By Virginia Bruce

Since 2011, in addition to our Facebook page, we have had an active group where members can post questions, news, requests for recommendations, and more. The Cedar Mill News Group was formed to allow our neighbors to talk to each other, unlike the page where only I can post. We now have nearly 8000 members! Members post public safety alerts, road conditions, lost and found pets, and more.

The group is private, which means you can see it, but to be able to post or comment you have to submit a request to join. This allows me as admin, and my moderator, Claudia Scholtz, to make sure members are local and agree to group rules that include civil behavior and an agreement not to advertise. To join, visit the page, then click the Join button and answer the questions and agree to the rules.

While we know that some people don’t like Facebook or its policies, we feel that it is an established and useful way to stay in touch. The group was especially useful during the big ice and windstorm a few years ago, with neighbors sharing access to resources and information.

Group moderation is serious business. Claudia and I check the group regularly to make sure members aren’t violating rules, and to vet member requests (usually four or five each day). Facebook continually changes and adds features, some helpful and some not! I have learned a lot being a member of a Group Admin group so I can do a better job.

So, if you’re a Facebook user and live in Cedar Mill, Bethany, Cedar Hills, or other nearby communities, you’re invited to join us!