Blogs

....the more they stay the same.

Many times we tend to look at the past as a much slower and easier time, a time when things were so much different than they are today. We can all agree those days were somewhat different, but the "slower" part is debatable. It is very difficult to look back on a previous era and not use present day eyes. Those living in every era, particularly since the industrial revolution, would have wished for a return to "slower" times. I suspect that things are perhaps moving at a faster rate than in previous times, as advances in technology breed more advances in technology, making for an exponential increase.

Throughout all of this though, the basic needs of individuals and society as a whole have remained the same. We all want and need safe and secure communities. Advances in technology can provide a means to that end, but in reality they are just tools at our disposal. It takes organization and effort to put these things in place.

The Internet has enabled us to reach far beyond our local areas in ways never before imagined, and has become indispensable for business, governments, organizations and many individuals. Its allure extends far beyond absolute necessity. While this is not a bad thing, there is a tendency to view it as a substitution for traditional community activities. If we want our communities to be safe and secure, and be the kind of place to be proud of, then the "trench work" needs to be done to make it that way. While things at a local meeting might not move as fast as the high-speed Internet, it will go a lot further to get the job done. By way of illustration, most of us would agree that a lot more can be seen and heard watching a baseball game on TV, however, there is still nothing like being in the park, elbow to elbow with thousands of other fans.

For the past 89 years members of Ravena Grange have been striving "elbow to elbow" to improve the lot of the community and the extended community. Examples of this work, past and present, can be found on this website. All of these things are happening and have happened in the past because of the willingness of countless individuals down through the years to give of their spare time to help make their community (and themselves at the same time) better.

Consider joining us in these efforts. A lot of things are changing, but one thing that "stays the same" is the necessity for each of us to give of our time and talents to make things happen.