Letter to the editor from Sarah Abel-DeLuca

Letter to the editor from Sarah Abel-DeLuca

To the Editor:

In these hard economic times, it may seem counterintuitive to be generous; yet generosity, like honesty, is more than a virtue. It's also the best policy.

This year I've had ample opportunity to experience the immediate and tangible results of others' generosity, and it has inspired me to start living generously myself. To give just a few examples: community advocates Lyndi McNulty and Pam Zappardino contribute to virtually every good cause in Carroll County, so I said yes without hesitation to their recent requests to donate paintings for local charity auctions.

Local business owner Karen Pelton's charitable spirit has encouraged me to seek new outlets for my particular volunteering gift: supporting and mentoring fellow artists. The dedication and enthusiasm of Tim Rogers, Laurie Walters, a large group of excellent docents, and all the others who worked tirelessly on the recent Historic Westminster Holiday Home Tour paid my husband and me back a hundredfold for being hosts, as did the generosity of the tour participants.

Hundreds of people filed through all but one room of our 1870s Victorian house on a snowy, messy day -- yet our hardwood floors and carpets sustained absolutely no damage; none of our possessions was lost, stolen, hurt or disturbed in any way; and our house was left warmer and cozier by their visits, despite the chilly wind blowing in the front door. I should also mention local merchants such as Hickory Stick and The Flowerbox, who contributed decorations to houses on the tour.

The temptation, when times are tough, money is scarce, and fear is everywhere, is to pull in one's resources, stop giving to charities, and buy from the cheapest of big box stores rather than from local merchants or chains that have a commitment to their communities, the environment, or other good causes. I've given into this temptation many times myself. But thanks to the good example of citizens and businesses in our own community, I'm going to resist it this year. Pennypinching breeds scarcity. Generosity breeds abundance.

Pass it on.

Sarah Abel-DeLuca
Westminster

20090203 Letter to the editor from Sarah Abel-DeLuca
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/