November 4, 2009 > Letter to the editor: Time Well Spent Letter to the editor: Time Well Spent This is a truly poignant time of year; it's a bounteous time, a time of harvest, a time of giving and sharing. It's a time that evokes generosity and gratitude, a time to contemplate the things for which we're thankful. Lately, much has been publicized about our country's need for volunteers. How appropriate it is, then, to recognize the good done each year by those who do volunteer. The beginning of November marks California Retired Teachers Week. When teachers retire, they face innumerable choices regarding how to spend their time; many choose to use their time for the betterment of countless people and causes. The Fremont, Union City, Newark division (F.U.N. #91) of the California Retired Teachers Association (CALRTA) compiled more than 31,000 hours of service this year alone in activities as varied as the retired teachers themselves. Their volunteerism includes working with local schools, hospitals, libraries, churches, police departments, youth organizations, parks, charities, seniors, art and music guilds/groups, positions on city boards and committees. Clearly, a teacher's work is never really done, even when retired. Teachers passionately ascribe to the philosophy of not asking what others can do for them, but what they can do for others. I stand in awe of my colleagues and their selfless volunteerism. Stephanie Moody Fremont