I hate winter.
Like a bear, I hole up as much as I can, looking no further than the television set or a good book. I like sweaters and soup, but beyond that, I can’t find one redeeming value to winter except that it allows us the audacity to sit complacently and guilt-free doing nothing but reading a book or the Sunday paper.

That said, I’m looking through our ads and news stories this week and there is plenty to do. I often hear young people remarking that there is nothing to do in a small town. They say it. We said it. Our parents said it (although I’m not sure about Dad-he always said there was something to do like pulling weeds or some type of work). And our grandparents probably said it.

It looks like our town’s volunteer spirit is alive and well. The Hometown Volunteers, one of my favorite groups, are planning two more fish fries for those of us who can’t get enough fried fish. The newly formed and very active Community Betterment Association group is holding its first Polar Plunge (did I say I hate winter and that I will reluctantly photograph) and Meyer Implement is holding its open house, as is the R-1 School District. Couple this with the volunteer efforts of the Friends of Holy Rosary’s basketball games, Julie Hays’ efforts to rejuvenate a youth soccer program in Monroe City (I like soccer-a warm season sport), free community dinners sponsored by the local churches, a lock-in for girls at the First Baptist Church, Lenten breakfast and much more.
Our town is lucky to have so many, many things to do and so many, many volunteers to spearhead these events.