Lodine to perform at Holy TrinityEmily Lodine, Luverne’s mezzo soprano, will host a live performance at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Luverne.The performance is titled "An Evening of Music and Reflection at Christmas."A press release from the Holy Trinity Church says, "Beautiful favorites and special renditions will provide a joyous interlude to the season."The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21.Joan Mork, the organist at the First Methodist Church in Worthington, will accompany Lodine.The church will collect a freewill offering. For more information, phone 227-9258.RSVP’s service to the communityRSVP recently sent out their newsletters with some statistics about their service to the community, and the number is quite amazing.The group, which has 410 registered senior volunteers in Rock County, recorded 6,200 hours of volunteer service in August alone, a new record, according to the director.From January through September 30, a total of 42,000 hours of volunteer service have been recorded.If they concluded that their time is worth roughly $8.50 an hour, that would make their contribution to various Rock County organizations a total of $52,770 in August alone.The activities the group can volunteer for are varied, with 52 registered sites. Members volunteered at 42 of the 52 sites in August alone.Although the majority of the volunteers are women, men are also need in the organization.In schools, some RSVP members serve as greeters on Wednesday mornings at both the high school and elementary, as well as helping students improve their reading skills.In various senior residential facilities around the county RSVP volunteers help with fishing and shopping outings, craft projects, lawn mowing, popcorn popping, mail delivery, bingo, serving coffee, or just visiting someone who would enjoy having someone to talk to.If you would like to volunteer your time to the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, contact Greta Van Der Brink, Rock County RSVP coordinator at 283-5064.Don’t let fire ruin your ChristmasChristmas can be the greatest time of the year, but it can also be the most dangerous.According to fire officials, nine out of 10 fire deaths occur at night when people are sleeping.First, if you don’t have smoke alarms in your home, get some. They don’t cost a lot, but they can save a lot.If you have smoke detectors, when is the last time you checked the batteries?A lot of people like burning candles during the holiday season. Since they are a direct source of fire in your home, be extra cautious.Use non-flammable holders and place them a safe distance from your tree as well as the other holiday decorations you have up around the house.Candles can be a fascination to kids, so make sure they are out of their reach.Remember that your tree is drying up from the time it’s cut.If you’ve ever thrown your tree into a fire after the Christmas season is over, you know how flammable they can be.Check the water in your tree stand every day. The needles should bend, not snap between your fingers.In your home, find a cool spot for the tree, away from heater vents and the fireplace.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com