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Health & Fitness

The Power of Community: We are Mableton!

One of the creators of the Mableton Rocks Music Festival reflects on the power of people and encourages folks to "get to know their neighbors" and get involved!

 Born and raised in Mableton – I grew up right on Mable Street, attended Mableton Elementary and all I can say is GO Eagles! I have been a part of this city and this community all my life and not only is it my hometown but it is a part of who I am as a person.

As a teenager, I couldn’t wait to move away from Mableton. I jumped at the chance when I joined the military and had the opportunity to live in a few cities but I found I would quickly get “homesick.” I realized that in my heart, Mableton was a part of me.  But Mableton to me, is not just a place on a map, it isn’t just a city within the South Cobb area, it is the people, the places, it is more.

A community is the businesses and the people that reside within its borders. A community is something continual that has existed before us and the social organism that is a community has a life of its own that goes beyond the lives of the residents in it. Our existence involves the many significant life events such as getting older, getting married, getting jobs, having children and these things are a part of our development as a human individual. But all of these changes in our lives contribute to the stability of society and to the continuation of our community! We are all living our individual lives with our own struggles and challenges but by connecting with our neighbors we create relationships and ways to support ourselves and others as we live our lives.

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I believe in the power of the people that reside in this community. I think that there is strength that comes from the community and its residents. As Mableton changes and these businesses relocate – I worry because yes I could just relocate to a new city but I have only one hometown. So much of my history, my identity and the people I love are here – and I hope together we can make some changes.

Lately, as I drive around Mableton I see empty buildings, I see places with covered windows and businesses that have closed or relocated. I hear people discussing the issues and only we as residents can decide to do something about it! It is our obligation and responsibility to take an active role in our community. Get active and get involved! Attend a meeting of the Mableton Improvement Coalition (better yet join), participate in classes  by the South Cobb Arts Alliance or other awesome organizations, or just attend a concert with your neighbors! Participation doesn’t just mean volunteering or giving back, it’s getting to know your neighbors and becoming part of the community.

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I know there are sometimes when we have to venture to another city for goods or services, but I make it a point to find local businesses within Mableton.  I also challenge business owners in Mableton to seek out and actively participate in this community and the programs within. Even if you just own a business in Mableton and live elsewhere, I think it is absolutely beneficial to participate and support your town. The community exists and the people within a community with common interests and common activities gravitate towards each other. We find a sense of purpose as we interact with our peers and it’s in our nature to talk about businesses that you frequent and the brands you buy.  By getting involved and participate in community events – the company name is visible and people will be talking!

 

To all my fellow “Mabletonian” I hope you will take a moment to reflect about the positive impact we as individuals can have simply by being active  in our community.

I encourage you to take steps to connect with your neighbors – learn what business they are in, find out about the lives around you, attend events where you can get together and just begin the process of building your own social network.  Together is how conversations are started, ideas bloom and change happens. Together we as Mableton – can be a powerful force!

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