NEWS ROUND-UP: Flu Shots Available In Dorchester, Oct. 7

Flu Shots Available in Dorchester, Oct. 7: The Dorchester United Methodist Women will host a flu shot vaccination clinic at the Dorchester United Methodist Church this Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The vaccines will be given by Crete Medical Hospital personnel in the music room. Visitors are asked to enter through the back door (west side). Cost is $30 or Medicare coverage.

Special 'Shout-Out' to Homecoming Boosters: Dorchester School officials have recognized area businesses as supporters of DPS homecoming festivities last week. Pinnacle Bank in Crete donated the homecoming meal; Schweitzer Farms and Sales donated the hamburger; and Spring Creek Repair grilled the burgers. All DHS Booster Club members were thanked for their support as well. 

Deadline to Register for Dorchester Women's Volleyball League is Friday: For those interested in participating in Dorchester's women 3x3 volleyball league, the deadline to register your team is this Friday, Oct. 2. You can find the registration form here. The season will run from Oct. 11 through Dec. 13 at the Dorchester gym. Participants cannot be currently enrolled in high school. $30 registration fee must be included with the form. Make checks payable to Village of Dorchester. 

Where's My School Newsletter?: Beginning last month, Dorchester School newsletter became available only online. Hardcopies will no longer be sent to school district patrons (except in August) in an effort to save taxpayer dollars.

Pheasants Forever Cancels 2020 Youth Hunt: Pheasants Forever Saline County officials have decided to postpone this year's youth hunt due to the coronavirus pandemic. The annual hunt – which typically invites youth from Saline and outside counties for a day of education, target shooting and pheasant hunting – was scheduled for October. 

EPAC, FBLA Planning Oct. 18 Halloween Party

Hey kids! Are you ready for a Halloween party? 

Dorchester's Elementary Parents Advisory Committee (EPAC) and the Dorchester Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) are planning a Halloween party for Sunday, October 18, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

All Dorchester school kids are invited!

Due to COVID-19, this year's party will only feature the annual "trick or trunk" candy gathering for the kids.

Be sure to wear your best Halloween costume. (This goes for you, too, parents.)

For businesses and organizations that would like to take part in "trick or trunk," please arrive by 12:45 p.m. on the 18th. For more information, call the Dorchester School at 402-946-2781, or email Amanda Cerny at acerny@dorchesterschool.org.

EPAC is overseen by parents and the school to help DPS teachers and students with classroom supplies, while also advancing the academic pursuits of Dorchester's elementary students. 

EPAC hosts functions such as the Academic Extravaganza, Reading Carnival and fundraisers.

Home For Sale: 1106 Sumner Avenue

Dorchester's real estate market is red hot as more people -- especially young families -- are seeking the safety, sanity, affordability and quality of life in a village of less than 1,000 people. Most homes are selling within a week to 10 days.

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's better educators and the lowest school tax levy in the county. 

• SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With a new water system and sewer system, and a surplus at Village Hall.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (Farmers Cooperative), and situated on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend and Seward. Just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available. 

1106 Sumner Ave.: This is one of Dorchester's most ideal settings. Beautiful updated farmhouse on almost an acre of land right in town and only a few blocks from the school. One a paved street and right next to the practice football field. The front porch leads into the large living and dining rooms with gorgeous refinished wood floors, built-ins, and a beautiful staircase. The kitchen is remodeled with a large island, extra cabinets, and countertops perfect for baking and entertaining. The breakfast nook has a Corian bench with extra storage underneath. 1 bedroom, bath, and laundry on the main floor, with the master and 2 more bedrooms upstairs. The upstairs bath includes a jetted soaker tub and an attic space that can be finished for an extra bedroom. The 30 x 30 garage is a 3-plus stall and has it's own electrical. The huge backyard has a patio area with a firepit and vinyl fence that has a lifetime warranty. This is truly small-town living at it's finest; call for your private showing. See more here.

Our View: Fight The Radicals; Dorchester Supports Our Law Enforcement

Many cities across the U.S. have become war zones. 

Maybe everyday life got too easy. Maybe personal security became taken for granted too often. Maybe the radical left's disdain for law and order became too mainstream. 

Whatever the cause, America's law enforcement personnel have become the target of radical activists (including sports and Hollywood elites), outlaws, the national news media, leftist politicians, and even some in academia. 

This cannot go on forever. And it won't.

Right now, too many in the U.S. are supporting criminals -- and those who associate with them. Too many are actively opposing those who pledge their lives to keep us safe.

