What keep communities strong? Is it local businesses, schools or neighborhoods that keep local ties?

In many cases, the heartbeat of small communities lies in the hearts of those who reside here. The local communities, Syracuse, Milford and North Webster, are an interesting combination of young and old, creative and inspiring, and split between yearly residents and out-of-towners.

Friday afternoon, Syracuse Elementary School students had the opportunity to ride a North Webster landmark and community staple, the Dixie. All fourth-graders (around 84 total) were able to ride free of charge, thanks to the generosity of part-time Webster Lake residents, Dave and Susie Heath.

Local communities are structured around lake life, a free source of entertainment and place of pure joy for many residents. But, not every child will have the privilege to enjoy a summer on the lake as so many individuals do. The Heaths’ generosity ensured each student would have the experience of seeing the shore of a lake from the view of Indiana’s oldest sternwheel boat.

As the boat’s wheel began to churn, students’ faces began to light up. Students clambered up the stairs to the upper deck’s seating area, taking in the sun and gentle breeze with awe.

The fourth-graders stood along the rail of the Dixie, waving proudly to other boaters and families onshore. Friends of Kim Jones even came to the end of their pier to play a trumpet tune to the enthused children.

Especially obvious during the summer months, the joy of children brings happiness into the lives of many, and the importance of their future brings small towns together. Newspapers are filled with photos of smiling babies, playful toddlers splashing through gorgeous lakes.

By focusing community involvement on helping families stay connected, residents contribute to a much larger picture — the future of local children.