There was a time when local communities and the people who lived there were all about, well, their community.

            Fifty years ago the banquet halls of the local fire companies were the venue for every large gathering or event.  They combined with local restaurants to be the mecca where people in the communities gathered.

            Organizations could hold fund-raising events locally and help both the fundraiser and a local business at the same time.  A win-win for the community.  And, the attendees didn't have to travel far to support a cause during a social event.

            Why wouldn't you take the opportunity to support a local cause and a local business at the same time?

            Times have changed and apparently those who donate to charitable causes want to be wined and dined at proper venues where they can leave town and dress up.

            It appears that the days are gone when a firm handshake, a friendly smile, and a kind word were proper etiquette in socializing with folks, no matter where you were.  It was easier to do that locally than having to traipse outside the community to meet and greet community members.

            Today we no longer call them folks but people who have not become acquaintances yet.  We greet them with cocktail (or wine) in hand at up-scale venues and proceed to judge what they are wearing.

            Our communities have grown.  There was a time when the "locals" knew everybody in town.  We have grown and most of the locals are gone with age or decision and we have welcomed hundreds of new faces to our areas.  The locals of a half-century ago are a minority.  Most still live with the customs and responsibilities taught when we were young.

            We went to school with people of color and other religions and paid no mind to those differences because we didn't consider them differences.  We were all friends who learned, played, and socialized together.  Social standing was rare because we were the same.

            Social media is awash with nasty comments on how bad the local people are to newcomers to the community.  Often those locals being referred to have been here for only a few years so they must have brought their rudeness in from wherever they came.

            Maybe if we start holding and promoting community events in the community again we can start chipping away at the "caste system" that seems to be growing and based on what you are instead of who you are.  It's a system that's based on how much you gave (even if you could afford to give more) rather than giving what you could afford.

            Small efforts can bring a community together.