THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: dailyprompt-1931


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A bit

What do you do to be involved in the community? – Something we all should ask ourselves from time to time and a good reminder from the daily writing prompt, for me to do more.

In recent times I guess I haven’t contributed much. Not that we don’t do the day-to-day things. Watching a neighbor’s home if they are away or letting them use our yard when they have all the kids and grandkids over. Maybe shoveling a driveway or two in addition to mine or cutting someone else’s yard who’s laid up.

  • When my kids were growing up I got involved in coaching and helping teams and leagues.
  • I worked for the community newspapers for a few decades. I loved working at the local county fair.
  • We make charitable donations to local organizations.
  • Our community isn’t big on get togethers but when there is one, we usually attend.
  • I try to support local businesses.
  • I vote, therefore I have jury duty. Just got the summons yesterday.
  • I take a lot of pictures of my community and share them.

I’m involved in the local car community. I certainly try to be a part of this blogging community.

I probably should do more for my community. I did want to volunteer more but my family keeps me really busy right now. I’m going to put some time in a local animal rescue place. At least that is on my list.

Yesterday morning on Main Street Ellicott City. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Community

What do you do to be involved in the community? – So ask the Daily Writing prompt.

Boy have communities changed from when I grew up. We used to leave the doors unlocked. Kids going out in the morning and disappearing till dinnertime when a friend’s mom would come out and say your mom called and said she knows you can hear her calling you and if you aren’t in the door in 30 seconds it’s your ass.

Everyone looked out for each other, helped each other, pitched in for each other, and protected each other.

I live in a community without an HOA. An area where some keep to themselves and others are social. I worked at community newspapers for 22 years. I pay Taxes. I go to Jury Duty. I respect the laws. I’m respectful of others, till they disrespect me.

I’ll shovel a neighbor’s driveway or mow their lawn when they need help. I’ll pitch for other homes from storm cleanup. I always wave to people driving by and say hello if they are walking and stop to chat if they want.

I support the local businesses, like our local snowball stand. Now that I’m retired I’ve thought about the type of volunteering I might want to work in.

I buy Girl Scout cookies when they come around. We politely send the Johova Witness people on their way. I would help coach when my kids were involved in local sports leagues and go to their high school games or performances.

I try to smile at others first. I take a lot of pictures and post them. I try to peacefully, coexist with everyone.

This once-rural area has become one of the biggest mixing pots in the country. At the same time being one of the more successful counties in the country. But people don’t stay long anymore. It’s more transient so relationships aren’t established or made in the first place.

And with the wealth of the community, the sense of entitlement is so high around here that it doesn’t lend itself to the community. The sense of community, I feel, is being lost as time goes on. And of course, politics hasn’t helped build that community feeling.

Remember, nature is part of our community. Photo by Mike Hartley

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