Sometimes you get glimpses of hope. Maybe those are more common than we know, even in urban areas, but they loom large in small towns.
In small towns, everybody knows your business. Maybe not the real story, but they get a pretty good clue. We don’t care for that much, but in a way it’s a blessing. You might be inclined to temper your behaviors a bit if you know your choices are going to hit the coffee shop. Back when I was a kid, reports of my misdeeds usually made it home before I did. Somebody’s mom always tattled, and that’s not a bad thing.
In small towns, it’s hard to do a good deed and not get caught. The local newspaper tends to report details like who took his mom out to eat for her birthday. Sometimes her age is even mentioned, whether she likes it or not. You hear who donated blood, or supplies to the food pantry.
The small town I keep up with most is Mullen, down on Highway 2, because my grandkids are in school there. Mullen is all about community. The newspaper is owned by a local gal who is living her dream of coming home after college to run the weekly newspaper. The back page is always devoted to news from the nursing home, complete with pictures of residents doing various activities, and notations of who had visitors. Volunteers from around town stop in often to help with activities or lead devotions. Students from kindergarten through high school come by for Christmas caroling or trick or treat, and the homecoming parade detours past so residents can see the floats. High school sports activities are streamed so nobody needs to miss seeing their great grandkids play.
Friday night football is big stuff. Businesses close a little early so employees can attend. Perhaps only in Mullen, you have an athletic director who is acquainted with some patrons of the local VIP golf course, which resulted in having Larry Gatlin sing the national anthem at a home game. Generally, it’s one of the high school students, but last week the second and third graders did a great job. When I complimented the teacher the next day at the volleyball game, she said the kids asked to do it.
Mullen students are always involved in Veteran’s Day programs. The Teammates program has been active for years. There are several home based businesses, and at the Holiday Walkabout, every place stays open late and serves treats to the customers who come out to shop.
Someone is always coming up with a new idea to generate enthusiasm. A long-time business closed last year. That building stands empty now, but I’m willing to bet someone will hatch a unique idea for putting it to use. The Art Center is right next door, displaying local talent and offering workshops.
Up on Highway 20, we have Cody, which bills itself as “the town too tough to die.” Students there built, and operate, a grocery store. Arthur, down south of Hyannis, is tiny, but alive and well. If you’re lucky enough to live in a small town, do your best to keep it going, and teach your youth to be involved. Even if they leave for a time, many will eventually come back.