In the New Testament Jesus Christ speaks of when he was hungry, and of other needs: "When you do for others in need, you do for me." </p><p>This speaks to the very heart and soul of volunteerism. It states that we share a responsibility for each other as part of the united family of man. It says, yes, we are our brother's keeper, no man is an island and, yes, it does take a village. Two things have happened recently which bring that fact clearly to view; the death of two homeless people and the work of Gloria Mendonca and her crew at the warming shelter in the Miller & Lux Building. We do not need to look at other countries to see need. We have it here. There have been homeless in Los Banos for a long time. </p><p>I value The Salvation Army or anyone who sees the need and tries to help, not judge or ignore, just help. It is my wish this new year that we all try to support these groups that help. Be it cans of food or clothing for Saint Joseph's Thrift Shop, food or money for The Salvation Army, wherever there is need.</p><p><b>A salute</b></p><p>The words Sandy Lemas and retirement seem like an oxymoron. Those of us who know this earth angel well understand that now Sandy will never really stop working. We know that Sandy will be working harder than ever at her many helpful causes she has been dedicated to for years. Sandy's retirement is really Worknet's loss. Sandy has been the incredible force behind this county program for years. </p><p><b>Birthday balloons</b></p><p>Belated happy birthday wishes to Debra Owen.</p><p>Jean Bright celebrated her birthday on Jan. 1.</p><p>Special birthday wishes to Mary Lee with lots of love from her husband, Larry Vierra. </p><p>Happy January birthdays to John Machado, Jerry Davis, Jennifer Knight, Jim Garrison, Alfonso Munoiz and San Dee Rooney.</p><p><b>365 days</b></p><p>If you have never seen the great musical movie "Rent," you may not have heard the inspirational song "365 Days," which talks about all the moments contained in one year. The story covers a year in the life of the main characters, whose lives are forever changed by the passage of those 12 months. Another one of my favorites is an old classic with Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn, "Same Time Next Year." In this story, the couple meet only once a year over decades. Anyone who has had a baby or lost a loved one, knows that their whole life can be changed in a moment. Time is relative. I stand and my mind can look backwards or forwards, but my feet can only walk in the present. Happy now, and until next time, may all your news be good news.