Each morning my inbox contains the summaries of news events from the LA Times, the Boston Globe and the Washington Post. So each morning, I wait until I have had at least two cups of coffee to settle me for the dreaded onslaught that is described as news. As the old Kingston Trio song goes “there’s rioting in Africa; they’re starving in Spain. There’s hurricanes in Florida, and Texas needs rain. . . .There’s strife in Iran. What nature doesn’t do to us will be done by our fellow man.” Although this song was released in 1959, the lyrics still ring true today. Nothing has changed since then, other than the names of the guilty, but nonetheless the papers bode that only a dystopic future awaits us. And if I read only those major newspapers I would believe that to be true.
However, I now also wake up to the local Star Democrat and, while I am ashamed to say that I laughed at its small town contents when we first arrived from the oh-so-sophisticated big city, now I have come to appreciate the beauty in the local news and am grateful for the real life perspective. Peace on earth and good will abounds amongst us mortals, regardless of what is going on across the bay.
This morning’s headlines told the story of a local family that has adopted five siblings. The children were to be split up in separate foster homes. The new parents had already raised their own five children so they were prepared for the tumult that ensues when five children arrive, greeting them with open arms. Various agencies were involved and now these children have a glimmer of hope for a bright future and they will all grow up together.
Next was a full page ad about Midnight Madness in St. Michaels. During the first Saturday night in December all the little shops in St. Michaels stay open until midnight. The shop keepers have cookies, savory munchies and wine on hand to keep the shoppers warm, while carolers sing in the streets, giant silvery lighted snowflakes hang on each street lamp and the windows are all brightly lit and filled with irresistible confections. The red cheeked locals all know each other, so they stop and chat and revel in the shared joy of the holiday.
The Choral Arts Society is performing Handel’s Messiah at the community church and certain roads will be closed on Sunday morning for the Santa Claus parade. The Mid-Shore Community Band is holding a Christmas concert sing-along. Evergreen is hosting a craft show. Lots to do around here.
Another article tells us the model railroad show is set for this weekend, while submissions and voting for the Best Beard contest will take place next weekend.
Preparations for the oyster harvest have begun. The cages are delivered and dropped by volunteers into the local waters and baby oysters are placed in protective custody until they are viable. Likewise, a training program to help restore the bay will begin in February.
The “Today in History” section noted that on this date in 1942 gasoline rationing went into effect; in 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat; in 1992 a judge sentenced Amy Fisher to 5-15 years for shooting her husband Joey Buttafuoco’s girlfriend.
The Art Academy is featuring drawings by Goya and Lombardo and a group of travelers has just returned from seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in NYC.
There was a half page photo and a story about a local group of men and women who had been working on a Habitat for Humanity project. A nearby real estate agency contributed a nice chunk of change to help make it happen; the current project will be completed just before Christmas for new home owners.
And of course at the back of the paper we have the funny papers, a sudoku puzzle, a crossword puzzle, and a crypto-quip.
The Eastern shore may lack many worldly sophistications that can be found across the Chesapeake bay but peace, harmony and neighbors who are always ready to help reside here.
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