OUR OPINION: Communities Quit Working When Their People Do

A community is like any other organization; it stops working when its people do.

Nowadays, so many people want to change the world, but most never stop and think how they can improve life for those people in their own neighborhood.

Psychologists tell us that there are really just a handful of characteristics needed to build better relationships. Most important are:

• Loyalty;
• A common purpose;
• A serving heart; 
• Open communication; and
• Patience.

Oddly enough, these are the same ingredients to build and maintain a strong community. 

When is the last time you've asked yourself, "What have I done to help Dorchester? What more can I do tomorrow to improve Dorchester?" 

The best part of a small town is that one person really can make a difference.

On three different occasions this week, Times staff members heard from out-of-town visitors how much they liked our small town.  One visitor from Hastings said, "You really have something special here." 

It's easy to take for granted the involved, peaceful, and safe community we have. After all, life moves a little more slowly in a small town. We assume all the good aspects to Dorchester will always be there. 

But that brand of apathy hurts communities. The smaller they are, the more apathy negatively impacts the town.

The fact is, our area businesses, organizations and schools (and school activities) suffer when people quit participating, quit supporting one another, and quit caring. 

We wanted to use this space and recognize the following folks who really stand out right for their hard work and efforts to help Dorchester grow and thrive:

• Dorchester's businesses: Dorchester's business owners have been investing in our community, making it better day by day. Everyone in town, especially elected leaders, should be asking how they can help ensure the success of those businesses.
  
  
• Dorchester's school administrators and faculty: It's great to see Dorchester school administrators and educators working together to teach our next generation, while serving as strong role models in the community. Dorchester is blessed to have a strong K-12 district that continues to improve and to address deficiencies when they arise.
  
  
• The coaches of Dorchester sports: It's easy to coach when throngs of kids go out; it's more challenging when you have to work hard with the players you're given. From DHS wresting, to both basketball teams, to football and volleyball, to younger kids' basketball, to little league baseball, you're doing great work and it's noticed.
  
  
• The Dorchester United Methodist Church: In many ways, the church remains the fabric of the community. We appreciate the community events they hold and their consistent out reach to members and non-members alike.
  
  
• Dorchester Volunteer Fire Dept. and Rescue: This group is the most under-appreciated group in town. If we could give them tax breaks as a way to say thank you, we would.
  
  
• All those involved in Dorchester's volunteer groups: From the Community Foundation to the Legion to the elementary parents group, you all don't get the credit you deserve for keeping Dorchester moving forward.
  
  
• All property owners who've made improvements to their homes and yards, large or small: Your efforts are improving Dorchester's quality of life.
  
  
• Those young Dorchester residents who've stayed in Dorchester or returned to make Dorchester an even stronger community: Our future depends on you.

As we said above, communities quit working when their members do. Please use the comments section below and nominate anyone you think deserves to be recognized for their hard work to improve our community.