By PHIL OSBORNE

Danville Schools Education Foundation

On Oct. 1, the Danville Schools Education Foundation and the Danville Education Association hosted a candidate forum with the five gentlemen running for the Danville Board of Education. They are, alphabetically, Glenn Ball, Steve Becker, Aaron Etherington, Paul Smiley and Michael Strysick.

As our moderator Barry Peel pointed out, ours is a community that is blessed to have five such highly qualified and community-minded individuals running for these seats.

It is not the position of the foundation to endorse candidates. But I do want to use this platform to encourage each and every eligible voter in this community to make an effort to get out and vote. It is a rare privilege in today’s world to be able to participate in the electoral process — yet a privilege that many, unfortunately, don’t exercise.

We think nothing of standing in line 10 minutes to order a latte, but are loathe to stand in line for any length of time to vote. Try this. On the way to the polls, stop and get your latte; that way, time will pass more quickly while you’re sipping your coffee and talking with friends until you enter the polling booth.

To all of the candidates seeking any elected office, thank you for your commitment to public service! Polls are open until 6 p.m. today.

Now that November is upon us, it is time to start thinking about Giving Tuesday. We have Black Friday, which has now sneaked back into Thanksgiving Thursday. Then we have Small Business Saturday, which encourages shoppers to patronize small retailers and shops rather than that big box alternatives. Of course, that is followed by Cyber Monday, when the Internet will be buzzing with sales from online retailers.

Then, if you have any money left, there is Giving Tuesday — the International Day of Giving. This was an initiative started several years ago to focus on the spirit of giving to non-profit organizations. As a non-profit, the DSEF qualifies as a charitable organization, so any gift you make would have tax benefits, although that is not why most people donate.

I have been in the business long enough to know that most organizations encourage donors to “give until it hurts.” I’m a proponent of “give until it feels good.”

Earmark a little of your Christmas budget to support Giving Tuesday. If not DSEF, any of the numerous community non-profits that appeal to you and your family.

We’re still recruiting dancers for Dancing with the Danville Stars on March 2. In a conversation the other day, a 2000 grad boasted that his class could out-dance any class before or after. Sounds like a throwdown to me. Just sayin’.

If you do have a particular class that would like to challenge another class, bring it!

Have a great week! Go Ads.

Phil Osborne is executive director of the Danville Schools Education Foundation. Email him at posborne@danvilleschoolsfoundation.org or phil.osborne@danville.kyschools.us.