Some people visit the islands to vacation.
Norm and Barb Novak recently returned from three weeks of volunteer work at St. Jude s Hospital in St. Lucia, West Indies. I ve always wanted to take part in the volunteer program, but haven t been able until now, said Norm, a retired dentist, known to this community as a volunteer and former member of the Duneland School Board. Locally, he regularly volunteers at Hilltop House where he does dental work for disadvantaged Porter County residents. There is a tremendous need in Appalachia, but state licensing does not allow us to work in other states, he said. However, because South America has a more relaxed licensing procedure, volunteer doctors and dentists work hand in hand to rectify problems with less fortunate residents there.