Rockland Heart and Soul has so far gathered more than 120 stories from Rockland residents.  The “Story-Gathering” volunteers are talking to people who live all over Rockland, who are at different ages and income levels, who work at all kinds of occupations and schooling, and who have lived in Rockland for varying numbers of years. These demographics are critical to the Heart and Soul process, and the true value of talking to a broadly diverse population is becoming increasingly apparent to the volunteers who are listening to the stories and storing data from them. 

Many of the early stories gathered came from people who attend public meetings and who participate in civic functions and local public activities, like Summer Solstice and the Farmers’ Market.  Their comments were often positive, filled with appreciation for Rockland’s unique mix of people, businesses and services and for its naturally beautiful landscape.  The story gatherers have to work harder to find those who are economically or physically challenged, or the many residents who do not generally get involved in public meetings or civic activities. What they are finding are people who care passionately about current day-to-day life in Rockland, and about its future. 

Interviews of elderly residents are bringing surprising insights into the richness of community life in previous years.  The trolley to Thomaston or Rockport was convenient, but most people lived, worked, and conducted business travelling by foot, even in winter.  Since you ran into people as you walked, people got to know their neighbors well.  Being able to walk down the street and recognize and greet your neighbors is a theme that often comes up.   Rockland’s reputation as a “hard-working town” is often mentioned with pride, along with the hope that there will continue to be jobs here in fishing and manufacturing.

Stories from people who face economic insecurity are raising different themes. While there is love for the Rockland community, there is concern about gaps in services and policies that make day-to-day life very difficult, particularly when there are young children in the family.  A young man at the Food Pantry talked about desperation to start treatment for opioid addiction, but with the nearest treatment facilities located in Augusta and Portland, Rockland residents often cannot leave their children or give up their jobs to get into programs there. 

Transportation is a major concern.  As jobs, services, and shopping have spread away from Main Street, it is difficult and often dangerous to travel as a pedestrian along Rockland’s busy streets, especially after dark.   

Students also bring a different perspective.  There is a lot of school pride at Oceanside High, and sincere appreciation for teachers who go above and beyond to keep their students learning.  But the physical building, with its lack of adequate sports facilities, up to date equipment, and aging and shoddy structure, are major concerns.  The relative “fanciness” of neighboring schools has led to transfers of Rockland students, who are able to afford a tuition payment or who move in with relatives in neighboring towns.  

Students learn from their parents that Rockland High once had more than 600 students, and now there are only 190 students, and they understand the implications of a smaller student body.  

Rockland Heart and Soul will continue to seek out residents who want to share their stories, with the goal of gathering up to 350. The more stories collected, the greater diversity of participants and the broader scope of information shared.  As soon as 200 stories are in hand, Rockland Heart and Soul will embark on a series of public meetings to review and discuss the data collected, and will start the work of identifying – with the community – those things most important to Rockland. 

To volunteer, to arrange to be interviewed, or to learn more about the work of Rockland Heart and Soul, visit its web page at ocklandheartandsoul.org, or facebook page.