In an interview with Independent Editor Mike Lamb, longtime Wabasso Lions Club member Dean Fischer says he lives by many mottos. There is one, however, that fits his mission in life really well. According to Fischer, the motto is posted in the Lion Bar inside the Wabasso Community Center.

It states: “Volunteers don’t necessarily have time. They just care.”

It’s an admirable motto to live by. Because so many people like Dean live by that motto throughout southwest Minnesota, our communities are so much better off.

And so are the many festivals and community events that occur throughout the year. That is why the staff at the Independent profiled 19 dedicated individuals who have — and continue to — work organizing community events such as county fairs and community summer festivals.

The profiles will appear in the Hometown special section that is inserted in today’s edition of the Independent.

The Independent publishes the Hometown special section each year — usually in March. The section takes on different themes. This year the theme was “Summer Festivals.” However, the dedicated people who were profiled were also involved in community events that occurred throughout the year. That means some these volunteers are tirelessly working on one event after the other. And some oftentimes are working on many community projects.

Why?

We discovered it was mostly that they believe in their communities and the residents who live in them. Their many volunteer hours do come with sacrifices for themselves and their families. However, we also found out that wives and children oftentimes pitch in to help. We also discovered that many of our volunteers profiled were raised by parents to serve their communities.

These 21 people and all the other volunteers who work on our community festivals and events throughout the year deserve our gratitude. Without them, these events could not happen.

Finally, writing 21 profiles is a major project for a small editorial staff. Besides Lamb, staffers Deb Gau and Samantha Davis also pitched in. But the Independent also received help from correspondents Jim Tate and Sariah Cheadle. The Independent appreciates their help.

Again, we appreciate all the hard work by these volunteers.

See you at the upcoming fairs and summer festivals!