Hometown Pride

May 10th, my hometown's famous native came home again.

For years, my extended family has heard about the world renown oceanographer and frequent writer for the National Geographic, Dr. Sylvia Earle. She grew up in our town. Went to our public school. My grandpop's first hive of bees came from a swarm that started in the Earle's backyard!

She has been for many a supporting influence to enjoy, explore and respect the wonders of creation.

She was invited to come back home for the dedication of a new walking trail and observation cove named in her honor.


Where the hometown pride kicks in for me is not so much what Sylvia Earle has done (although remarkable!) but in what my cousin Lorraine did to make this dedication ceremony such a memorable event. She aimed to honor Sylvia for her accomplishments and her dedication to the creatures of the earth and the environment. But she did so much more...

Lorraine, Sylvia & boy scouts


What Lorraine really did was give a the gift of hometown pride. She helped create a sweet and special memory for the students, adults and I am sure to Sylvia as well. She rallied a town to work together. She involved students from both the public and Catholic schools. Students have been studying what Dr. Earle has studied and written books about. An art contest was held. Lorraine went to all the civic organizations and local companies to ask them, "How can you contribute to this effort?" They gave their time and their donations. She decided we needed to give Sylvia a special gift so Lorraine contacted the quilters of the town and we put together a quilt.


Finally, the day came, May 10th and Dr. Earle was here and grandpop and cousin Asa (a forester) escorted her to the podium. And as if planned in advance a flock of geese flew overhead. Several people saw the irony in that and let an utterance of amazement. The whole ceremony was excellent. The students sang "Under the Sea" and some danced and the mayor made "Proclamations" and the students were amazingly well behaved and engrossed.


And I was proud -proud of my town, proud of my cousin, proud to be one of the people that appreciates what God has created.