Seniors who worry about the prospect of becoming lazy after they retire need only follow the lead of Joe Smith of Butler and other seniors who stay busy volunteering at state and national parks.

A story in the Aug. 3 Butler Eagle provided a glimpse of how Smith and others are turning their newfound free time into productive ventures that benefit many other people.

Smith, who is a retiree of West Penn Power, currently is working on the section of North Country Trail in Moraine State Park. He has been donating his time for such work for the past 10 years and his message to others is worth noting.

"It doesn't make any difference what your career was," he said. "Out there we are all united in our love for the trail and our desire to give back to the community we live in."

Meanwhile, he and the other volunteers at Moraine help the park save money that can be put to other uses on behalf of the recreational facility.

The Aug. 3 story contains information that can be valuable for other retirees who wish to volunteer either at Moraine or for some other worthy endeavor. As Smith noted in the story, retirees are permitted to set their own schedules; therefore, the volunteer service doesn't become a burden.

It is healthy for seniors to remain active, and such volunteerism improves the health of the community.

Smith and others like him merit notice and praise.