Let’s face it, in a town this big, nobody is going to be happy with everything. But when you’re unhappy about something, what can you do? Venting on Facebook may make you feel better in the moment, but then what?
What if instead, you could meet with other people who feel the way you do. What if then, your collective opinions could be presented to those making the decisions that you’re not happy about? And what if that could lead to a compromise that everyone could be happy with? It’s possible.
Having a say on policies, projects and proposals that we do or don’t want in Riverhead isn’t about politics. It’s about having your voice heard and your opinion matter.
We’re Democrats, we’re Republicans, we’re neither, other, or maybe none of the above. We are new here, been here for generations or somewhere in between. But while our personal histories and appearances may be different, we have at least one thing in common.
We are all Riverhead residents. And we care. And that makes us a community, all 36,000 of us, give or take… even if we don’t agree on everything.
So what do we do with our comments and opinions and ideas?
That’s what civic associations are for. The Heart of Riverhead, Greater Jamesport, Greater Calverton and Wading River civic associations welcome everyone and anyone interested in having a say in our town and neighborhoods.
Think of the civics as Facebook comments that can actually make a difference.
Curious? See for yourself. On Thursday, May 16, Greater Calverton Civic Association meets at 6:30 p.m. at Riley Avenue Elementary School; on Saturday, May 18, the Greater Jamesport Civic Association at 9:30 a.m. at Jamesport Meeting House and the Heart of Riverhead Civic Association meets at 11 a.m. at Riverhead Free Library. Next Thursday, May 23, the Wading River Civic Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Wading River Congregational Church.
If it matters enough to comment on Facebook, shouldn’t it matter enough to take the next step?
Cindy Clifford is a founder and the current president of the Heart of Riverhead Civic Association. She lives in downtown Riverhead.
Editor’s note: RiverheadLOCAL welcomes guest columns from anyone who wants to submit a viewpoint on any topic. The opinions expressed in guest columns are those of the author and do not reflect the point of view of RiverheadLOCAL’s publishers. Please be sure to include your email address and daytime phone number with your submission. Submit your opinion here.
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