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Key to contentment

During the long, dreary days of winter, it's easy to get discouraged. It's sometimes difficult to keep a positive attitude about a job or the community.

Once in awhile it means taking a step back and reevaluating what we have.

By looking around, talking to people, and listening, it's evident there are a number of people who care about what happens in Marion and are concerned about the future.

Where's the evidence?

A week ago Monday, several Marion residents showed up at a county commission meeting to voice opinions about a county economic development position.

They showed up again Thursday night when commissioners met to hear discussion from residents of the county.

Read the story about MCTV in this week's issue. Talk about a group of individuals who care about Marion! Volunteers have spent countless hours building and improving Warrior TV so sports and school fans can follow the home teams throughout the season.

They certainly don't do these things because of the monetary rewards. They do it because they care about Marion.

Marion Advancement Campaign is another group working for Marion. Efforts are progressing for the community center/theater project. MAC members are confident a grant will be awarded and the project will become reality.

There's still a lot of work to do and funds are needed. Fund-raisers have helped. Big donations would really boost the momentum of the project. MAC is a not-for-profit organization so donations are tax deductible. Talk to a member about making a monetary donation.

Another group working for positive outcomes in Marion is Marion Elementary School Building Improvement Team (MESBIT). A letter to the editor this week asks local businesses and residents to support MES students when they begin testing for state assessments.

The goal is to reach the state standard of excellence in each category of testing. This would make Marion/Florence USD 408 one of the best school districts in the state.

All these ideas, efforts, and projects are being organized and accomplished by people who care about Marion.

The step back to reevaluate what we have is an eye-opener. After all, the key to contentment isn't getting what we want, it's wanting what we have. What we have are some awesome people willing to work for our community.

— DONNA BERNHARDT

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