Community service forms an integral part of my life. Even before I knew what it was all about, my parents would take me to the polls to support candidates; my father's third-world origin in Guatemala has always spurred my brother Jonathan and I to appreciate our nation and neighborhoods. As a homeschool student, I became involved in CAP, a homeschool lobbying branch of HSLDA. My times lobbying through CAP are among my fondest memories. I have also volunteered the many years to help at the CHAP Homeschool conference; the last two years I have been one of the loudspeaker announcers/guards. Other years I helped at booths. No matter what my assigned position is, I always help with cleanup after the conference. Some of my greatest joy comes from helping others and making their lives easier.
Throughout the years, I have participated in my community through many performance opportunities by playing taps at military funerals, participating in the Bainbridge band, playing in the Lancaster County Junior Orchestra and Youth Symphony, singing Christmas carols to mentally ill children at a local home. I have helped teach several bike rodeos at a local public school and have helped for special events at the Rheems elementary school. When parade season is around, I march in the parades; this last year I had the singular opportunity of playing with the Etown College Band during the town's Christmas Parade. For once we didn't march; we played from a trolley! I am currently being considered to play my trumpet at the dedication of York's World War II memorial. I have also in past years performed at various public events(such as the CHAP Homeschool conference) as a ventriloquist, an art I finally had to give up for lack of time.
I also have ridden in fund-raising bicycle rides for local farmland preserve organizations. Last year I participated in a metric century. This year I hope to ride 170 miles around Lancaster County, in what is called ``the nightmare ride.'' This is my way of contributing to a good cause, promote agrarian development, and preserve the marvelous scenic areas of my county.
I actively participate myself in my local church, currently serving as an usher and nursery worker. Helping children excites me, and I am glad to do things great and small for the Lord and His body, though I tend to prefer the quiet things that don't receive too much notice. Perhaps that is because praise tends to embarrass me, as I am well aware of my shortcomings in life. I periodically attend my church's monthly nursing home service; I preached for January's service. I also have started two Bible studies in which I attempt to follow God's command in II Timothy 2 to perpetuate discipleship.
I am also very active in Lancaster County's computing scene. I am currently the second of two pseudo-Napoleonic dictators in my local Linux Users Group, and I usually present a seminar each month if I am able to attend. Over the last few months, I have done topics on Senate Bill 2048(my paper is included in this application), multi-OS PHP client side programming, and double-entry accounting with computer software. I plan on giving a seminar next month on setting up computer-automated fax systems for free faxing.
I have in the past been extremely involved in my extended community, the Internet. I have published many free articles on programming and was at one time extremely active with advice and programming help through IRC chat, email, mailing lists, and forums. Unfortunately, my involvement in these free services has lightened my wallet considerably, and I have recently scaled back many of my personal enjoyment activities, a fact evidenced by a quick perusal of my literature list.