In search of community

E. and I sat talking after the public hearing for the Town of Tusten’s Comprehensive Plan. We both come to the meeting with our own agendas.

He was interested in speaking the truth and naming decisions that various boards historically have made that were beneficial to individuals and not the town as a whole. He wanted to make sure that those types of decisions wouldn’t be made in the future.

My agenda was a bit more complicated. Besides holding the planning and zoning board’s feet to the fire in terms of implementing the plan, I’m looking for a key to help communities counter the fragmentation and apathy.

“You know,” I said, “the history section of the plan was very interesting. It says that this room is used for dinners, dances and social events. There hasn’t been a dance here in years. The only thing that still happens is a couple of pancake breakfasts, and the turkey dinner on Election Day.”

He agreed and told me that Narrowsburg’s social life had revolved around a group of about 20 men who belonged to the Narrowsburg Fire Department back in the 40s, 50s and early 60s. Sharing a strong camaraderie and a love for the town, they had a hand in organizing all sorts of events.

I asked him if he knew whose job it was to create promote and protect a sense of community. Was it the job of the churches, the service organizations, the newspaper, the town government?

We found no answers.

Upon reflection, I realize that it's probably all of our jobs and that there is nothing that holds us together, except for the fact that we live here. We have all come to this place from many roads; we share physical proximity, the common interests of community safety and well-being, and the precious here and now.

We share a place to begin to actively form connections.