Good local fun

Friday, July 8, 2011

One of the many things we like about small-town life is how people gather to celebrate their communities.

In Hollis last week there were two events that underscored this:

Beaver Brook’s Summer Solstice Celebration and the Strawberry Festival sponsored by the Hollis Woman’s Club and the Hollis Town Band. The phrase “A good time was had by all” is certainly appropriate for these two events.

Gathering together in a spirit of community reminds us that we are not islands, to steal from John Donne, that we are part of the main and that we like, respect and need one another. It’s easier to remember that when we’re celebrating or just having fun as a group.

We often get detached from our communities because, let’s face it, we’ve got pretty busy lives. In most families, both adults work and kids have quite a bit to do with school, although now that summer is here ... Well, kids in summer can get pretty detached, too, although many of them have “communities” of their own what with the Boys & Girls Club and other organized activities.

It’s more difficult for adults, so it’s important to gather at things like the Strawberry Festival or the Summer Solstice Celebration so we can remember that we are connected.