The Importance of Community Service

James Rouse once said “What ought to be, can be.” What better note than this to start the 2010-11 school year.  As adults and students alike say goodbye to the summer months, the Village of River Hill settles into a new autumn rhythm. Whether it is to the beat of a new carpool arrangement, or to a new office schedule, Village residents are preparing for what lies ahead in the coming months. Though it is safe to say that most individuals agree community service “ought” to be a part of our lives, community service commitments never seem to make it to the top of most of our to-do lists, despite all good intentions. Rouse’s viewpoint provides a more direct stance to this situation: the fact that community service exists at the “ought to be” stage proves the potential for it to exist at the tangible stage. However, the key to transform the plausible to the actual is in the hands of community citizens. Whether it is in the shape of helping a neighbor over the weekend, joining the Resident Architectural Committee, or Adopting a Road, River Hill residents ought to be, and indeed can be citizens of service. 

Before all the activities go into full swing, Village residents both young and old can take this time to evaluate what qualities or abilities they possess that could benefit the community. The River Hill Community Association is always open to residents interested in giving back to their neighborhood. Recently, the River Hill Village Board chartered the River Hill Community Association Teen Advisory Committee, specifically geared toward local youth. The committee intends to promote a volunteer and community spirit through the active encouragement of teen involvement in the community. Committee objectives include planning and implementing community events, volunteer opportunities, and teen programs.  Local, interested teens are encouraged to apply, and applications are available online at www.villageofriverhill.org  as well as at Claret Hall in the River Hill Village Center. Applications are due by September 25 and should be submitted to the Village Manager. For more information, please contact the Village Manager at 410-531-1749 or manager@villageofriverhill.org.