Eons ago, Greek philosopher Socrates proffered that “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” Sounds easy enough. L. Frank Baum agreed in 1900 when he co-wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Remember his message? That you already have answers to all your questions inside you, especially those big-sucker life puzzles.

It takes ALL of them to help raise the money needed to sponsor a Service Dog for a Woman Marine Veteran! It also takes friends, family, organizations and the community at large to support this wonderful cause.  

Being the 100^thanniversary of Zonta International, the Zonta Club of Beaufort took on this huge undertaking not only to change the life of one of our unsung heroes, but also to spotlight their Centennial. Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Newly installed President Pat Green proudly announced at their last meeting that they have already raised $10,000, half of what the sponsorship costs. Donations have come from as far away as California, Colorado and New York. The majority of the funds raised, however, has come from members, local individuals, retired Women Marines and organizations like the Woman Marines Association, Classic Car & Truck Club, Catholic Community from the Depot Chapel, Parris Island, and the Columbiettes. The Carteret St Methodist Women gave a portion of proceeds from their recent Clothing Sale.  Memorial donations have been received for several US Marines and for a deceased Zontian.

In the Fall, Zonta's Woman Marine Veteran will have been on a waiting list for a dog for almost 18 months. “K9 for Warriors” can't train the dogs (90% of whom are rescue animals) fast enough to fill the demand. The program saves the dog, who in turn saves the Veteran. Sponsorship includes veterinary fees, 6 months training for the service dog, transportation of the veteran to and from the training facility, meals and housing for 3 weeks of training together with their new best friend.

If you would like to help give our veteran a “new leash on life,” please make your check out to “K9s for Warriors” and mail to ZONTA, P.O. Box 2234, Beaufort, 29901. They are also taking suggestions for a name for their sponsored dog.  Since all Women Marines are trained on neighboring Parris Island, several Zontians at their own expense, are planning on driving to Florida for the graduation for their Home Town Hero.

Back in December 1971, for my birthday, the only thing I really and truly wanted was a Voice of the Mummy game. I'd seen the spooky pharaoh's tomb commercials on television where the ominous voice of the mummy actually spoke from the sarcophagus at the top of the board game pyramid. (Keep in mind that I'm from the “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?” era, when we'd close the drapes and build a fort out of blankets and pillows to watch our favorite “scary” Saturday morning cartoon. Sort of the same thing.)

Kenny Rogers isn’t the only one who knows about gambling. We gardeners know a thing or two as well. We do it all the time.   

If we rely on plant labels to tell what will grow here, we’re gambling. If the label says good for Zone 8, don’t ante up yet.