You Matter

There will be 1 billion fewer cigarettes smoked and 274 million fewer cigarettes littered if nobody lights up today. People say it is hard to stop smoking, but isn't it harder to keep doing it?

61% of low-income families have no books in their homes. Survey your bookshelves and pull out books that you won't read again. Donate them to a local literacy organization, school or library.

Animals are unconcerned about age, looks, or physical ability; they accept you just as you are. If you're thinking about getting a pet, seriously consider adopting.

In contrast with our ex-President, it is not be surprising that there has been great commentary on Obama's impressive mastery of language. And yet it is not only his words that move us, but his inclusion.

At the end of 2009, don't you want to look back and see that you made a difference? That you matter? This is the first Monday of the New Year. Start it off by making a difference.

Reading is like exercising -- mental and physical benefits flourish with regular practice. It relaxes, entertains, and inspires your soul. So take time to read... this column doesn't count.

A safe neighborhood is created when the people who live in it look out for one another and their property. Let's make it more difficult for burglars to do their job.