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Community Matters: What Draws Us Close

When word spread among the community that SecondWind Farm stand had been robbed and vandalized, people were shocked and outraged. Coupled with the vandalization of the trails behind the Chebeague Recreation Center and, subsequently, the school garden, the news made people wonder what kind of place the island was becoming. That vandalism and theft could happen in this very small town, which people tend to think of as a throwback to simpler times, disrupted their sense of place and security. It made them question whether anything was safe and whether anyone could be trusted. There was much remarking over how awful it all was and how this was not the place they knew or remembered. Only one person not only spoke about how wrong it was, but also moved to right that wrong. Within 24 hours Addie Todd had organized a bake sale to raise money for farm owner Chuck Varney. She arranged to use the Hall, lined up bakers, and even enlisted her younger brother and sister and David Calthorpe to help with sales. The morning of the sale the space outside the Hall was crowded with people dropping off food—beautiful challah, cookies of every description, fudge, and many kinds of pies, including whoopie. One woman dropped off two loaves of banana bread and promptly bought one back. People began buying even before

Addie could price everything and arrange it on plates. There was enough food for all the residents of Chebeague, not to mention Cliff and Long islands. It seemed as though people couldn’t do enough to help. In the end Addie raised over $1800—a staggering sum to Farmer Chuck that left him absolutely overcome. But more than that, Addie gave the community a way to disavow the random violence that had occurred and reaffirm what they felt to be true about their home. Later, in thanking all those who helped her on the Chebeague Island Swap, Sell, or Borrow Facebook page, she was inundated by those who thanked her for “making it happen,” for “bringing us all together as a community,” for her “wonderful community spirit,” and for being so kind and thoughtful. That this healing gesture came from a sophomore at the University of Maine at Orono is all the more telling. We are often quick to condemn the young just for being young and foolish, but we should also celebrate those like Addie who are willing to wade in and try to put things right. So thank you, Addie, for understanding that while people usually know what’s the right thing to do, sometimes they need a little push. As Donna Damon put it, “You rock!”

It’s Nothing to Sneeze About!

The Annual Flu Shot Clinic Sponsored by the Chebeague Island Council

No Appointment Necessary!

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. October 20 At the Hall

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SEPTEMBER 2017 CHEBEAGUE ISLAND COUNCIL CALENDAR