To the editor:

Well, my friend, the winds of March have arrived a month early here in the Tiny Kingdom, and we already have had the first sightings of daffodil sprouts shooting up from mother earth. So, take that, Boston Blizzard!

On another subject, how are those New Year resolutions working out? Well, as you know, February is well known as the official do-over month. That’s right, on those rare occasions that mark a failure to do the right thing, and this applies to individuals as well as local governments, February is the official do-over month. And have I got a suggested resolution for you!

This resolution will help you feel better from the inside out, and studies show that when this happens your outlook on life improves, your overall health improves and you can actually add years to your active life.  (No, you don’t have to run out and buy another brand of cereal!) When you know you have had a direct, positive impact on someone’s life, it makes you feel wonderful from the inside out! You smile more, eat less and lose weight!

When you resolve to contribute (volunteer) a minimum of four hours a week in any one of a number of areas of service available at St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus, you will be taking the first steps toward a healthier life. Perhaps you’re like my doctor and you don’t like being around sick people. That’s ok. Volunteering at the St. Luke’s Thrift Shop on N. Trade St. in Tryon will be welcomed with open arms by your new BFFs who are already there. In fact, they have volunteer applications right there at the Thrift Shop. You might say they have an app for that!

Most of us (especially if the kids can are grown) have four, five or six hours a week that we can dedicate to helping others. If volunteering at the hospital doesn’t light your candle, then pick one of dozens of organizations in our neighborhood who rely on faithful volunteers. Please, come and join us. We need you. And every new volunteer who signs up before the end of the month gets two free tickets to the local government commissioners meeting of their choice.

For more info, call me at home, I’m in the book. Let’s volunteer together in 2015.

John Calure,
President, St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary