Sarah Nigbor

Last week our country lost a true American icon with the death of country music legend, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton. She died Aug. 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.

What would our world be like if we had more Dolly Partons in it? I think it would be a much better place. But since we can’t clone Dolly, we can follow her example.

“Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact,” said her nephew Bryan Seaver when announcing her death.

I know I’m guilty of not loving people unconditionally. Of scoffing at people’s stupid opinions on social media. Of shying away from people who have been nasty to me. I often remind myself that God loves us all and made us all, and that helps me to be nicer when I’m not feeling particularly loving.

"If you're kind to people, they usually feel bad about not being kind to somebody else. That's how you spread anything, whether it's for good or for bad. So why not spread kindness? People are spreading way too much of the other stuff these days,” Parton told Hello! Magazine in 2024.

This is absolutely the truth. Have you ever heard the saying “you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar?” I have used this tactic time and again with great results. Too bad most politicians don’t realize this.

My mom had a doctor appointment at Western Wisconsin Health last week. While I waited for her in the waiting room, an older man dressed in overalls went to the reception desk to check in. When he learned the doctor had had to reschedule his appointment and that he hadn’t gotten the message they left him, he went berserk, shouting and using profanity. He then took it upon himself to march into the clinic area demanding to be seen. I felt terrible for the ladies at the reception desk, who were mortified. I hope that man reflects on how he treated those women, because it wasn’t right.

A reader named Helen sent me a kind note this week. At the end, she suggested I share some small ways people can offer positive energy to our community. I love the idea, but I can’t take the credit. Here are some ideas from a poster she shared with me. Thank you, Helen! Dolly would definitely approve.

“How to build a community”

Turn off your TV

Leave your house

Know your neighbors

Greet people

Look up when you’re walking

Sit on your stoop

Plant flowers, garden together

Use your library

Play together

Buy from local merchants

Share what you have

Help a lost dog

Take children to the park

Honor elders

Support neighborhood schools

Fix it even if you didn’t break it

Have potlucks

Pick up litter

Help carry something heavy

Hire young people for odd jobs

Organize a block party

Start a community tradition

Bake extra and share

Ask for help when you need it

Listen before you react to anger

Seek to understand

Mediate a conflict

Talk to someone you normally wouldn’t

Volunteer your time

Give someone a genuine compliment

What are some ways you could help “build a community?” How could you be more like Dolly?