The Hinsdalean_2019-02-14

OPINION

EDITORIAL A nod to those who have a heart to assist others

scenes helping to make the event a success. • Emily Van Houtte, for her involvement with the Hinsdale Historical Society Women’s Board for four years and theHinsdaleHistorical Society for eight years. She also has volunteered for nine or 10 years as a docent or committee member for the KitchenWalk fundraiser, earning her the unofficial title of “Queen of the Kitchen Walk.” • Katy Lee and Maria Mohl for serving as co-chairs for CupidCourtsMisericordia for nine years, using their love of paddle tennis to help others in need. The event has doubled in size since its inception and has brought the paddle community together for a fun day and a great cause. • Mary Buddig for her selfless dedication of time to the Hinsdale Assembly Board to raise money for the Hinsdale Hospital, serving neigh- bors through leading a prayer group and collect- ing Christmas donations, and being involved in various other community projects. • Elaine Adams, for her work as a Wellness House volunteer for more than nine years, facil- itating wig appointments for participants, serv- ing as a front desk greeter, helping with art classes and coordinating appointments for the new Unique Boutique salon with compassion, humility and humor.

• Laura Alter, for her leadership of the Junior Boardof theHinsdaleAuxiliary of InfantWelfare Society of Chicago. The board introduces a new generation of volunteers in grades eight to 12 to the joy of service. She is also a powerhouse fundraiser and sponsor recruiter to support the Tablescapes raffle and silent auction. • Vicki Jacobsen for her years of volunteer work with the Hinsdale Humane Society, serv- ing primarily as an expert dog walker for the more difficult dogs and making sure they get needed exercise and enrichment on even the coldest days of the year. Her vast knowledge of dog training and behaviors, and willingness to pitch in any way she can are a gift. • Chris Hotchkin, for her time and expertise in coordinating and leading Assistance League Chicagoland West’s philanthropic programs for the last three years. Her kindness, thoughtful- ness and willingness to lend a hand has made all ALCWmembers better. • Freda Schwaner, for her generous donation of more than 450 hours of her time to HCS Family Services in a little over two years as a food pantry volunteer. She’s always happy to lend a helping hand when help is needed, living by the motto, “If I can help someone, then my living will not be in vain.”

Happy Valentines Day! This annual rite of affection has inspired us over the years to show a little love to those helping to make the com- munity a better place through their volunteer- ism and selfless service. Here are our 2019 shout-outs to the ser- vant-hearted in our midst, courtesy of grateful Hinsdale organizations. • Natalie Ryan, Hinsdale Auxiliary of Children’s Home & Aid volunteer, for her com- mitment, dedication and hours of volunteer- ing, particularly chairing the annual Kentucky Derby Party last May. The event helped raise more than $100,000 for the agency’s essential programs. • Ed McCarthy, Hinsdale Central Boosters board member, for taking on an expanded role this year co-chairing the indoor and out- door concessions stands at Hinsdale Central, a responsibility not unlike running a small busi- ness. He does it all with an open mind and a smile on his face. • Eva and Mike Field for their dedication to the Red, White & Blues fundraiser for the last two years to benefit U.S. military troops. They have served on the event committee and given countless hours of time and effort behind the

COMMENTARY Loving is easier when recipients are not enemies

of my dog and sweep the snow off my walk and shout “Hello” when they see me rushing to or fromwork. But this is where I get into trouble. I do not love the neighbors who don’t shovel and never shout “Hello” when they see me. Nor do I love the readers who have called me over the years and

On Valentine’s Day, most peo- ple are thinking about romantic love. I always think about Valentine’s Day my sophomore year in col- lege. My boyfriend made me a homemade card and asked me to wear his lavaliere (a step before getting pinned). He was smart enough not to buy it in advance, as I had rejected this idea previously. But once I said yes, he walked a mile and a half in the snow to buy me one. He’s nowmy husband and has done many nice things for me on Valentine’s Days over the years. None have topped our first year Valentine’s Day together, though. Yes, Valentine’s Day is a time for romantic love. But I’ve also been thinking this year about the other kinds of love that are important to me. I love my family. I especially love getting together with my hus- band’s extended family —his two

cousins and their spous- es and six children. Add in my in-laws, an uncle, my brother- and sister- in-law and our niece and nephews and you have a house full. For an only child, looking around a crowded family

moment. And I wonder what my world would be like if I did. What would it take, I can’t help thinking, for me to love the very least of my enemies? To overcome the slight bit of disdain or con- tempt I feel? What would it take for me to love the worst of them? To overcome deep hurt or distrust or disappointment? Would my enemies become my friends? Maybe some. Probably not all. But I know our relationship would change. Two people don’t need to change for a relationship to change — only one person needs to start a different step to change the dance. I don’t know if I can love my enemies. I don’t know if I’m strong enough. But I’d sure like to try. Maybe I can begin today. — Pamela Lannom is editor of The Hinsdalean. This column first was published Feb. 14, 2008.

room and seeing only people you’re related to (by marriage or blood, it really doesn’t matter) is a cool thing. I love my friends. I ignore them and they ignore me as we get caught up in the little details of our own lives, but we know our friend- ship is always there. We can pick right where we left off whether we haven’t talked for days or weeks or months or even years. That’s a true gift to have in a relationship and I consider myself lucky to have it. I love my neighbors. I should say I love the neighbors who take care

Pamela Lannom

accused me of being corrupt or stupid or insensitive or anti-Chris- tian. I do not love the people who flip me off when I take an extra few seconds to respond to a green light because I’m changing a CD. I do not love bigots or racists. I do not love those who take advantage of the weak or those who make themselves feel better by making others feel worse. In short, I do not love my ene- mies — real, perceived or of the

Page 12 • February 14, 2019 • The Hinsdalean