That's why the residents of Dorchester and Saline County overwhelmingly support our local law enforcement. We especially appreciate the Saline County Sheriff's Office, located in Wilber. 

We are scratching our heads in confusion as protesters -- with their iPhones rolling -- in large cities are egged on by a sympathetic press corps and are given media coverage for their ongoing destruction. (Social media addiction is killing facts and reason, we believe. But that's another story for another day.)

We shake our heads as TV networks, newspapers and Internet outlets are obsessed with attacking law enforcement -- the thin blue line between a law abiding society and anarchy in most large cities.

The protesters are mostly a collection of malcontents -- some of our nation's least productive citizens -- who are at best ignorant, or at worst bent on lawlessness. Some have criminal records. Some are indoctrinated, pampered young people. Others are open anarchists and communists.

Several years ago, the professional crybabies were busy with Occupy Wall Street. Now it's a war on America's police officers.

We don't know how it happened, but our nation is being influenced by some very bad actors who thrive on division, dogma and drama. These "protestors" are far from a majority, but they're working hard to become one.

In rural America, we watch this drama unfold -- and we know there will be repercussions suffered by the agitators and innocent alike. 

Let's take a moment to salute our Saline County law enforcement professionals who are the first responders at emergencies, accidents and crime scenes. They're the reason you can sleep soundly at night.

The next time you see one of our law enforcement officers, say "thank you." Tell them you appreciate all they do. And tell them you support their efforts to keep us safe from those who would absolutely do us harm if not for their presence.

Happy Homecoming: Dorchester Football Improves To 4-0

It was homecoming week in Dorchester. And it was a happy homecoming for Dorchester's gridiron warriors Friday evening. 

The Orange and Black Attack beat up on conference rival Hampton, dominating the game from start to finish. The Longhorns, currently ranked No. 9 in Nebraska six-man football, defeated the Hawks 56-6.

DHS will host No. 4 Sterling (4-0) next Friday, Oct. 2, at Nerud Field. 

This will be the Longhorns' toughest test of the season. The contest will be a good opportunity for DHS' younger players to fill key roles.

The week was not quite as successful for DHS volleyball, which won their battle against Osceola, but dropped their contests against High Plains and Shelby/Rising City.

The Lady Longhorns are now 7-4. Up next for DHS is a Tuesday, Sept. 29 contest at Sterling (4-7), and a Thursday, Oct. 1 triangular with Meridian (5-7) and perhaps the state's best Class D-2 team, Diller-Odell (13-0).

Rural Dorchester's Gaylen Sysel Passes At 56

On Friday, September 18, 2020, Gaylen Joie Sysel, passed away of sudden heart attack at the age of 56. He was the son of Joie J. and Norma M. (Kotas) Sysel born on October 14, 1963 at the Friend Hospital. 

Gaylen grew up on a farm south of Dorchester and attended Dorchester School. He played in the marching band. He was an active 4-H member, loved animals and gardening. He received a degree in horticulture from Doane College and started working at Campbells Nursery in Lincoln, and was currently employed at Merles Greenhouse of Seward. At Campbells, he grew plants from seeds or clippings. He had a love/hate relationship with poinsettias, but they were always beautiful! 

Gaylen was united in marriage to Laura J. Gradwohl Looper (and her two daughters) on March 11, 2000 at the Dorchester United Methodist Church. To this union, a son, Tyler Joie Sysel was born. He was an active member of Tabor Lodge #74, currently serving his 2nd term as president. He also served as treasurer. He was proud of his Czech heritage and looked forward to Czech days every year. He loved his pork, kraut, dumplings and kolaches. Apricot was his favorite. He knew he could always get his favorite meal cooked by his aunts at Christmas and Czech Days. He loved his polka music and played bass in a polka band. 

Gaylen was always working on a project around the house and Menards was his second home. He also loved all those rebate items! His love of animals was obvious. He took in stray animals and made sure Tyler had animals to show for the fair. He loved the Clydesdale horses and several vacations were dedicated to seeing the horses or to get special Budweiser steins and have the artist sign them. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joie and Norma, grandparents: Edward and Marie (Novy) Kotas, Eman and Mary (Kohout) Sysel, his father in law, John O. Gradwohl, aunts and uncles: Darlene Kasl, Richard Stehlik, Irvin Karpisek, Eman and Alice Sysel, Edward Sysel. Survivors include wife, Laura, son, Tyler, stepdaughters: Jessica Looper and Nathan Reisdorff, Ashley Looper and Mark Francis, grandchildren: Kennedy, Owen, & Ryker. Mother-in-law, Marceil (Burry) Gradwohl, sisters-in-law: Cheryl Brown, Kathy (Jim) Dice, Andrea Cassutt, brothers-in-law: Steve (Karen) Gradwohl, Ken (Kim) Gradwohl, aunts and uncle: Ella Karpisek, Shirley Znamenacek, Marlene Stehlik, Ed (Linda) Kotas, many cousins and friends and bonus sister, Sherry (Nancy) Eman. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Tabor Lodge, Humane Society, or Tyler’s college fund. Services will be Thursday, 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete (masks are recommended). Public visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. (family will not be present). Online sympathies may be left here.

