President’s Corner: Thnaks for Giving Back to UH
November is the month when we traditionally reflect and give thanks – personally, as families, and as a community. UHCA is making a special effort this month to show thanks to the many people in our community who have given their time, talents, and energy to help make a difference, celebrating them at our November monthly meeting. Whether you’re a Plume recipient, block walker, event helper, trash talker or B-team volunteer, we want to celebrate you and how you’ve helped make UH a better place. We’re going to make it an extra-sweet evening by having a pre-holiday cookie exchange as part of the fun. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!
We’re also thrilled to launch, in partnership with Dr. Jeremy of Upgrade Chiropractic, a new recognition program called “Be the Upgrade of Someone’s Day.” While our Plume award celebrates the contributions of our volunteers, Dr. Jeremy had the idea to try to find a way to recognize the unsung heroes who brighten people’s days. We’re thrilled to help with this effort, because we all know someone who makes a difference, and now there’s a way to recognize and reward them. See the details on the front page, including how to nominate a neighbor.
There are so many ways for each of us to help and give back to our community. In addition to the many UHCA volunteer opportunities, there are ways to help through community partners like Meals on Wheels, Hugs and Bags, Friends of the Library, and our school organizations. UHCA is once again sponsoring the Birney Giving Tree to help families in these challenging times, and we’re making it super easy to help with more drop-off points and an online donation tool.
The front page of the November issue features two “neighbors helping neighbors” stories. Two of our neighbors (coincidentally both named Dave) needed a helping hand, one with clearing overgrowth that was taking over his yard, and the other who had his sole means of getting around stolen. In both cases, neighbors stepped up with their hands and hearts and dollars. That kind of generosity, of neighbors helping neighbors, really warmed my heart and reminded me of how important community is and how much I treasure what we have here in UH, now more than ever.
As we come into this holiday season, I am especially proud to be a part of this organization, and to live in this amazing community of neighbors. We have something unique and special here, and for that I am beyond thankful.
