It’s busy out there. I don’t have any insight into actual numbers, but it sure feels like a record tourist year here on the coast of Maine. I totally get it, Maine is wonderful this time of year, and who wouldn’t want to experience it? The rocky shore, the miles of hiking trails, the seafood… it’s all pretty great.

But working out of an office in downtown Camden, it can get a little… trying. I find myself mentally preparing for my commute home, through the heart of the downtown. I take a moment to clear my head, and remind myself to be kind. 

Be kind. I don’t think I am the only person who notices a general lack of empathy to strangers, long endemic in our online interactions, but seeming to bleed into our in-person contact, as well. 

Of course, Mainers, and New Englanders in general, aren’t noted for our outward friendliness. Someone recently summed it up for me by saying “some places, they are friendly, but not nice. Mainers are nice, but not always friendly.” But I think we make up for this in kind gestures. Waving to strangers is part of our culture. Anyone who has wintered here enough to have ended up in a ditch or two during a snowstorm probably has a story about some guy in a big truck showing up and hauling you out. Often with barely a word spoken. You mind your business, but you offer help when someone needs it.

I will take this over the in-your-face friendliness I have witnessed in other parts of the country, but of course this is where I grew up. Our summer visitors, of course, don’t always know our culture, and I often hear complaints about “rude tourists”, failing to use the crosswalks, driving 20 mph on Route 1, not returning a nod when passing.

It is always interesting to hear from transplants, those who have stayed a few winters, and how quickly they adapt to Maine’s version of kind, and sometimes complain the loudest about the tourists.

In a separate category are the true summer people, those who have been coming here for years or generations, and have become an integral part of our community and what makes this a great place to live.

The Lincolnville Improvement Association has always had a strong representation from our summer residents, actively working for the community, and raising money both for town projects and for the robust scholarship program to benefit Lincolnville graduates. This is what kind looks like. It is deeds not words.

Kind is a nod, a mumbled “‘morning,” and an unbidden offer to help chuck the yellow bag of garbage into the bin at the transfer station.

Kind is the meal delivered to a family who is going through a rough spot, or strapping a chain to your old 4x4 and hauling the Tesla out of the ditch.

Kind is our volunteer firefighters, who, for very nearly no compensation, will respond day or night, when terrible things happen.

We need more kind in our world. So try to be patient with our short term visitors. Appreciate the business they bring, and the enthusiasm they have for the things which we often take as mundane parts of our environment. They will go home soon, and we will have our roads back. Let them return with stories of the quiet kindness of Mainers.

Blueberry Wingding

I don’t know the numbers, but from what I could see, the Lincolnville Improvement Association’s Blueberry Wingding sure appeared to be a success. As he has done many times in the past at his old location, Rick McLaughlin opened up his kitchen and restaurant to the amateur pancake slingers, who were whipping out plate after plate of blueberry pancakes with bacon or sausage, juice and coffee. Several local businesses donated for the raffle, and tables were laden with home baked delights for sale. 

Across the street, in the parking lot of the Lobster Pound, tents were set up with crafts and white elephant goods. I finally got my hands on an “04849” hat.

In related LIA news, mark your calendars for Saturday August 24, when our local pickle ballers will be hosting a fundraiser for the LIA scholarships. I will have more details next week.

Monthly Flea Market

This Saturday, August 17, from 8-12, will be the monthly flea market at the Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road. Sponsored, as always, by the United Christian Church, it features antiques, handcrafts, value-added farm products and an array of baked goods. You never know exactly what you might find, and it is aways a great place to catch up with neighbors.

Second Annual Lincolnville Arts Fest

This weekend, August 17 and 18 will be a celebration of all the artists in this creative little town of ours. Check out their website at https://vandervenstudios.com/lincolnville-arts-festival/ for a list of all the participating studios. And new this year, on Sunday evening, Tranquillity Grange will host an after party with live music starting at 4 p.m. featuring local musicians, and a food sale to benefit the LCS 8th grade class trip. 

This should be a fantastic way to get to know your local makers, and if you’re relatively new, to explore all the corners of this great little place.

The political campaign signs should start popping up soon, and, the diverse lot that we are, I am sure there will be plenty supporting both sides. Remember that kindness, and the politician we choose to support is not a reflection of who we are as individuals. If you, like me, enjoy a lively political debate, you can do it without being overly nasty, even, shockingly, when online.

Don’t forget to wave, or at least nod, when you pass by each other; see if anyone needs a hand. Try to stay positive and reach out to me at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

CALENDAR

Monday, August 12

Lincolnville Historical Society Museum open, 1-4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

Select Board, 6 p.m., Town Office

Recreation Committee, 6 p.m., Town Office

Tuesday, August 13

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Wednesday, August 14

Lincolnville Historical Society Museum open, 1-4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

Library open 2-5 p.m. 

Planning Board, 6 p.m., Town Office

Thursday, August 15

Heart and Soul Team, 4 p.m.  Lincolnville Community Library

Friday, August 16

Lincolnville Historical Society Museum open, 1-4 p.m., 33 Beach Road

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Saturday, August 17

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, August 18

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 11:00 worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway