In the January 2006 issue of theHumm, we indicated that one of our objectives was to “provide a forum for alternative-to-mainstream opinions and ideas,” and we encouraged readers to send letters to the editor. Here’s one column that generated a whole lot of talk on the street, as well as three letters in response. Read on, and let us know what you think by leaving a comment on our site!
Are You Part Of The Problem Or Part Of The Solution?
by Glenda Jones
Before the cold weather settles in, I need to get Nellie out of the barn and get on my high horse for a swift ride. I’ve been gearing up for this ride for a while, so saddle up, pardners. We’ve got some ground to cover here. Frankly, I’m “het up.”
I attended a meeting last week with the organizers of all the fun we enjoyed in Mississippi Mills last summer. Not only did everyone agree that the summer was a roaring success, but also, we all lined up to repeat it again next year!! Are we crazy?!? No, just very committed to putting Almonte and area on the map as “festival central.” We are prepared to gather musicians, speakers, thespians, and face painters, barricades, barbeques, banners and signs to entertain everyone in fine fashion at the least expense. We’ll badger merchants for sponsorship, which they will generously donate; we’ll write copious articles for newspapers, we’ll bend over backwards to give our community a full and enriching schedule of events.
Now, here comes the message. It’s a very small band of “we” who do all this work. Every time I attend one of these meetings, I see the same cheerful faces, and every one of these people share the same experience. “We” are burning out as volunteers. Sure, people will tell us what a swell time they had at RiverEdge or Celtfest, but just as quickly they will declare they are “too busy” to give even a few hours to sit on an organizing committee or man a ticket booth. Our town is growing at a phenomenal rate if the traffic at 5PM is any indication, and yet we are not seeing these new residents coming forward to lend a hand. Are you waiting for us to entertain you? Are you shy about sharing your talents? Are you “too busy” driving into the Big City every day, shopping outside our area? Are you happy living what you might call a rural existence without ever enjoying the true nature of rural living, which is to get involved with your community?
"The Great Volunteer Debate" »
