“Community.” It’s a common word with warm, positive connotations, but one for which the standard dictionary definitions seem sterile and superficial. However difficult it may be for dictionary writers to explain it, the living, breathing reality of “community” is dramatically visible in our town. On practically any day of the year, large numbers of volunteers donate their time and energy to enrich the lives of their fellow citizens, especially our children.
Ridgefield’s many diverse youth sports and athletic programs are valuable civic assets, which depend almost wholly on volunteer coaches, referees, organizers and local sponsors. These volunteers selflessly contribute their time and talents to teach children not only the techniques and rules of various sports, but also priceless life lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, and the sublime satisfaction of doing one’s best. Most of these volunteers have demanding jobs, as well as families and children of their own, but they still make time for practices (typically one or more nights during the work week) and game schedules (at least one per weekend). Others maintain similar schedules volunteering to support youth education and enrichment programs throughout the town; for example, on any given day of the school year, numerous adults assist in learning activities directly during the school day or after school. Some habitual volunteers support multiple sports or activities.
Other volunteers contribute mightily toward the cultural richness of our town. Treasured local cultural traditions and institutions such as the Memorial Day parade, Ridgefield Playhouse, CHIRP concerts, Keeler Tavern, the Ridgefield Library, Ballard Park, the Halloween Walk and many others benefit from selfless contributions of time, talent and sponsorships by fellow citizens and local businesses. Some volunteer individually, while others volunteer through civic and service organizations.
Philanthropy is also a focus of volunteers in our town, with seemingly every age group represented. Elementary school students prepare sandwiches for the Dorothy Day House, scout troops help in local beautification projects, middle and high school students participate in national disaster relief and service projects, working-age adults assist with local food assistance programs, and retirees participate in programs to chauffer the disabled to medical appointments. The goodwill evident in these and similar efforts is a signpost of the health and strength of our community.
The above listed examples by no means encompass the totality of volunteerism and service that abound in our town. These and myriad unmentioned – but not unappreciated – instances of volunteerism are performed daily in quiet ways, small and large, by people from all walks of life, and viewpoint. They give of themselves without regard to the ethnic, racial, sexual, gender or political identities of the beneficiaries of their good deeds, and the recipients accept such civic gifts without regard to the ethnic, racial, sexual, gender or political identities of the givers. No better definition of “community” may be found in any dictionary. To all the volunteers – of every, any, or no stripe – who so enrich our town: Thank You.
The Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee supplies this column.