Sun, 09/14/2025 - 6:22pm

Ed O’Brien

The Lewis R. French anchors off Ducktrap for the evening. The Lewis R. French launched in April 1871, and claims the title of America’s oldest windjammer. (Photo by Heather Moran)

The Lewis R. French anchors off of Ducktrap for the evening. The Lewis R. French launched in April 1871, and claims the title of America’s oldest windjammer. (Photo by Heather Moran)

My older brother Bill recently moved back to town. He retired from his career as a high school math teacher, purchased a little place up on Masalin Road, and plans to offer tutoring for International Baccalaureate students, maybe pick up some carpentry skills, and, of course, find time to harvest blueberries in the summer, his first vocational love.

It’s pretty cool having both brothers around again.

Bill the Math teacher, with his impressively analytical brain; our younger brother Andy, the journalist and union leader, with sharp- sometimes acid-wit and strong political convictions; and myself, the middle child and social worker. Needless to say, when we get together, or even chat over text, it always leads to pretty interesting conversations.

An event happened this past week which really seems to have shaken up our already shaky nation. A man was brutally murdered in front of thousands of college students. A young man, a husband and father of two little kids. A man who made his name and career by talking through issues with those disagreed with him. Many took objection to the words he said, and found his words distasteful at the least. Others found someone who felt he truly spoke for them, who they felt understood them.

He should not have been killed for his words.

Political animals that we are, my brothers and I have been communicating about this tragedy all week. Because Charlie Kirk’s murder immediately became a political topic.

Bill, as he settles back into his old hometown, called me Sunday morning to chat. He brought up a topic I have discussed often in this column, how those of us in Lincolnville engage in areas where we disagree.

The Beach or the Center, those from here or from away, the politically left or the politically right, its always been a town with differences. These differences should not, and often do not, need to divide us.

Bill and I talked about growing up here. Our little part of Maine is the kind of place where a lot of people stay their whole life, or return to after exploring the world a bit. We are also a place marked by political divides, where you are going to have people in your social circle with drastically different beliefs from you. It is not realistic to surround yourself only with people who think similarly.

Maybe you have friends with whom you do not discuss politics, maybe you avoid certain people on social media. You are still, however, going to be bound to engage from time to time with the political “other.”

I think this is a healthy and good thing. I think we have all witnessed the worst of social media, the vast generalizations and ridicule instead of honest debate, often posted under anonymous names. Saying things you would never say to someone outside of Drake Corner Store, regardless of the person’s perceived political wrongness.

As many have talked about “lowering the temperature” following Mr. Kirk’s assassination, I, the social worker brother, have some thoughts. Exercise self care and radical acceptance. You are not responsible for the thoughts, beliefs, or actions of anyone but yourself. Engage in dialogue, online and in person, with respectful language, even when vehemently disagreeing. Don’t resort to name calling or threats, implied or otherwise. Kindergarten rules still apply. Know when to disengage, when to take a break from social media, when to spend a little time in nature. We have it in abundance in Lincolnville.

I went to the 50th birthday of one of my oldest friends this weekend, the little boy I met way back in September 1980 at that first LCS kindergarten. There were Lincolnville people of all ages and political stripes in attendance and it was a heck of a time. Just small town people hanging out and celebrating a mutual friend.

I do believe we can all be better, and I see two path’s forward from here. For all the rhetoric and methods which I personally objected to, Charlie Kirk stood for dialogue with those he disagreed with, not violence. The path I hope this country will take from here is increased listening and learning, finding common ground when possible, disengaging when you need to.

It also helps if you have someone in your life like I do my brothers — bright, engaged people who help you learn to look at things in different ways.

Free Ice Cream at LCS

This Wednesday, September 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Darling’ Ice Cream for a cause will be parked at the school. The ice cream is free, but 100% of any donations will go to the Lincolnville Parent Teacher Organization and all the great work they do.

On that note, a large deck box has been donated to the school, and will stand under the awning in front of the Walsh Common entrance to collect gently used clothes for the PTO Clothing Swap, November 6-8.

Library Happenings

Needleworkers meet from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesday. All skill levels are welcome, come meet up with fellow stitchers.

Thursday, September 18 will be Cribbage for Everyone from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Preschool story and play time will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, and Crafting for Kids will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Come support your local library, pick up a book, and just enjoy the peacefulness of our converted school house.

Flea Market at the Community Building

September's flea market at the Community Bulding, 18 Searsmont Road, will be held this Saturday, September 20, from 8 to noon. Come for a variety of products, from antiques to handwork to farm products. And, of course, church lady baked goods! Proceeds from table rentals and bake sale go to the missions of the Lincolnville United Christian Church.

Walking out of the Lincolnville UCC this Sunday morning, into warm sunshine, a neighbor commented, “I wish September was 90 days long.” I am totally with her. The leaves are just starting to turn, the nights are cool, and the days the perfect temperature. Sure wish we could get a little more rain, though.

So get out there and enjoy it. Take a break from the socials, talk to someone in real life. Maybe listen, try to understand them. You might be surprised what you learn.

As always, reach out at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Monday, September 15

Select Board, 6 p.m. Town Office

School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. Town Office

Tuesday, September 16

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

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

Wednesday, September 17

Library Open, 2-5 p.m., 208 Main Street

Historical Society Museum Open, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, Youth Group, 6 p.m