The Social Contract Cont-Community

Living in small towns has both advantages and disavantages. People know each other well, but then again, they know your business well too.

Liz Gluch was a great example of community. Liz and Ralph lost everything that they owned in a house fire in the late 60's or early 70's. People helped them to replace some of the things that they lost. Liz never forgot their kindness.

In later years, Liz obtained her realtor's license and began selling real estate. I cannot begin to tell you how many people she helped to get their first home or farm. Not only did she do that, but she helped establish a disaster fund for families in need with her own monies and various fund-raising efforts.

Liz passed away a few years ago. Because I haven't lived in Glenns Ferry for some years, I probably couldn't list a third of her accomplishments. However, she is just a small sample of what a small community can do in giving a hand-up to those in need.

The Elmore County Fair has had more than its share of volunteers. People who have worked hard in the back-ground to provide our youth with a great 4H experience.

So in this transient world that we live in, how do we establish that small town community experience? Again, it begins with you. It isn't just your wallet that is necessary, but your time and energy too. We don't all need to be talented in the same areas, but our help is needed just as much.

There used to be a saying: "bloom where you are planted". I take that to heart many times because I would like to do it all. Keep it simple and in some situations, keep it quiet.

A community isn't neccesarily where you reside, but where your heart is. In today's technology, we can reach out to many people with a few keystrokes. Discover where it is that you want to put your efforts in making a difference in this world.