Hutto Class of 2013

We have heard that the schools in the  community where we live are really good.  To give you an idea about the school, the 2013 class had approximately 200 students and they earned over $4 million in scholarships.  In addition, every single student applied to go to college.  We actually had a niece that graduated from Hutto this year through an early college program and graduated with an Associate's degree in addition to her high school diploma. 

Way to go class of 2013!!!!

He Will Be Missed

I found out yesterday that a neighbor and fellow community volunteer that hubby and I had gotten to know had passed away unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago.  He was fairly young, only 59.  We were at City Hall paying our utility bill and bumped in to his girl friend who shared the news.  She was understandably having a hard time, so all I know is that it was very unexpected.  I find my thoughts drifting to his girls.  He was a single dad (not sure of his family situation, he didn't really speak about it) of two girls that are in their early teens.  He passed away just a couple of weeks before school would have started for them and they were very close.  I can only imagine how devastated they must be.  I know the road ahead will be tough for his girls, his parent, and his siblings, so I hope they can find a way to be at peace with what has happened and move forward. 

Get Involved

When hubby and I moved in to our home, we promised ourselves that we would get involved with our town; and we have done just that.  We moved to a small town (population about 17,000) because we both wanted that small town feel but wanted to be close enough to the city so it would be easy for me to commute to work.  When we moved here, I was appointed to one of the city boards, Keep Hutto Beautiful, and I also took the town Citizen's University course so I could learn more.  Because of these things, hubby and I participate in events in our town almost every weekend.  Right now the Farmer's Market is going on and I am having a blast being one of the hosts.  It has allowed me to meet lots of our local farmers as well as many of the city officials. 

The reason I am writing this, is because so many people don't get involved.  They say they don't have time.  The point is, you have to make time.  I did.  I work full time (usually 50-60 hours per week) and go to grad school, but I still find time to attend board meetings once a month and go to volunteer events.  It doesn't take much - just a little effort.  Show up to volunteer events, get to know the people in your community, and make a difference.  Be an influence in your town.  I realize it is harder for those that live in large cities, but I still believe you should be involved.  It is especially important if you own property and pay taxes in a community, that you participate and have a say about what goes on in your community.  This is something that I believe strongly about and really want to encourage others to get involved too.