A few weeks ago, I witnessed something I had not seen only but once before in my life.  A little more than 50 years ago, Ivan Young’s cattle barn burned fast in a few hours one fall night. The barn stood at the current site of the Youngtown Inn. 

As soon as the remains had cooled, equipment and neighbors showed up to clean up the ashes and rubble.  In a few more days lumber and supplies were donated.  Within that month a weekend barn rising took place.  If I remember correctly, well over 150 Lincolnville residents and local farmers showed up to help. 

In that two-day span a large dairy barn was replaced.  A chicken barbecue was provided on Saturday, as well as about 50 women serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.  More than a barn was built. A sense of community, friendship and lasting appreciation of the kindness of others were nailed together at that time.  (Pardon the pun.)

  Just a few weeks ago, to my surprise, on the weekend of October 29, I was able to witness a similar event. 

My son, a short-time member of the Rockport Fire Department, severely injured his foot and has been unable to work or even to walk and was in desperate need to close in a large building we had started. 

A great thing happened with  a few family members, a few church members and a strong cadre of Rockport Fire Department members that showed up to help out.  Those firefighters came prepared to put in a full day of physical exhausting labor and displayed considerable competence in carpentry, as well.

I cannot thank Chief Jason Peasley and his crew enough, along with others that were there.  I would also say if I were a Rockport resident and had an emergency and these guys showed up, I would be rest assured that things would be very well handled. 

You guys know who you are, so thank you very much.