In Other Words: Our Community Is Only As Good As We Make It 

By Chuck Keller, Contributor

I was raised with the belief that a community is only as good as the people make it. This is not a new thought but it’s one worth revisiting. 

In March, BF Realty sponsored a luncheon to thank volunteers in the city.  Many groups were represented and I got to thinking why so many give their time and talent. So I asked them. The answer is simple. 

In 2017 UnitedHealthCare conducted a study and discovered that volunteering creates a positive impact on our physical and mental and social health. Their data indicates that, among other things, 75% of U.S. adults felt physically healthier; that 93% reported  an improved mood; 79% reported lower stress level; and 88% reported increased self-esteem by giving back. Volunteers are more likely to feel that they have greater control over their health and well-being and almost three-fourths of employees who volunteer through work report feeling better about their employers. Those are significant findings. Volunteering not only helps your community but it also helps you.  

Patrick Hagerty sits on the Design Review Board. He said that “One, I care about the city and [want] to make it a good community. And two, I think our board provides the expertise that some of our people may need to help them make the right decision … Sometimes I can get “Grow Grants” that help local businesses.” He wants to support businesses and help them look and perform better.

John Cody volunteers for the Tree Commission. He shared,“The mission is to advocate for the urban tree canopy, to educate the public right about the advantage. I’m a landscape architect by training and so it’s a way for me to give back to my home city.”  He brings a unique skill set to making the community a little better place. 

Brianne McDowell oversees the Fort Thomas Independent School Quest Program. The goal is to get student volunteers into the community so she seeks those opportunities. She said, “I am a firm believer in students giving back to the community which gives to them.” 

Shari Thompson is an interior designer by trade but volunteers with the Garden Club.  They beautify the city with the plantings in the boulevards, the hanging planters from light posts, and landscaping in some public areas. She said, “I just think that we should always leave places…better than we left it. So I just want to help do that.”

Deanna Beineke is the Director of the Fort Thomas Museum.  She said that, “I’m able to give back to the community…. sharing the passion that I have for our shared history….It makes me feel good. The more I get involved, the more I see the importance of maintaining and keeping the items we have.… One of the most important things that we do is saving the histories of the residents and the veterans who processed through here” when this was an active military installation. 

Lori Greis volunteers with the Fort Thomas Farmers Market. She said that they “strive to bring sustainable food to the community.” But what does she get? Her answer is simple – “Friendship, family, fun.”

Taylor MacDonald is a member of the Fort Thomas Forest Conservancy. He said, “Primarily, as a person of privilege, I feel it’s my duty to give back to our community. Selfishly, it’s also an opportunity to meet new people, grow my personal network of friends and hopefully be in a position to help others when the need may arise.”

Linda Slone is a super volunteer. She organizes Independence Day, helps Veterans groups, and helps to organize many big city events. She has the ability to pull together lots of people. She said that “I get to see a lot of smiles. I get to see a lot of people having a lot of fun…. It’s a good feeling. Nice warm feeling.” 

Chris Rust’s volunteerism resulted in upgrading the trails in Highland Park. Not only is he an EMT/firefighter but he is also the local chainsaw artist. He carved a number of sculptures from the dead and fallen ash trees in Highland Park. He volunteers because “it’s in my nature to help others….When I see something that needs to be done, I like to jump in and help.”

Technically, Mayor Eric Haas does not volunteer. He is paid a small stipend to fulfill his duties but he still decided to serve his community. He said, “I do this because I care about the city.…. Parents move here because they want a good education for their kids and, with that, you’ve got all these volunteers because people want the city to be good.” 

The community works because people make it work. No particular office makes it work. No particular aspect of government makes it work. It works because everyone decided to make it work. 

One of the odd things I have heard about why someone doesn’t volunteer is that “I wasn’t asked.” Please do not wait for that invitation. Consider this the invitation. Take the bold step. Give your time, talent, and effort to something bigger than you. Be willing to learn something.  Whether it is a community group, a church affiliated group, sports, express your desire to help. Fort Thomas residents are a giving lot and volunteer throughout the greater NKY area and even globally. But the answer is clear, if we want a great community, then we will have to create it. And a great way to do that is to volunteer. 

Make this the year that you bring some joy into your life as you bring some joy, beauty, and goodness to the community.