PRICE DROP: 1012 Lincoln Ave.

UPDATE: This house is pending. As of Oct. 16, there are no homes for sale in Dorchester.

Dorchester's real estate market is red hot as more people -- especially young families -- are seeking the safety, sanity and affordability of small-town life. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's better educators and the lowest school tax levy in the county. 

• SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With a new water system and sewer system, and a surplus at Village Hall.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (Farmers Cooperative), and situated on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend and Seward. Just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available. 

1012 Lincoln Ave.: Attention investors! Great opportunity in Dorchester. Features include three bedrooms, newer furnace & A/C, some newer windows, vinyl siding, large patio, deck and detached three-stall garage with work bench. Near elementary and high school! This property is being sold in "as is" condition. Call today! See more here.

Local Job Openings: Bus Driver, Bartender, Part-Time Cook

The coronavirus, along with the ease of receiving unemployment benefits, has seemed to exacerbate the need for workers by area businesses.

More than ever, there is no need to be without a job if you're an able-bodied and willing person with a good work ethic. 

Here are some job openings in Dorchester right now:

• Bus Driver for Dorchester Public School. DPS is looking for additional bus drivers to assist as alternates/back-up drivers for the routes and also in need of bus drivers for activities (sports, music events, field trips, etc.). Interested parties should call Daryl Schrunk, DPS superintendent, at 402-946-2781. Or fill out an application by going here.

• Server/Bartender: City Slicker’s Bar and Grill is looking for a Tuesday through Saturday evening server/bartender. Will be off every Sunday and Monday. Fun and friendly atmosphere! Apply within or give Kathy a call at 402-946-2171.

• Part-Time Cook: Eastside Bar and Grill is looking for a cook to join our team. Flexible hours. Need to be able to work some nights and weekends. Call 402-946-2007.

DHS Volleyball Sweeps Friend; Improves To 6-2

The Dorchester High School volleyball team made a loud statement Thursday night, defeating next-door rival Friend on their home court.

The Lady Longhorns -- led by seniors Jacee Zoubek, Abby Zoubek, Luisa Bonita, Alli Novak, Megan Kotas and others -- beat the Lady Bulldogs in convincing fashion, sweeping FHS in three consecutive sets. 

The scores were 25-15, 25-13, 25-3.

DHS also made a big improvement in their season record this week, going to 6-2 on their young campaign. Dorchester beat Nebraska Lutheran in three straight sets on Tuesday.

Now Dorchester, led by first year head coach Bailey Schindler and assistant Bethany Theis, faces its busiest week of the season. 

The Lady Longhorns travel to host Osceola (2-4) on Tuesday, Sept. 22. On Thursday, Sept. 24, DHS will travel to Shelby for a triangular the features Shelby/Rising City (1-8) and the always-respectable High Plains Community (6-5).

Next Saturday, Sept. 26, Dorchester will play in a four-team round robin in Waco, hosted by Nebraska Lutheran.

HOUSE FOR SALE: 609 Lincoln Ave.

Dorchester's real estate market is red hot as more people -- especially young families -- are seeking the safety, sanity, affordability and quality of life in a village of less than 1,000 people. Most homes are selling in less than a week.

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's better educators and the lowest school tax levy in the county. 

• SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With a new water system and sewer system, and a surplus at Village Hall.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (Farmers Cooperative), and situated on the BNSF rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend and Seward. Just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available. 

609 Lincoln Avenue: This is home is the former home of Chuck and Kathy Pliva, and is for sale by owner. For details, call (402) 826-7377.

HOUSE FOR SALE: 806 Washington Ave.

UPDATE - 9/13: This home's status is "pending," meaning the owner has accepted an offer but the deal is not yet closed.

Dorchester's real estate market is red hot as more people -- especially young families -- are seeking the safety, sanity, affordability and quality of life in a village of less than 1,000 people. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's better educators and the lowest school tax levy in the county. 

• SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With a new water system and sewer system, and a surplus at Village Hall.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (Farmers Cooperative), and situated on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend and Seward. Just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available. 

