On Shakespeare, groundhogs and oil

"Beware the ides of March" takes on a new meaning for people who are struggling to keep the utilities on. March 15 is the end of the winter moratorium for utility disconnect and as the weather proves Punxsutawney Phil correct, the calls for utility assistance increase.

My own household has marked record high utility bills for January and February, even after adding attic insulation, replacing most of the light bulbs with those curly things, and keeping the thermostat at the bottom of the comfort zone. I can feel the chill of my cat's paw pads when she jumps on my lap, but she has a generous coat of fur everywhere else. Those of us without a built-in fur coat take refuge under one of the throws that are tossed on every piece of furniture. My mother just keeps her coat on when she visits.

We are among the lucky ones. The house is insulated and our discomfort is minimal and voluntary. Even though I gulp at the utility bill, I can write the check. A growing number of households in our community can't. The Salvation Army reports record numbers of first time utility assistance requests - not surprising, given the cost of fuel, local employment challenges, and the condition of a lot of low-cost housing in our communities.

I know that in a month I'll be able to open the utility bill and breathe normally. Unfortunately for many who are currently seeking assistance, the choice may be to allow the utilities to be turned off, rationalizing that heat won't be a serious issue for months. The problem is that the past due bill remains, and disconnect, deposit and reconnect fees are added.

Vectren, like most utility companies, just distributed letters to its Energy Assistance customers, urging them to make payment arrangements prior to March 15. Even with long-term arrangements, a down payment is required. This is usually about the time that all charitable funds are also depleted.

One way our community has stepped up to help distressed households is through the annual Friend to Friend utility assistance drive. The City of Anderson provides promotional materials in all of its electric utility customer bills. The funds are directed to our office and maintained in a separate fund for utility voucher payments. The Salvation Army processes the requests for assistance.

In the past few weeks, donors have contributed more than $6,000 to the fund. In a quick look through the checks, I am reminded of how appropriate the title of this drive is. Most of the donations are small - $5, $10, $20 - but I'm amazed at the number of checks that come in from all parts of the community. I know that many of these donors have to think about giving up the cash they are sending, and I know that it is a gesture that is made in true friendship and compassion.

Donations for utility assistance are very welcome at any time of the year. Just write your check to Friend to Friend and mail it to United Way, P. O. box 1200, Anderson, 46015-1200.