Labor Day weekend is often referred to as “the last hurrah of summer.”

In a normal year, many families will gather for a backyard barbecue, horseshoes, corn hole, swimming or just relaxing and visiting. You notice I said “normal” and 2020 has been anything but normal.

Many will have the day off for the holiday, but for me the real heroes are the law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, nurses and emergency room personnel. They rarely get to celebrate a holiday on the actual day for they are on duty and ready to go into action for an emergency. Kudos to all!

Some schools are already in session — some in person, some hybrid and others online— however students are attending, I wish a very different and fruitful year from the previous year. Some schools begin Tuesday and others later in the month.

School never started until after Labor Day when I was in school, and we were still out by Memorial Day. I really don’t remember fog delays or snow day back then. Of course, we didn’t have spring break then, either.

For those students participating in sports, my hope is for a good year and for you to remember to social distance and wear your mask. I have watched a couple of football and volleyball games online. I was impressed — especially to see the football players stand on a marked spot when not on the field. Coaches seemed to do a good job social distancing, as well.  

In case you hadn’t heard, in less than 60 days, an election will be held to elect a president of this great country. There are several options for citizens to vote: in person with early voting available, absentee ballot or vote by mail. A letter was sent to all Ohio voters in the past week by the Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose with an absentee ballot application on the back of the letter. If you are leery of in-person voting on Election Day, this is a perfect solution for you to perform your patriotic and civic duty. If you consider this, I would encourage to return it immediately. If you don’t feel comfortable returning it by mail, your absentee ballot can be dropped off in a box at the board of elections office. If you don’t drive, ask a family member to drop it off for you — just vote.

Again, my best wishes to all students, teachers, administrators and other staff, for a successful and CDC compliant start to the new school year.

Let me leave you with this quotation by Malala Yousafzai: “let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

Until next week. Be Safe. Wear your mask.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer and may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com.

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