Community (Eastport, Woodland: house, high school, place to live)

[Maine Writer]

There have been a few blanket statements calling us unfriendly.

At a basketball game at Woodland High School Saturday afternoon we saw a wonderful example of community spirit and friendliness. During half time of the varsity game the three point shot tickets are drawn. You pay a dollar per ticket. If your ticket is drawn and you make a three point shot in one try you win half the money spent on tickets. It's a big deal for the kids. At this particular game a mentally retarded man's ticket was drawn. He had a pretty good chance of being drawn between the tickets he bought himself plus the tickets people gave him. They lined both of his legs down to the knee. We didn't realize he didn't fully understand how the game is played. One ticket, one try. He went to the floor and made his shot, and missed. He immediately put up another shot. After his third shot the announcer tried to get his attention to tell him his chance was over. Both sides of the gym erupted with "ONE MORE TRY!" Every time he missed we yelled "ONE MORE TRY!"

Someone else, maybe several others, could have had a chance at winning the money but that didn't matter. What was important was that this man was trying his hardest to make his shot and everyone there was rooting for him. It took 8-10 tries but he made it.

Unfriendly people? Of course not.

[msina]

Wonderful story! I went to IGA today. The parking lot was trecherous and I had a couple of gallons of water as well as a few bags. The young man bagged my groceries, put them in the cart and, without asking took the things to my car and put them in the trunk. He stood by to make sure I got in the car okay. The only thing he said to me was "be careful". Quiet,.. yes. Unfriendly,.. certainly not.

[Mainer61]

It's so nice to hear something positive and happy. Thank you

[Abbymoulton]

Originally Posted by Mainer61

It's so nice to hear something positive and happy. Thank you

So good to hear the positive. Thanks Robin. We will be there in 42 more days and I KNOW how wonderful Maine people are. Thanks again for sharing.

[mollysmiles]

There is definitely a bonding amongst community members, and it has more to do with the type of person coming to the area than the type of people all ready there. There is someone now in Eastport who is receiving a very unfriendly treatment because of her past behavior with her son, and her present behavior since his death. I know your instincts might say "oh, poor her" but in reality she watched her child be abused and did nothing, finally he was able to escape and live with his grandparents. Now this woman is being given the cold shoulder so to speak, and it's very clear that she is not welcome. Some people will feel that is rude, some people will say others have no right to behave badly. I say you reap what you sow, and these people have the right to make their feelings known regarding her treatment of her son.

So, to me that is a positive thing. A community supporting a lifelong (almost!) resident, and what his wishes were--even though he can no longer speak for himself. More importantly, a community that knows each other well enough to know when that support is needed.

[msina]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

There is definitely a bonding amongst community members, and it has more to do with the type of person coming to the area than the type of people all ready there. There is someone now in Eastport who is receiving a very unfriendly treatment because of her past behavior with her son, and her present behavior since his death. I know your instincts might say "oh, poor her" but in reality she watched her child be abused and did nothing, finally he was able to escape and live with his grandparents. Now this woman is being given the cold shoulder so to speak, and it's very clear that she is not welcome. Some people will feel that is rude, some people will say others have no right to behave badly. I say you reap what you sow, and these people have the right to make their feelings known regarding her treatment of her son.

So, to me that is a positive thing. A community supporting a lifelong (almost!) resident, and what his wishes were--even though he can no longer speak for himself. More importantly, a community that knows each other well enough to know when that support is needed.

A shunning.

[starwalker]

Abby, you mean I am actually going to get there first? LOL who would have guessed!! 22 days until we are locked, loaded and heading north. AKKKK!!!

gotta find a place to live! NOW! <g>

Originally Posted by Abbymoulton

So good to hear the positive. Thanks Robin. We will be there in 42 more days and I KNOW how wonderful Maine people are. Thanks again for sharing.

[mollysmiles]

Originally Posted by msina

A shunning.

Of sorts, but not quite so drastic....more pointed questions about intentions and remarks regarding what his wishes were. I think she may have not been so bad off, but then she made a remark about burning the house down. You can imagine that hasn't gone over well!


The good thing is though that these types of people are few and far between! Most of the people who move to small towns are welcomed with open arms