Volunteers are the lifeblood of every community. In small towns like ours, there is an especially visible presence, as so many people of all ages dedicate their spare time to help others. Men and women, as well as youth, pitch in to help and sometimes dedicate even more time and energy to get the necessary training they need as firefighters or emergency medical technicians. This insures that all of these important community services remain viable. Each individual who has continued serving selflessly throughout these stressful two and a half years needs to be acknowledged for their dedication. After all that we have been through in these difficult days adapting as the pandemic waxes and wanes unpredictably. It only makes sense that we stop taking them for granted.
We cannot overlook the valuable work done by volunteers in the public sector. They have to be ready to handle any and all emergencies that arise. Sooner or later, we will each have our own personal emergency pop up and we soon learn more about the essential work they perform. Meeker has continued to use as many of these dedicated individuals to provide a high quality of service not found in every community. As a new town resident years ago, when I was injured in a car accident, I found myself counting on the kindness of the EMTs, as well as so many others in the community. And they continued for months to check in on me for months.
I was told recently that the present volunteers are getting “burned out.” Originally most of them planned to stay active in the community until they could no longer meet the challenge, but had they had to get help for themselves. One cold day they “aged-out” — out of volunteering. I am hopeful that newcomers or folk, who either didn’t have the time before to offer their help to various organizations earlier will step up.
Often you will find the same family names on the wide variety of special districts or boards over the years, which reflect each individual’s belief in the important of giving service to the community.
The youngest children in these families are often included at the earliest age of going with their parents, grandparents, or siblings to do their part in volunteering. Almost as soon as they go to school, they often participate in visiting senior citizens at the Walbridge Wing.
I was teaching preschoolers years ago when I first heard a little one stand up in front of her classmates and exclaim, “I am a bolunteer too!” after describing a visit with her family to the nursing home. She said it with such pride! Her statement summed up her feelings about herself and her growing identity in being an important contributor to her community. I had always been aware of the families that practiced what they “preached” and modeled the best examples of community involvement. I continue to be amazed how many community organizations still make sure that all the young people not only learn to strengthen the bonds between all ages in our community, they model this same caring attitude for the youth, as well.
Community relationships, like family connections, can be messy and complicated. No one ever minds the presence of the little ones taking time out of their busy days with artwork and dandelion bouquets in hands. They will be sure to thank you all for coming. And with that in mind, I plan to thank everyone who gives their time and energy to keep Meeker thriving. So if I neglect to do so when next I see you, here is an early “thank you.”
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
