebody.”

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