Editorial
Volunteerism
Not a lot of people take time out of their day to hold the door for the next person or stop

to help someone who dropped their papers in the middle of a windy day.

That means the effort and the caring that a man like Denis Cormier shows by spending 26 years volunteering with the Boy Scouts of American, the Knights of Columbus and in town government should not be overlooked.

Cormier's son made sure that his father at least had the chance for recognition and the Governor's Points of Lights Committee confirmed it.

The 70-year-old Ashburnham resident has been serving his community in one way or another since his discharge from the military in 1960.

People like Cormier, who don't hesitate before volunteering their time, should make us all think twice about our own time commitments. We rush around to get everything done to make our lives easier and to make things more convenient for ourselves. Then we look for just enough time to take a break and recharge our own batteries.

People like Cormier or those who volunteer to help with the Girl and Boy Scouts and other community organizations, or those who help with national organizations like the American Red Cross or the Relay for Life, should be acknowledged for their time and effort.

Cormier's son said his father's retirement allowed him 40 more hours a week that he could donate to others. It's a remarkable testament to a life of volunteerism.

Everyone should be encourage to start simple - most people can't go from doing nothing to spending hundreds of hours of their time helping out the cause or the group that is closest to their heart. But, we can each turn and help our neighbor, when that fleeting thought crosses our mind that they may just need a helping hand.