The change of seasons usually comes in fits and spurts. Think of snow on blooming daffodils in early March or 70-degree days a week before Christmas.
But this year’s Labor Day weekend came with a sudden whoosh of perfectly cool, clear weather that seemed to say enjoy the weekend, because we’re back into the seasons of hustle and bustle.
Footballs are already spiraling through the air. Thumbs up to the players who sweated through the summer to get this far and the coaches to have prepared them. But thumbs up as well to the booster club parents staffing the concession stands, the band members trying to get every step and note right during halftime and the cop keeping on eye on everything and making sure no one in the stands gets too rowdy.
Thumbs up as well to the volleyball players, the cross country runners, the debate and forensics students, all the others who represent their schools in competition, as well as the the coaches and supportive parents who make it all happen.
Thumbs up to the volunteers working at booths at local festivals over the next few weekends to raise money for community groups.
Thumbs up to those who know that the holidays are closer that the weather would indicate and are already quietly, diligently planning for the string of events – from the local “Messiah” performance in late November to the moment with Santa that touches a child’s heart – that highlight the end of the year.
This list could go on, but the point is that volunteers are the essential players – often behind the scenes – at so many events that we can easily take for granted. These are tough times, and lots of people have had to take on a good deal more at work. These are many of the same people asked to fill the gaps – giving more time, giving more money – for community groups.
They deserve thanks.
