We used to walk and wave “hello” to folks on their front porch, but no longer. The back deck has replaced the front porch, and I fear we have lost a way to see one another as neighbors. We may gather at schools, at malls for shopping, and at churches for worship. But so many places separate us by competition, economics, faith, and politics. Where do we let the barriers down and see one another as equals and fellow Americans?

The Italians have a wonderful tradition called “la passeggiata.” Every evening, they walk in their car-free streets, socializing and sharing the latest local and family news. This custom reinforces a sense of belonging while getting some good exercise. Can we Americans do the same, creating spaces for children and elders and all our neighbors to get away from noise and traffic?

We have a new possibility connecting the towns of Topsham, Bowdoinham, Richmond, Gardiner, Hallowell, and Augusta called the Merrymeeting Trail. The abandoned railroad that once linked those towns can become a safe place to walk and cycle, exercise and socialize, gather and exchange ideas. There will be no admission fee to enter, no dress code, no club or organization to join. We can all see one another as we are, neighbors getting exercise, talking to one another, and smiling as we pass by.

Community trails are the great equalizers where we gather for positive reasons of health and social connection, and no one is left out. Tell your elected officials we need more spaces like the Merrymeeting Trail and we can’t let this opportunity pass by. The new front porch.

 

Jim Deming

Bowdoinham

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