+I know the word "Kudos" can be an overused term when writers dole out praise. Heck, I admit that I probably use the word more than I should, especially when I'm congratulating the folks who commit acts of kindness (another overused phrase) with the goal of helping those in need.

So why am I using the word "Kudos" again in this column? Because it really does seem to be the appropriate word to use when I describe what I saw last weekend at Stryker's Restaurant in Waynesburg, when I witnessed the outpouring of support from community residents who gathered together for two different fundraisers dedicated to helping the families of two children who died in a fire last month.

I know I have devoted a decent amount of space in this column over the past several weeks writing about the good deeds that have been committed to help the Havrilesko and Holbert families, and by spending a good chunk of this column talking about the Stryker's events I don't want to imply that they were more important than any others that have been held. Because they all deserve recognition.

However, because I was in attendance at one of the fundraisers held at Stryker's I feel the need to share with you some of my thoughts regarding this event. Because I was very impressed by the community support, dedication and hard work that helped make it so successful. (And I will try to refrain from re-using the word "Kudos" over and over again. So get ready for some other similar terms.)

First, two big "Thumbs Up" to Stryker's and to Amanda Wunder, who coordinated the event. Amanda was extremely busy throughout the day, making sure that things went smoothly. And when I saw her later in the evening, she looked very, very proud. Not of herself, but of the folks who came out to support the spaghetti dinner during the day and the live band performance in the evening.

Also, "Hats Off" to the local rock band "Longshot," who performed several hours of high-energy music in the evening, and to musician Mark Palmer, who entertained the dinner crowd with a nice acoustic set. Both performers donated their time and talents to this cause, and they were terrific.

"Pats on the back" also need to go to the many local businesses who donated a wide array of wonderful prizes for the Chinese auction, which helped raise more money during the event.

And of course, we need to offer hearty rounds of "Applause, Applause!" to all of the area folks who took time out of their busy schedules to show their support and attend one or both events.

Amanda said the overall attendance was "overwhelming" and she was proud to announce that the events raised over $2,000.

So, after a month of fundraising initiatives held throughout the county that were strongly supported by many of our residents, it is obvious that our community deserves some more helpings of (oh, I'll go ahead and say it) kudos. As I said before, Greene County may be small in stature, but the hearts of many of our area folks are definitely huge+

+You know, it's funny how life works sometimes. I was typing the last paragraph when I received a phone call from a Messenger reader who wanted to share with me some important thoughts he had that are somewhat related to the fire. The caller (whose name I will omit here out of respect but for the purpose of the column I'll call him "Ike") said he was a longtime area volunteer firefighter and after reading our coverage about the Richhill Street fire he feels that more should be written about fire fighters (as well as emergency service and law enforcement agencies) who assist in emergencies that occur in the county.

Ike made a valid observation that when tragedies like this occur there are stories rarely written about how they impact those men and women in uniform who spend many hours putting out fires or tending to car crashes or other catastrophes, rescuing and helping victims, dealing with injuries they sustained and/or coping with losses of lives.

Ike said these hard-working people - many of whom are volunteers - devote much of their time training very diligently so that they assist others in times of catastrophe. They are also human beings and on many occasions it can be just as difficult for them to deal with tragedy as it is for other community members.

In fact, Ike explained that it might be even more difficult for them on certain occasions because they are dealing with the tragedy first-hand, and when a fatality occurs it could really take its toll on them.

Finally, he said that we should never take them for granted because if it were not for their dedication, training and willingness to serve their communities then we would be in much worse shape when tragedies occur.

After hanging up with Ike, I was grateful for his call, and I realized that I agreed with his points and that he gave me a lot to think about. I was then reminded of a similar conversation I had with Waynesburg Borough Police Chief Tim Hawfield shortly after the fire, who expressed his appreciation and gratitude for a number of area agencies, businesses, emergency service departments, and individuals that lent helping hands on that very cold day.

So, I thank "Ike" for reminding me to remember to thank and recognize all of the parties that show their support in times of tragedy - and to never take for granted those who quietly, efficiently and heroically put their lives on the line in their valiant efforts to serve and protect+

+One final quick note: Last week I hoped and prayed that Punxsutawney Phil would not see his shadow and put an early end to the dreaded winter season. And guess what? The darned rodent pops out and sees his shadow. Great.

That means six more weeks of snow, wind, gloomy overcast skies and bone-chilling cold. Thanks, Phil.

I'm going to see if my boss will let me take the next six weeks off for medical leave. You know what they say, "There ain't no cure for the Wintertime Blues"+

Next week: Men, run for your lives! It's Valentine's Day!