806 Washington Avenue (Main Street): This is one of Dorchester's most historic, coveted houses. Beautiful wooden floors and woodwork throughout this five bedroom home. Has original wood columns with built-in storage to separate the formal dining and living rooms, along with three bedrooms, full bath and kitchen on the main floor. The second level offers a huge rec area and two more bedrooms. An additional 1,360 sq ft is offered in the unfinished basement and is located on a nice deep lot with two-stall detached garage and plenty of yard space. See more here.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Football Now 3-0

DHS Football Gets Third Consecutive Win: The Dorchester High School football team is off to a 3-0 start after picking up a road win on Friday evening against Lewiston. The Longhorns jumped to a commanding 46-7 lead at halftime and finished with a 62-20 victory. Next up for DHS is a home contest against Hampton (1-2) on Friday, Sept. 25. The team gets a well-earned break next Friday.

Longhorn Volleyball Now 4-2: The Lady Longhorns picked up two more wins this week on the volleyball court, beating Lincoln's College View Academy and Giltner, but falling to Hampton. The 4-2 DHS squad is aiming to pick up two more victories this week, taking on Nebraska Lutheran at home on Tuesday, Sept. 15 and Friend on Thursday, Sept. 17 at Friend.

DHS Grad Elvin Kotouc Passes at 76: Dorchester alumnus Elvin Kotouc passed away on Aug. 21. at his home Collinsville, Miss. After graduating from Dorchester, Kotouc joined the military and served in Vietnam. He later joined the Arkansas National Guard and joined the Pine Bluff Police Department as a patrolman politely known as "Kojack with the Kodak." During his over twenty-year tenure with PBPD, Elvin was also involved in radar enforcement, was promoted to sergeant, and made many lasting impressions on many people and forming many life-long friendships along the way. After retirement from PBPD, Elvin and his family moved to Mississippi to be closer to Patsy's side of the family in the Collinsville-Martin area, where he joined the security force at East Mississippi State Hospital.

Village Board Meeting Set For Thursday; Church Paving Project Approved

The Dorchester Village Board will hold its September meeting this Thursday, Sept. 10 (due to Labor Day). 

The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin immediately following the budget hearing at 7 p.m. at the Dorchester Fire Hall.

It will be broadcast via Zoom. See the meeting by clicking here at the meeting's start time.

Since former Board Chair Tom Cerny stepped down earlier this summer due to health reasons, the board has been led by Andrea Pracheil. Kelly Vyhnalek was recently appointed to fill the vacant board seat.

Meanwhile, the village has begun posting minutes from previous board meetings. You can view them here.

At the August board meeting, a paving project on the west side of the Dorchester United Methodist Church was approved.

Dorchester Football, Volleyball Off To Solid Start

And they're off!

Dorchester's football and volleyball teams are off to impressive starts as their 2020 campaigns are now underway.

The DHS football squad, which is in its third year of six-man football, is now 2-0 after beating Meridian 58-26 on Aug. 28 and Pawnee City 48-37 on Sept. 4. 

DHS is listed as a contender in this week's Lincoln Journal Star six-man rankings.

The Longhorns will next do battle with Lewiston (0-1) in a road contest this Friday, Sept. 11.

Meanwhile, the Lady Longhorns' volleyballers, with an impressive starting lineup and a deep bench, are 2-1 on the young season. 

DHS beat East Butler on Aug. 27, and then split a triangular at Hampton last Thursday, Sept. 3, beating Weeping Water in two straight sets, but falling to Class C-2 Palmyra.

This week, Dorchester's Orange and Black Attack will take on College View Academy (1-1) on Tuesday in Lincoln, as well as Hampton (3-4) and Giltner (2-2) in a Thursday triangular at Hampton.  

Looking Back: Dorchester's Firsts

Most area historians concur that Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska -- written in the late 1800s -- is an authority on Saline County's earliest days. No other collection of information is as detailed or thorough.

Through the online edition of Andreas' History, the Times has compiled a collection of Dorchester's firsts, including the first couple married in town, the first birth, the first death, and the first official sermon.

Here is a look back at some the firsts of our community, whose roots begin in the year 1870, when Dorchester's location was selected by the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad and the survey was made. 

* First Residents: Before buying the site that would become Dorchester from the U.S. Government, the railroad sent four men to claim an entire section of land, with each claiming 160 acres. Two of the four men who settled at that time were James Seely and Edward McIntyre -- Dorchester's first residents. Both made a permanent location here. The other two remained just long enough to secure the land and transfer it to the railroad.

