Now that area schools have let out for the summer, community leaders and residents have taken it upon themselves to host events and fundraisers to help better our community and keep our children occupied, especially those who have parents who work during the day.

Last weekend, we had the Bikers for Christ rally to raise money for one of their own who had been diagnosed with cancer, Judson College Graduation and a rodeo for children and teenagers from all over the U.S.

We just got done with a major fishing tournament and we have two summer food programs providing lunches for our children, as well.

But, as I sit here writing this, I am fearful that these events and more might come to a screeching halt because of the 10-day forecast recently released by The Weather Channel.

Today, we have a high of 103 degrees and absolutely no chance of rain. Tomorrow, we have a high of 105 degrees and absolutely no chance of rain. Sunday, we have a high of 101 degrees and, once again, absolutely no chance of rain.

It finally starts to cool down early next week, when the high is expected to be 99 degrees with a 10 percent chance of rain on Monday, and a high of 97 degrees with a 20 percent chance of rain on Tuesday.

You get the pattern.

So in response to the trend, I ask, no beg, you to continue to plan and host events to educate our residents about our history, keep our children from going hungry, raise money for friends and neighbors fighting disease and more.

But in doing so, keep the weather in mind. Now more than ever, having refreshments, especially water, on hand will prove to be key in attracting participants and saving them from a trip to the emergency room for dehydration, heat exhaustion, etc.

So over these next few days — and the rest of the summer, I assume — don’t overdo it. Be smart, carry fluids and find shade. If you do that, there’s no reason to stay inside and play video games for the next three months waiting for fall to arrive.

I cannot even begin to stress the importance of community-wide events and fundraisers, and having them come to an untimely end because of record-setting temperatures would be a shame. That being said, do take precautions for the weather.