Don Lowe Selectman Column 7 13 2026
I’m amazed at why people are such incredible community people. Why does a person stop on the road, get out of the car, and move a branch off the road. Why does someone else drive a tractor all over Town in the middle of the night after a storm to clear roads; why does another person spend his or her evenings sitting on some board or commission for service to the town? Why volunteer at the library, the Historical Society, the JCC, or be a leader for kids in the Scouts? Why coach a team? Why sit on a building committee? Many people volunteer for the fire department and emergency services, and some volunteer to drive elderly people to doctors’ appointments or shopping. Why? And why do people keep our churches alive through their volunteer efforts or why do I see people with garbage bags cleaning roadsides? Why would a person take a struggling organization and turn it into a hugely successful oasis for music and popular culture events? Why would a person dedicate themself to rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals? Or lead a 4-H group? Why does someone gently scoot a turtle off a busy roadway? Why do people donate their hard-earned money to help someone in financial need? Or throw a party for someone bereaved? Why do people deliver cookies to a public works crew after a busy storm event? Why do people smile at one another or ask, “How are you doing?” to someone who has had a tough time. Why do people teach children to fish, understand nature, play an instrument, ride a bicycle, or paint pictures? Why are we nice?
Why in the world am I writing this?
It kind of erupted from me, actually: I was feeling a little discouraged because I made the mistake of letting a couple of people and their negative actions against the town weigh heavy on me. And then it occurred to me that this involved only a couple of people and I started thinking about a few people who I really admire for their good work for Sherman. And then a couple more came to mind, and then a few more, and then more, and more, and more, and before I knew it, I realized that this town is teeming with good-hearted folks! People who volunteer their time and resources to make life better for others. And I felt a lot better; I breathed easier. Sherman is a sweet town.
I attended the JCC Annual Meeting brunch on Sunday and was amazed at how that organization has grown into a gathering place for people who love music, have an interest in fruitful discussion, take enrichment classes, all while benefiting Sherman. During the school construction, the JCC has been kind enough to house our Junior Summer Campers for the second year. The whole morning/afternoon was enlightening, and I was flattered to be invited. Do yourself a favor and check out the JCC website for upcoming events. There’s a lot of them!
Please note that our contracted road resurfacing company is putting the “fog seal” on the roads we chip sealed about a month ago. This is a light coating that puts the finishing touches on the stonework, and it preserves the road at a very reasonable cost for another 5 to 7 years. Please be patient as this goes on. This morning they were completing Leach Hollow Road.
Do not forget to buy your tickets for the Fireman’s Ball. I’m sure you have seen the signs around town. This is the most fun event of the year and features a roast beef dinner, live music, prizes, and neighborly camaraderie. Saturday, Aug. 1. Doors open at 4:30.
