As a community, we are divided and bruised by this summer’s political campaigns. But as Ansley Place owner Louisa Baker pointed out at this week’s Rotary meeting, we still are a community that cares. It feels good to focus on that.

In the space of 30 minutes, Rotarians heard from Wanda Scroggins, who is helping to organize an “extreme experience” retreat at Blue Lake for the blind and visually impaired. The event is designed to help those with visual challenges live more independently, and draws participants from across the United States. For $190 per camper, participants will spend three nights at camp and fill their days with fishing, motorcycle rides, water sports, golf, archery, a hay ride, tech devices and a health far.

Wanda is working to raise money for scholarships so that all who wish can participate. To help, contact her at wareaglewanda@gmail.com or 428-3335.

The “official” speaker for the meeting was Beth Taylor, who also is working for a good cause. Beth is the chairman for this year’s Friends of the Poor walk, set for Sat., Sept. 29, in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul.

The event is coordinated by the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Christ the King Catholic Church. On Monday, the group was “open” for only two hours, and provided grocers for 28 families. The group also assists with power bills, transportation for doctors’ appointments and other needs.

Beth said the Society’s members not only want to reach out to the poor, but to grow spiritually in the process.

The approximately two-mile walk begins at 8 a.m. on Sept. 29. Walkers are encouraged to make a donation or get pledges for the event. For information, contact Beth at 222-3598.

The third presentation was a commercial by Cindy Howard for last night’s Bayou Feast, which also served as a fundraiser for St. Mary Episcopal Church’s new rice and beans ministry, which I wrote about last week.

These fundraising projects parallel ongoing efforts to meet a $400,000 goal to fund a new Miracle Field, fundraising for the Alatex Memorial, Habitat, and many others.

No doubt, if Hurricane Isaac blows through, we’ll see even more kindness and generosity.

We are blessed to live in a community that cares.