If I were going to become a cynic, this should have been the year. Between the chaotic economy and a sometimes bruising presidential campaign, it's easy to get caught up in negativity. Yet, in spite of the doom and gloom brought to us in huge, daily doses by TV and radio, I can’t seem to get to that point of cynical surrender.

The antidotes are close at hand. First, there are personal sources of good feelings … family, friends, even blue–sky days or a delicious meal. And then, there is this community. It’s impossible to be cynical when you are still – and frequently – amazed by the spirit and generosity of the people living and working around you. In both my professional and volunteer capacities, I am privileged to experience the commitment, vitality and drive of many, many people who work tirelessly for the benefit of their neighbors. Maybe that sounds like a cliché, but it' s what I see happening all around me.

Newton Memorial Hospital is the perfect example. The Foundation’s mission is to raise money through events and philanthropic giving programs to support the health and wellness needs of our community. Asking for money, however worthy and critical the cause can be challenging. But here’s the amazing thing: during this year of financial flux, the people of our community contributed more than $600,000 to Foundation events and projects. Giving was up and I find that remarkable and gratifying.

Sustaining the financial giving are equally significant gifts of time and energy. It takes many volunteers to successfully organize the Foundation’s four major events – An Evening of Wine and Roses, Gowns and Downs, The Frank Redfern Memorial Golf Open and the C. Edward McCracken Festival of Lights. Clearly, I am not alone in avoiding cynicism!

We all walk through our hospital’s doors for different reasons and with different emotions. I walk in and sense the compassion, vitality and growth of a critical community center. So many improvements and advancements have been made here in a relatively few years, including the new ER, the Charles L. Tice Heart Center, the Primary Stroke Center designation, the Sparta Cancer Center as well as many other new or enhanced programs and services.

On behalf of all of us who serve Newton Memorial Hospital in many different capacities, I thank everyone who has contributed financially and individually to this important community resource. This is not an easy time for many people, and yet I know that new supporters will continue to join us in making our hospital one of the finest regional health care facilities in the country.

I am proud to live in a community that refuses to give in to cynical times and chooses instead to embrace and support what is best in us and for us.