* First Birth: The first birth occurred in early 1872, and was that of John, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hawkins. The next birth occurred October 10, 1872, and was that of Ed McIntyre Parker, son of Hon. and Mrs. T. B. Parker.

* First Death: The first death occurred in the spring of 1873, and was that of Burke, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Windrem.

* First Sermon: Sometime in late 1870 or early 1871, the first formal sermon in Dorchester was delivered by Rev. Frederick Alley, a Congregational minister.

* First Official Schoolhouse: The first schoolhouse was built in 1872.

* First Church: The Christian church was built in the summer of 1878. 

* First Bank: The Bank of Dorchester was established in October 1881.

* First Newspaper: The Dorchester Star was established August 21, 1881, and the first edition was printed Sept. 8, 1881. (Although three other newspapers have also been published in our village over the years -- The Saline County Express, The Dorchester Booster, and The Dorchester Leader.)

* First Village Board: Dorchester was incorporated as a village in 1881, with N. B. Alley, Thomas Jarrett, John Oberlies, S. G. Panter, and W. H. Pallett listed as Trustees; C. F. Thomas, Clerk; J. H. Clark, Treasurer; and M. O. Alley, Marshal.

* First Census Count: In 1879, two years before Dorchester's incorporation, the village had 673 residents. A year later, it had ballooned to 954.

OUR VIEW: During COVID-19, Remember These Clues To Community Survival

Community survival is on the minds of many small-town residents nowadays, especially in the era of COVID-19.

Several years ago in an editorial, we mentioned that Dorchester has been able to escape school consolidation and loss of population, both of which are crippling many small Plains' communities. But our community is not immune to the struggles facing small town America.

However, all six staff members of the Dorchester Times wholeheartedly believe COVID-19 has initiated a reset. There is an escape from the major urban areas, as Americans -- young and old alike -- look towards rural communities for safety, sanity, and the need to connect with neighbors who share their values.

This time in history presents a perfect opportunity for Dorchester residents to decide what they want their community to look like five, ten, or twenty years from now -- and beyond. 

VISIONS magazine -- published by the non-profit Heartland Center for Leadership Development -- several years ago ran a list of "20 clues to community survival." The list wasn't a recipe, nor did it represent the checklist for a perfect small town, according to the authors of the study from which the list was derived. However, we think the list serves as a useful tool for goal-setting in Dorchester.

CLUES TO COMMUNITY SURVIVAL

1.) Evidence of Community Pride. "Successful communities are often showplaces of care, attention, history and heritage," the study says. (This also includes loyalty among residents and school alumni.)

2.) Emphasis on Quality in Business & Community Life. 

3.) Willingness to Invest in the Future. "In addition to the brick-and-mortar investments, all decisions are made with an outlook on the future."

4.) Participatory Approach to Community Decision Making. ("Even the most powerful opinion leaders seem to work toward building consensus.")

5.) Cooperative Community Spirit. This speaks for itself.

6.) Realistic Appraisal of Future Opportunities. "Successful communities have learned how to build on strengths and minimize weaknesses."

7.) Awareness of Competitive Positioning. "Local loyalty is emphasized in successful small towns, but thriving communities know who their local competitors are and position themselves accordingly."

8.) Active Economic Development Program. "There is an organized, public/private approach to economic development."

9.) Knowledge of the Physical Environment. "Relative location and available natural resources underscore decision-making."

10.) Deliberate Transition of Power to a Younger Generation of Leaders. "People under 40 regularly hold key positions in civic and business affairs in strong communities."

11.) Celebration of Diversity in Leadership. "Young people and newcomers are elected officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurial developers."

12.) Strong Belief in and Support for Education.

13.) Problem-Solving Approach to Providing Health Care and Housing Older Residents.

14.) Strong Multi-Generational Family Orientation. "The definition of family is broad, and activities include younger as well as older generations."

15.) Strong Presence of Traditional Institutions are Integral to Community Life. "Churches, schools and service clubs are strong influences on community development and the social network."

16.) Sound and Well-Maintained Infrastructure. "Leaders work to maintain streets, Main Street buildings, water systems and sewage facilities."

17.) Careful Use of Fiscal Resources.

18.) Sophisticated Use of Technology Resources.

19.) Willingness to Seek Help from the Outside. "People seek outside help for community needs, and many compete for government grants and contracts for projects and services."

20.) Conviction That, in the Long Run, You Must Do It Yourself. "Thriving rural communities believe their destiny is in their own hands. Making their communities good places is a pro-active assignment, and they are willing to accept it."