Time – it flies and it drags.  It is precious and it is wasted.  We are told that time waits for no one, and we’re told that time stands still.  Which is it?  As a youth whole summers whooshed by in a blur.  One moment I’m at Mentor Recreation Park swimming, the next I am sitting in Mrs. Williams English class at MHS.  As a local educator the final five minutes before the dismissal bell seemed to last an entire geological epoch.  Now retired and seemingly older and wiser, nights are long and the years shorter.  Where does the time go?

Yes, time flies (tempus fugit).  Time also lies (tempus mendaci).  Time is a shape-shifter.  It seems endless but it does run out.  The year 2016 has begun and right until its very end, you’ll have plenty of time.  Just remember the plenty is always getting shorter.  As time lies to us, we need to avoid lying to ourselves.  Make time in 2016 for yourself.  As always I wish that 2016 may be your best year ever.  But I also challenge you to volunteer your time, not to some personal cause but to one of Lake County’s volunteer historical sites / organizations.  These societies are staffed by local volunteers. Volunteers who are passing onto you that which was passed onto them – a rich county history and a story still being written today.  Monetary donations are always nice, but the gift of time to a historical organization of your choice in 2016 will ensure that as time stays and we pass, the rich local history of Ohio’s smallest county will remain for future generations to experience.

Some local volunteer historical societies to consider for 2016 include-

Fairport Harbor Lighthouse & Marine Museum

Lake County History Society

Indian Museum located in downtown Willoughby

Kirtland Temple

Willoughby Hills Historical Society

Wickliffe Historical Society at Coulby Estate

Willoughby Welcome Center / History Center

Submitted by   Dan Maxson

Community Media Blogger since 2010 – News-Herald

Volunteer – Fairport Harbor Historical Society