I try to benefit as much as possible from participating in events that echo my beliefs and convictions . Volunteering has blended passion with service….. a very good mixture for me. It is one thing to profess certain beliefs….. quite another to work for them.

Every five years our community honors those who exhibit practices that strengthen the community and inspire others to do likewise.

I fall well below the radar to be recognized as such and am quite satisfied with my occasional efforts to contribute….. the acclaim doesn’t interest me.

So every five years Doctor Jordon contacts me several weeks before to gain my commitment to oversee the parking which is challenging as the location …”the Oberlen House”……. donated by the family……a restored Mansion overlooking the city has limited parking and the invitation list is largely complied of the most generous donors…. and other ranking public officials.
It is challenging to fit the vehicles into approximately a mere acre of land. Having participated in this role four the last 4 ceremonies which occur every 3 years, I must say the contrived system seems to work. We also encourage the attendees to ride together to cut down on the number of vehicles which is approximately limited to 50 and the 3 or 4 limousines for the dignitaries.

Generally there is the opening reception from 7pm-8pm and everyone gathers to enjoy cocktails and lite fare and embellish their stories about their lives littered with more adjectives than I shall pen in a lifetime.

The setting is reminiscent of a bygone era…..where the well to do would gather for an evening of lies and bathroom mischief with the accompanying quartet playing the “ melodies of Sirens.”

There is time generally after the transportation is situated to take a break and have a seat on the grounds which has an abundance of distinct gardens and gazebos where some gather before and after the festivities.

The program itself consists of the 5 celebrants being recognized and they are inducted and recorded on the plaque for that year. Wandering the grounds after the last limo was parked…. I was drawn to an overlook that has a keen vantage point from which to view the city below. I failed to mention the ceremony is held always in late September when the heat of summer has parlayed into a comfortable breeze with the hint of fall approaching.
There was another present at the overlook and I recognized him ….. in spite of the fact he was adorned in a costume he was quite unhappy and uncomfortable in. He is a gifted printer adhering to practices and equipment many deem as archaic. His name is Ivan Popivich, and we are acquainted by previous business transactions as I am a retired teacher in a previous life.

He motioned to me…. “ Please come sit…. God has sent you to absorb my disdain and animosity for dis whole affair….. I neither need nor want recognition for the few things I do for the community. It is only right thing to do to be part of and give back for my life and time here. This is my wife’s doing as she proposed my induction into this high brow group that I have little in common and am grateful for that. I print community bulletin and announcements for the schools and public meetings at no charge…. Not big deal. They in turn bring me much business it is good for my business….”

”This is evening for my wife……she can pretend she is Countess in country we leave….but for me…,no good to pretend….. I am happy to be regular man…. Work hard…. Live well …. Be grateful……Give back…..

Thank you for your ear….. you listen to grieving man has allowed me to go now pretend I am worthy….. we do many things in life to please others at great expense to ourselves….. no”

We embraced and shook hands….. as he gathered himself to go through the painful process of accepting his induction into a society he was actually…. “ above “.

Occasionally life rewards us with occasions that are beyond expectation….. this was one of those occasions.

Volunteer at the “ Celebration of Saints”

–

oboe the hobo

🦍🦜🥭🇱🇷🇵🇭🥭🦜🦍