I teach introduction to human services at Southern Maine Community College. Our spring project is on social capital and the importance of ‘giving back’ to your community. Given these students will work with many different populations, I believe teaching them the importance of civic involvement in society is critical to our betterment as a nation. My students do amazing things.

 I have also written before about my work with English Language Learners in the same institution, and some of you may have been reading the letters to the editor that they have written – yet another lesson in not just writing, but civic engagement.

I want to give praise to others in our communities as well, where the concept of social capital is alive and in action. In working with both of these groups, I asked friends and neighbors if any were interested in helping some of these students in different endeavors. First I asked for help to underwrite some of my students so they might attend a wonderful concert of Arabic music and traditional belly dancing. I also asked if anyone was interested in helping a group of students doing a pot luck supper, with proceeds going to a very worthy cause.

I am always grateful when anyone steps forward – and of course they did. I would like to recognize Brenda Peluso and Caroline Hendry of South Portland, Addy Harkavy, Bill Marshall and Sam Featherstone of Cape Elizabeth and Annie Jo Ouimet of Portland. These folks were generous enough to donate to both of these causes, allowing students to either attend the concert or attend this pot luck supper. Most of them are both full time students and full time employees; these generous contributions are a true gift to them, giving an opportunity they might not otherwise have.

It is always a pleasure to acknowledge the efforts of others. We are fortunate to live amongst generous, loving and caring community members

Rosemarie De Angelis

South Portland