Please, no vitriol at the beach
To the editor,
Ah, summer 2022. Sublime … endless days of warm dry weather, clear moonlit nights, visitors, residents, summer folks roaming our leafy streets, an amazing tomato crop … the list goes on. One could easily define Gooch’s Beach as a lovely gift of nature and a focal point of summer fun. Long and sandy with sparkling water, and in a way a nostalgic existence, reminiscent of the kinds of summers in this town many of us were lucky enough to experience; dogs frolicking in the early morning, children splashing in the Atlantic, older kids learning to surf, families gathering for days of warmth and laughter.
Dan King photo
All memories of which will delight them in the cold winter months to come. It’s also a place to forget for a while about the serious factions that divide our country and the world.
Yet for many of us who frequent Gooch’s Beach, usually twice a day, like the ebb and flow of the tides, a dark cloud appears over the beach. It comes in the form of a truck and an offensively worded banner. The wording on this banner seeks to inflame and divide. It stands for hate and anger and features prominent examples of profanity.
Recently, I was asked by a young visitor to my home what it said. She asked if it was like a flag you might see in a parade? I wonder how many parents have been asked the same question. And I wonder how parents might answer that.
Is it something you would see in a parade? I sure hope not. Because, while I understand that the First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech, speech is powerful and images and words work to conjure feelings. I wouldn’t begrudge any political bumper sticker or flag without vitriol, nor would I suggest that people should be of one opinion. But when your flag seeks to diminish, demean and denigrate other people, I suggest you’ve gone too far. This flag would be just as offensive if it displayed a message maligning the other side of the political divide.
The beach offers a place of solace for me, and I know that others seek out the beach for that, as well as respite from our fast-paced world. With a 24-hour news cycle, social media and the internet providing all the darkness either side could want, I wish we could rely on the beach as a place without the mantle of gloom hovering nearby.
William P. DeSaulnier
Kennebunk
Support for Bella Strong appreciated
To the editor,
Community is much more than belonging to something: it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.
What an outpouring of love and support we received for the Bella Strong fundraiser for childhood leukemia. The organizers would like to thank the individuals and businesses who came out to show their overwhelming support for this cause.
The community involvement and participation was nothing less than astonishing. Crossover Fitness in Wells hosted the event, which was kicked off with a “dry tri.” Over 30 people, team and individuals, competed in a sprint triathlon of rowing, running and biking. The friendly competition was intensified by the heat of the day, but volunteers in the gym and on the road kept everyone hydrated and motivated.
The rest of the day included a food truck, hot dog stand, bodywork stations with massage, reflexology and cupping, a water slide for kids, games, a fun run, face painting and a raffle with various prizes donated by the community. The donations of time, goods and services, and so many fantastic items resulted in a hugely successful raffle.
The funds raised will be distributed between four local families coping with childhood leukemia and the Children’s Oncology Group Foundation. The monies given to the Children’s Oncology Group Foundation will support research at the local Children’s Cancer Center.
Due to the success of this effort, you can look for us next year, as we are already planning our second annual Bella Strong event.
Many, many thanks again.
Holly Giles
Kennebunk
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