One of the best things about the Christmas season is all the “good will” that shows up in the hearts of folks who feel the wonderful spirit of helping others.

Hillsboro has a long history of its citizens joining together and celebrating all the  things that honor the little, new born child who arrived in this world in a stable.

You don’t have to look far in this town to feel that spirit, whether its the Lions Club Empty Stocking project or the year-round service provided by the Good Samaritan Thrift Store and Food Pantry.

This Saturday, the Hillsboro Wesleyan Church is sponsoring its Free Christmas Community Dinner for the 11th year.
Folks who would enjoy sharing a meal with friends, new and old, are invited to join their neighbors at the Hillsboro High School Cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 21. There will be plenty of food and fellowship to go around and many folks have been enjoying the early Christmas Dinner for years.

If you are in need of a ride to the school or a delivery to your home, please call Greg Zimmerman at 608-479-0175 by Friday, Dec. 20.

The dinner is also supported by Hillsboro businesses and groups.

Enjoy yourself, and please pass the potatoes!           

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Hillsboro Scoutmaster Tom Stowell, who incidentally received an early Christmas gift when his son, Matt, returned from National Guard Basic and Advanced Individual Training in Oklahoma, reported some other good news.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, two elves from Hillsboro Equipment, Matt and Aaron Hammer, delivered a donation on behalf of the Charity Tractor Pull to Scout Troop 83.

It’s another example of local folks pulling together for worthwhile causes.

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On another note, here’s a story that is guaranteed to at least deliver a smile.

A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop.

The surgeon was waiting for the service manager to come out and take a look at his bike.

The mechanic shouted across the garage: “Hey Doc, can I ask you a question?”

The surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the Harley. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag, and said, “So, Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, fix ‘em, put ‘em back in, and when I finish it works just like new.

“So, how come I get such a small salary, and you get the really big bucks, when you and I are doing basically the same work?”

The surgeon paused, smiled, leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic....”Try doing it with the engine running!”