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As the holiday season begins — the most wonderful time of the year that is — and life begins to get a little too busy, it’s time for a reporter to empty his overflowing notebook.
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“You have come to realize that the best life is the one lived to help others. Your sense of compassion for those less fortunate is your guiding force and has made you a gift to those around you.”
I’m normally not one to read the horoscopes section of the paper, but I happened to be on that page last week checking the TV schedule when I glanced down to read what Holiday Mathis had to say to all the Leos.
While I don’t put too much stock in horoscopes, the first line was a good reminder not only to those of us with July 23 - Aug. 22 birthdays, but to everyone during the holiday season.
We could say it a million different ways, but the simplest way is often the best: It’s better to give than to receive.
It might be a little easier this year because of the crippled economy to forget about taking time to help those who need it the most around the holidays, but quite simply we can’t. There are lots of ways to help right here in Wells County.
Take for instance the Wells County Food Bank. So far this year, the organization has helped about 240 families a month and has had an average monthly grocery bill of $7,000. In the last two months, however, the Wells organization has helped even more people, as about 280 families were served. Now is an especially important time of the year to donate, as an anonymous donor has again pledged to match all donations to the food back dollar for dollar up to $10,000. (Donations can be sent to the Wells County Food Bank, P.O. Box 186, Bluffton, IN, 46714. The food bank is located at 1254 S. Main St.)
Or, take The United Way of Wells County, another organization that helps countless local causes.
Right now, United Way officials are looking for support for the annual Santa’s Workshop program through the donation of unwrapped toys and financial contributions to make sure every child in Wells County receives at least two major toys and smaller items. The program helped more than 350 families and more than 900 children and senior citizens last Christmas. (Toys should be dropped off at the United Way office at 122 LaMar St., Suite 118 — the GBM Building behind Dairy Queen.)
These are just two of the many ways to help others during the holiday season — a noble undertaking we must not forget this year.
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We read with great interest last week Bluffton-Harrison Superintendent Wayne Barker’s aspirations to publicly unite the B-H community in the coming weeks to discuss the district’s future. Barker wants to work with administrators, teachers, parents and others to build on the district’s strengths and come up with a plan on how to move forward.
Since Barker began his position as superintendent in August, he has gained a reputation as a great communicator who is visible in the district’s schools and genuinely listens to others’ concerns and ideas.
Superintendent Barker plans to meet with administrators and teachers at all three schools and compile their thoughts and suggestions as he moves forward.
We look forward to hearing what Barker learns from others, and commend him for his efforts.
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We couldn’t think of a better, more uplifting way to end today’s column than to remember longtime News-Banner reporter and editor Jim Barbieri.
You probably saw in last week’s News-Banner that Barbieri will be inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame this spring — an honor we ardently believe Barbieri earned a few times over.
The hall of fame was founded back in 1966 by the Indiana chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi.
Its purpose: “To recognize those individuals who have demonstrated over a number of years that they are journalists of the highest distinction; that their dedication and contribution to journalism have in turn contributed to the regard others have for journalism; that their contributions to journalism have resulted in contributions to their communities; and that their contributions to journalism have had a significant impact on the political, social, economic or cultural life of their communities.”
Barbieri epitomizes those four characteristics, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see that Indiana journalists will posthumously honor his more than half-century career in Bluffton.
I still think about Jim on a daily basis and am constantly reminded of his influence in Wells County. I think of him each time I see Bluffton High School, the Boys and Girls Club, the Wells County Arts, Commerce & Visitors Centre, the Wells Community Swimming Pool and countless other structures, as he was a vocal supporter of advancing this community now and for posterity. Wells County is better off today because of Jim. It’s really that simple.
We do miss him around here, but we’ll never forget his legacy, persistence, dedication, goodwill, compassion and indefatigable work habits.
It’s great to see Barbieri being honored for his efforts, but his legacy lives on. He still inspires me every day.
by JUSTIN PEEPER
jdpeeper2@hotmail.com
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