Holiday thoughts amid vacation preparations….

With the unsettled state of the world, and the unsettled state of the economy, December’s holiday season is just as unsettled as was November’s.

The one thing that has changed, for the better, is that many hostage families are together again.

The holiday thought that comes to mind this year bears on both issues: what can we do, individually, to make a difference in the state of the world and the state of the economy?

I’ve always believed one aspect of our lives that makes this old world go ’round, and makes things brighter and better for everyone, is volunteerism.

Our community, our state, our country, and our world could not survive without it.

At no time, in my lifetime, has the need for volunteerism been more evident to me.

Volunteering takes many forms, whether it’s at work, at church or in the community. It even extends to athletics, which brings me to the point of this column.

Jon Kunz stopped by the office the other day. He is not a happy man.

“Track and field is dying,” said the Maine certification chairman of The Athletics Congress. “We’re trying desperately to build up the organization.”

Kunz came in to call attention to a track and field officiating clinic which TAC will sponsor at the University of Maine baseballclubhouse in Orono on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. The clinic is free.

“We have less than 10 certified officials for track and field above Waterville,” Kunz said. “We need certified officials in order to give all athletes the best opportunity to have better competition because of the way meets are run.”

Non-certified officials can, and do, run meets, “But,” he said, “you want to give athletes the best atmosphere possible to compete in.”

The philosophy of TAC is that the athlete comes first and winning is second. “A meet takes 80 officials to actually do it right,” Kunz said.

“There are not 80 certified officials in Maine. We have just 44. At most meets, there are no inspectors and no referees.”

Most track and field athletes, Kunz theorized, don’t realize officials for their sport have uniforms (blazers and slacks) as do other sports, since most of those officiating track and field wear whatever is comfortable.

“Can you imagine a basketball official or football official working without a regulation uniform?” Kunz asked.

Kunz is looking for younger people to take an active interest in this sport. But that means they must be willing to volunteer their time and talent.

“You have to love the sport,” he said. “The only paid positions in track and field are the starters.”

But for Kunz, and others who believe in volunteering, there are many rewards.

“The people you meet and the experiences you go through as a certified official with other state officials is wonderful,” he said. “It’s a volunteer effort that produces a great camaraderie. And other rewards come from it, like knowing what you’ve done for the kids who participate, whether it’s for high school, college or recreational meets.”

So, in the spirit of giving this holiday season, here’s one way some of you may be able to make a contribution to a specific sport. Volunteer to be a certified track official. Attend the clinic Jan. 8.

And, if that’s not your interest, then volunteer in a sport you do enjoy. You’ll be happier for it, and so will those you serve. –

This volunteer, and her family, wish all of you a happy holiday season. See you next year!