By Kathy Crawford

I like covering volunteer events like the Day at the Lake from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Friday, July 10, at Crow's Creek.

Granted, interviewing people at the lake beats sitting in the office all day. But it's more than that. It's the camaraderie between participants and volunteers that makes for a great atmosphere.

Hosted by the Rehabilitation Center of Kansas City and sponsored by Ameristar Cares, the adaptive water sports clinic is for people living with spinal cord injuries, amputations and blindness.

Participants can get involved in skiing and/or boating. Or they can spend the day watching the water activities and chatting with friends. Volunteers from Ameristar Casino cook and serve lunch for everyone.

Also, people from Smithville and other communities volunteer to drive their boats and jet skis.

They could still use a few jet skis and people who can help lift participants out of boats and onto the dock. If you're interested in volunteering, visit the K.C. Rehab Web site or call Dana Chatlin at 751-7815.

Read the full story about the event in the Wednesday, July 15, issue of The Smithville Herald.

~Kathy Crawford