I am too busy to write a column today.

Emergency dental work and other distractions are keeping me away. Deadline is approaching, and I am stressing out.

What else is new?

It seems to be a daily way of life so I’ll find the time to write.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve met many people who not only read my column but also look forward to reading it. That came as a pleasant surprise to me and provides motivation. Thank you.

Our new Giving page that debuts in today’s newspaper received great feedback. Please pass the word and let folks know that Thursday is the place to go to learn about what is happening in the world of nonprofit and service organizations.

Do you know of someone worthy of the honor of “Volunteer of the Week?” If so, please let us know who and why that individual is deserving.

Now for a shameless plug.

The Niles-Buchanan Rotary Club of which I am a member is in the process of our biggest fundraiser of the year. I have raffle tickets for sale. We are only selling 200, and the winner can come away with $5,000. Second prize is $2,000; there are two third prizes of $500 each and four fourth prizes of $250 each. Now the price tag is big at $100, but you can go in with three friends at $25 each for good odds of a big return. That’s probably better odds than what the new Four Winds Casino provides. And it is for a worthy cause as the remainder of the $20,000 will be presented to local students for college scholarships. I’d like to sell five tickets by the end of next week.

Please contact me here at my Niles office if you have interest. My direct line is (269) 687-7700 or e-mail me at Michael.bennett@leaderpub.com.

A proposition

I had the great pleasure of enjoying wonderful weather at the opening day ceremonies of the Howard Township Little League. There was a great turnout, and many families were there with cameras. What if Leader Publications provided galleries on our website where you could post photographs of similar events? We have an online audience of 50,000 plus that would enjoy these shots. And we would also publish them in our paper and on our Facebook fan pages.

Would you be willing to participate?