I had an epiphany while standing on the wharf at Cousins Island last week in the chilly moonlight, waiting to catch a late evening boat back to my home, Chebeague Island. Looking across the ocean at the north side of the island, I noticed that, other than the Stone Pier wharf, the island looked uninhabited; not a single house light could be seen. Few year-round islanders (there are roughly 350 in all) have an ocean view from their homes and thus in the winter the only indication of humans exists in the middle of the Island. Anyone else might have felt lonely at the prospect of heading to such a dark, isolated place but I found myself smiling.
When I graduated from college, I never thought I’d end up living on Chebeague, but as I embark on the final eight months of my fellowship, I reflect on the positive experience that I have had here so far. My work is primarily focused at the Chebeague Recreation Center with a variety of programs including work with teens, a pilot preschool program and a number of other fundraisers and activities. However, it is not only the work that has captured me, but also the individuals who live here. In a short time I have formed a surprising bond with this island community, although I felt welcome and included from the first days of my arrival.
One autumn event truly highlighted my feeling of inclusion in this community. Shortly after the summer visitors departed the island last fall, I attended a community garlic-planting/cider-pressing party at the very special Lone Goat Farm. A number of community members and I showed up ready to get our hands dirty and help a local farmer (and friend) complete her garlic processing cycle. We got right to work burying garlic cloves in rows in the dirt (pointy side up of course). The next activity involved crushing the island-grown apples in a traditional cider press and the product was a delightful cider drink (even the few worms that unavoidably ended up in the mix couldn’t bring the elevated mood of the day down). The event was decorated with live music, delicious home-made food and steady drop-ins throughout the day. There was no lack of fun or hard work. It was a wonderful feeling to work alongside fellow community members of all ages who were more than happy to donate their day to help support a local farming project.
One benefit of Chebeague Island is that it is not far from a bustling city, and thus its residents have the freedom to escape and be among strangers almost whenever they want. Despite this option, many choose instead to spend most of their time on the island, surrounded by friends and family. Although many of the people in this community grew up on Chebeague Island, there are always new people moving here. I think it is remarkable that this small community is so open to new people. Lights on the shoreline may disappear in the winter, but the light inside this community is clear and vibrant all year long.
Caitlin Gerber is the Island Institute Americorps Fellow on Chebeague.