A home is typically not an island.
But these days it's easy to stay inside, entertained by television and the Internet, and forget that your home is part of a neighborhood and an entire community. However, there are ways to get out and become more involved in your community.
Here's a sample of ways you can get to know your neighbors and lend a hand to make your community a better place.
Clean up trash
For Oro Valley resident John Harned and his neighbors, keeping their community clean is more than just bagging some trash.
Harned and other residents of the Placita Salton neighborhood adopted the south side of West Lambert Lane between North La Cholla Boulevard and North La Cañada Drive.
That means, once a quarter, about four to 10 of them get together and clean up the Oro Valley roadway, Harned said.
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It not only helps keep Oro Valley clean, but also helps the neighbors stay in touch.
"We all know each other, but with our individual schedules and busy lives we often don't get to see each other for six months, other than waving. This is a way for us to see each other and catch up on what's going on in each other's lives," said Harned, 65.
He spent more than two years on a waiting list to adopt the road because of the popularity of the program.
To get involved:
Oro Valley: Adopt-a-Roadway (has a waiting list): Call Carmen Ryan at 229-5070.
More ways to volunteer:
Oro Valley: Adopt-a-Wash: Call Rich Hawkinson at 229-4879; Adopt-a-Trail: Nancy Ellis at 229-5057.
Marana: Adopt-a-Roadway (has a waiting list) or Adopt-a-Wash: Call Dennis Dolan at 382-2501.
Pima County: Adopt-a-Roadway: Go to the Web site, www.dot.co.pima.az.us/communityrelations/adoptaroad, and submit a request form online, or call 740-6410 and ask for Cynthia L. Henry.
