"...wouldn't be the same without you."

Recently I traveled home to the small town in Minnesota where my mom and dad live, to celebrate his 73rd birthday. My parents subscribe to the Anchor, so they can keep up with Ella's (and occasionally Evan's) activities, and just to stay abreast of what's happening in Northwood. He asked if, "...that theatre you guys have is still up and running," to which I replied, "Well, sure it is, Dad. We're going there tomorrow night as a family to see a movie, as a matter of fact." He then proceeded to spend a good five minutes praising our community and the people in it, for all that they do to make life better. Hearing that from him was a refreshing reminder of one of the most valuable treasures we enjoy in the communities of Kensett and Northwood: volunteers. Volunteers ensure that our local theatre operates seven days a week. Volunteers take tickets, keep score, operate the concessions stand, run the clock, and handle many other responsibilities at all of our sporting events. Volunteers handle our fire and rescue services. Volunteers coach our youngsters, and host the Post Prom events every spring. Volunteers donate blood, they donate money, they donate goods and services, and they donate time. Volunteers are at the center of most of the activities occurring day in and day out here in our slice of north Iowa, and I felt that using my article this month to express my gratitude and the gratitude of the entire school community was the very least I could do. Thank you for all that you do, parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. Life here would not be the same without you.