MACHIAS, Maine — When asked this Thanksgiving what they are most thankful for, many Washington County residents didn’t list material things. Instead, they didn’t hesitate to say they were thankful for each other and the benevolent spirit that pervades Washington County.
With a struggling economy, a spate of fishermen’s deaths and poor weather for farmers this summer, it is the strength of the people of Washington County that most said they were grateful for.
“I think I am thankful that I live in a place where the small gestures are as appreciated as the big ones,” Machias Town Manager Betsy Fitzgerald said.
“Here we don’t raise a gazillion dollars to make a difference. Granted, this is not a part of the world where there are lots of piles of dollars, so we’ve adapted. We celebrate the collective small donations to the many benefit suppers for folks with catastrophic illness. We appreciate the Rotary auction and the impact those dollars will have in the community, and we can celebrate the care and concern we show for each other.”
Doug Jones is the interim CEO at Down East Community Hospital in Machias. To say the road has been rocky at DECH this year is putting it mildly. The hospital was placed in receivership and ordered to undergo a revamp of its procedures and policies. Some in the community lost faith in the hospital’s ability to provide quality medical care, and Jones was called on to lead the hospital out of the mess.
“I’m thankful for having so many people who want to be part of the solution for our community hospital,” Jones said this week. “I’m thankful that there are so many who are willing to share their opinions — really!”
Not only do Washington County residents share their opinions, but they often share their time and money.
“I am grateful for all people who volunteer to help others, who see things needing to be done and do it, who give of themselves, their time, and money to make this a great place to live and enjoy strong friendships, said Nathan Pennell, district manager of the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Pennell works with dozens of farmers who are struggling to expand and meet the demand for local food, despite harsh weather and a struggling economy.
Inez Lombardo of Machias also works with and is grateful for those farmers. Lombardo coordinates a local food buying club that links producers and consumers.
“Over this past year together, we have kept over $18,000 in the local economy,” Lombardo said. “Instead of our money going to support some distant corporation, our hard- earned money has stayed here in Washington County, supporting our local farmers and food producers. It’s worth multiplying as our suppliers use that money to buy other local items. Our dollars continue to circulate, creating ever wider value.”
In the Machias area, Katherine Cassidy works hard to keep local people informed of activities in the area. Using Facebook and e-mail, Cassidy announces the many benefit suppers and other events held in the greater Machias area.
“I am grateful for the unparalleled financial support and very reassuring turnouts at benefit suppers by community members, even if two or three events occur on the same evening or weekend,” Cassidy said. “Washington County is indeed one community.”
And then there are, of course, the personal reasons for being grateful.
“This year has been one of contrast and mixed emotions for me,” Eastport Town Manager George “Bud” Finch said. “How thankful I am for the good fortune of having my mother in my life for so many years [she died at 85 in August] and for the good fortune of having my first grandchild, Emily Noelle Finch, born shortly thereafter in September. We often forget during our daily trials and tribulations to reflect on what is good, thus making Thanksgiving Day that much more important.”