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Editors note: The following column was the winner of the "There's No Place Like Home" photo and writing contest which was held in Jewell this past month. The entries were to include a photo that captures the spirit of the community. Congratulations to Suzy Bunk Bahr for the winning entry which we are including today as a guest column below:
“The Bootcamp Crew”
One of my favorite things to do is share time with this group. Leaders and warriors, they inspire me in so many ways. They welcome everyone! All you have to do is just show up, and you will feel like you belong. This class is the most inspirational bunch of people I have ever met. They have been doing this for 20 years or more! Never faltering, carrying each other through the classes and through the years….the good and the bad, the sweat, the exercise, supporting and encouraging along the way. I feel proud to belong to this group, I am so glad my husband and I found them.
We share laughter, stories, wisdom. Groans and moans, rain gauge totals, obituaries, gossip, nice walks, swimming and even recipes…. all in the name of fellowship and fitness.
And Community you ask?
These are the people out there in our town fund-raising, going to council meetings, on committees, baking, cooking, in the church groups, donating their time and tired hands because they believe that is their duty.
Just. Show. Up. They lead by example.
You will hear them in the stands cheering on their grandkids and their friends’ kids and see them in the parades and at the festivals and community events, as they work and carry and lift and serve and wash and clean…. and they still get home in time for supper, to feed their farming families and to get that lawn mowed before dark.
If one of their own falls ill or is recovering, they will show up at your door with meals they made from scratch to help feed your family in times of need……and then remind you graciously that you better get your rear back to Bootcamp when you get feeling better. They serve with grace and purpose and expect nothing in return.
There is no greater representation of Community than that.