The rising seniors of Camden Hills Regional High School are on the annual Washington Trip. A trip that has been occurring for years upon years, generously supported to make it free for all to attend.

The entire class is able to travel to New York City and Washington, D.C., and experience historical and cultural sites with their peers; in a year, they will be saying goodbye, and moving into the world as young adults, to college, to the service, or to the working world.

At the mandatory meeting of students and guardians a few weeks ago, the trip's faculty leaders impressed upon us, once again, the expectations for our young people, and to remind us all of the behavior that will result in students’ unceremonious removal from the trip, at the parents’ expense and inconvenience.

After this meeting, I had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend and classmate, and we reminisced about our own Washington Trip, in June 1992. Two of our number were indeed sent home early. They will remain unnamed, but looking back on it, it was quite a feat.

In 1992, with no phones or internet, these two young men had managed to meet a couple young ladies in D.C., and while the rest of us were being “thrilled” by a performance at the Kennedy Center, they were on a double date. No idea how they did it, or how they thought they would not get caught. Mr. And Mrs. Crockett, primary chaperones of that trip, may disagree, but impressive work, gentlemen.

I have reached that age where many of my peers are starting to grumble about “kids these days” and how “things weren’t like this when we were teenagers.” Just shy of the “get off my lawn” stage.

Every snow day, I can be guaranteed to hear about how, “they never would have cancelled school for this back in the day.” They would, and did. “It’s all these damn cell phones the kids have now”, as if any Gen Xer is ever without their smartphone. The rant about the kids vaping, from a person who I distinctly remember puffing Camels across from the high school on Knowlton Street, every morning and afternoon.

Among the positives of modern times, add the raising of the age when one can purchase nicotine products from 18 to 21.

Kids are going to be kids, and kids are going to make dumb choices.

It is officially summer, school is out. The kids are living their best lives. The teenagers are doing what they have always done, working summer jobs, hanging out at our parks and beaches, and sure, occasionally being a bit of a nuisance. But weren’t we all in our time?

What makes growing up in a small town great is that there is an opportunity for all to have a role in getting our young people to adulthood. Maybe you have some yard work that needs doing, and you know a local teen who might need some cash. Go see a ball game or a performance at LCS. Do your part to make the kids feel welcome, to feel like they are part of the fabric of our community.

Above all, remember your own teenage years, and try not to do it with too much of the haze of nostalgia. The trappings may have changed a bit, but it isn’t really all that different.

Library Happenings

Tuesday, June 24, from 3-6 p.m., the needlework group will be meeting. On Saturday, morning, June 27, the library will host children’s book Patsy Baldus, to share her story Sunny Bear and the Secrets of the Sunflowers. Children are encouraged to take their own stuffies, to listen to the story and search the library for Sunny Bear.

The library is pleased to announce that they will now be open Thursday afternoons from 2-5 p.m. for the summer. With free wi-fi and air conditioning, the library is a great respite from the summer heat.

You may have noticed that the Community Library is sporting a brand new paved driveway. On Saturday the garden club gathered to transition the pavement to the library gardens. Under the guidance of Steve Case, they created a border of stone and got the place looking sharp.

Try to stay cool, Lincolnville, it is forecasted to be rather warm week. Keep up with your gardens and lawns, make sure the dogs have enough water. Reach out at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Monday, June 23

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

Select Board, 6 p.m., Town Office

Tuesday, June 24

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

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

Lakes and Ponds Committee, 7 p.m., Town Office

Wednesday, June 25

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, Bible Study, 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 26

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

Friday, June 27

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

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

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

Saturday, June 28

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, June 29

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages, 10:40 a.m. Coffee and Baked Goods, 11:00 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway