Sun, 11/10/2024 - 07:13 am

Ed O’Brien

The sun rises over the “Boro of Isles.” Those of us who follow him on social media are frequently greeted by the photos Mikey takes as he heads to his garage for the workday. (Photo by Mike Eugley)

I have thought long and hard about what I would write in this week’s column. It certainly has been a week. For some, a reason for celebration, for others a serious disappointment, followed by grief, frustration, and resignation. For many, perhaps just relief that it is over, the election results were accepted, the specter of violence in our nation was not realized, and those nasty commercials pitting Mainer against Mainer have ended.

Look, I’m not going to say everything will be fine. To do that would diminish the very real fear and anxiety that some of my friends and neighbors are experiencing. As someone who’s vocation is to sit with people struggling with difficult feelings, I resist the urge to say “it will all be okay.” Because we can’t know that. Because I do not believe that judging thoughts and feelings as “good” or “bad” is particularly helpful. Things will be different, because things always are.

I write about this little town. For all our lack of diversity in ethnicities, we are very diverse in our opinions. And we generally make it work.

I challenge you to look beyond your own prejudices. If you are pleased with the decision our nation made, try to understand why others might be anxious. If you are grieving and frustrated, try not to vent that on those who may have voted differently. Most of us have people who we are close to who believe differently than we do, and even if we avoid discussing politics altogether, there is still an opportunity to learn where their values are based.

There is a frustrating tendency in our national discourse to see everything in the binary — red and blue — as opposed to black and white. This is not how humans work. I have seen incredible kindness and self sacrifice from people who I thought I disagreed with on every level. I have seen selfishness and crass behavior from people who put the same signs as I do in front of their houses.

Most of my interactions in my day-to-day life are overwhelmingly positive. I spent a lot of time walking over the last few days, appreciating this beautiful place we live, clearing my head, and greeting those I passed. We are still a place where we wave to each other.

I recognize my privilege: I am a white, straight man, with a job, a home, and a vast network of friends and family, living in a community where I feel valued. Every day I encounter people whose situation is not as secure. Who feel like they have a target on their back. My response to the last week is to do everything I can to support them. I know I am not alone in this. And I am also aware enough to know that being there for your neighbor is not dependent on who you voted for last Tuesday.

Library Happenings

From 3 to 5 p.m. this Tuesday, the Lincolnville Community Library will be hosting its needlework group. I have a close friend who is into needlework who frequently sends me pictures of profanity-laden needle point and cross stitch. A way to stitch out your frustrations?

Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. the library will host Mahjong for Everyone, which will have instructors who can teach you the basics of this old Chinese game. I have never played, but I have strong memories of groups of old ladies clicking tiles and cackling in the parks of Taipei City. Seems like a good time.

On Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. the library will hold its Big Bag of Books Sale. Fill a grocery sack with books for only a $10 donation. It is the time of year for snuggling up with a good book, and I guarantee it will benefit your general well-being. Trust me, I’m a professional.

Veterans Day at The American Legion

War Memorial Post 30 of the American Legion, at 91 Pearl Street in Camden, will be putting on a tribute to Veterans on Monday, November 11, at 2 p.m.

There will be music and song, and will feature Camden Hills Regional High School student-led a capella group Fortissima, which includes several young women from Lincolnville among its ranks. The young men of Scout Troop 200 will also be present. The program is free and open to the public.

Holiday Disasters

We are now fully into the holiday season. My wife has started watching terrible Hallmark Christmas movies in between household chores, though I made her watch one of my favorites, Bad Santa, last night.

I recently had a suggestion from a reader that I run a piece about holiday disasters, as submitted by readers. That time the turkey was frozen in the middle. The year the cat licked the mashed potatoes. As someone who started stressing out about Thanksgiving dinner last week, I feel this. So send me your best stories of holidays gone wrong at ceobrien246@gmail.com, and I will run them at a future date. I’ll even keep you anonymous, should you wish, to protect the innocent.

Christmas by the Sea, Lincolnville Style

On the first Saturday in December, the seventh this year, Santa Claus takes his sleigh on a trial run. Just after sunset, he flies over Penobscot Bay, where he inevitably sees the beautiful, and invariably huge, bonfire raging on Lincolnville Beach, surrounded by joyful townspeople, singing. Unable to resist, he parks his sleigh, hitches a ride on a LVFD fire truck with a friendly Fire Guy, and arrives at the Beach to greet the people of Lincolnville.

At least that is what Andy Young taught me.

This year, the bonfire will be lit at 3:30 p.m., the singing commences at 4, and the Big Guy himself is expected at 4:30 p.m.

The Lincolnville Business Group will have a pop up tent with hot beverages and cookies, from Dot’s, the Beach Cottage Inn, the Pine Grove Cottages, and the Spouter Inn.

And as the fire dies down, head up to the Lincolnville Historical Society at the old schoolhouse at 33 Beach Road, where they will hold an open house from 4-6 p.m. with more snacks.

And I have it on authority that Santa will stop by the museum to receive the Christmas wishes of Lincolnvillans young and old.

What a week. Thank you, Ma, for giving me a week off. Loved reading about all that you folks are getting up to, preserving the history of this little place.

And folks, look out for each other, and be kind. Now is not the time to gloat, nor to express your frustration at individuals in your community. As I wrote Wednesday morning, the sun is up, and there is work to do. Do your work, however you define it. Keep being neighbors, keep being friends. Reach out to me at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Monday, November 11

Veteran’s Day, Town Office Closed

Tuesday, November 12

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Land Use Commitee, 4 p.m. Town Office

Recreation Committee, 4 p.m. Town Office

Select Board, 6 p.m. Town Office

Wednesday, November 13

Library open 2-5 p.m.

Thursday, November 14