Street Talk

You Can Make A Difference In Water Valley

By Jessie Gurner

“What is a volunteer?” Someone who works for no pay? Someone who does something for nothing? These are definitions that are often given. In fact, being a volunteer means that you have a passion: a committed passion to work towards something you believe in.

Why would anyone do something for ‘nothing’? Why give up your time and effort for nothing in return? The truth is you do get paid. Not in money, but in many other ways.

Before you begin to look for a place to volunteer consider the following questions so that you can have a better idea of what you are looking for!

Do you want to volunteer as a one-time event, or find something you can do regularly?

How much time do you want to invest?

When are you available to volunteer?

Are you interested in a specific issue or cause?

Do your friends or family have experience volunteering, and do they have suggestions or contacts?

Main Street is a volunteer-driven, preservation-based, downtown revitalization program. This group is one of many opportunities that Water Vallians have to make a positive difference by becoming a volunteer!

Don McConnell found a great offer from TVA for a home energy audit at www.energyright.com.  If you don’t have internet access you can request a copy of the survey by calling 800-663-1835.

Energy bills are one of the major expenses of your home. The energy right Home e-Valuation is possibly the easiest way to find out how you’re using energy around your home and get expert suggestions on how you could be using energy more efficiently.

When you complete the audit, you will receive a free energy audit report to help you understand where your home is wasting energy – and how you can fix those expensive leaks. The analysis will provide helpful hints to improve the efficiency of your home, addressing issues such as heating and cooling, lighting, water heating, use of electrical appliances and more. The tips are personalized based on your answers about your home and energy use.  

You will also receive a free energy conservation kit filled with items to help you save energy and reduce your electric bill. The kit includes two compact fluorescent light bulbs, outlet and light switch gaskets, filter whistle, two faucet aerators, hot water temperature gauge, home thermometer, and “How to Save” brochure.  

Saturday’s Music in the Park will feature the Oxford R&B group Soule.  They were a hit last year and are sure to be a crowd pleaser again this year.  For a preview of their music, check out their website at www.souletheband.com. For additional information, contact Bonnie Cox at the Chamber of Commerce at 473-1122.