One of the things I always looked forward to when we lived in Minnesota farm country was election day. That’s when everyone in the township headed for Godahl, a wide spot in the road on the way to Sleepy Eye. We’d go to the community center and cast our votes.
It would take two hours, sometimes more.
Why? The actual voting took about 10 minutes‚ five if you’re like me and write in the names of former presidents and our dogs and cats. The rest of the time was spent catching up on important topics that ranged from the price of corn to how I had been doing since I got back from “doctoring” at the Mayo Clinic.
I loved this. The act of doing our civic duty as voters brought us together, even surrounded by the wide open farm fields.
Community. That’s a term I often hear, but I feel like we are many times robbed of the opportunity to actually be one.
For example, there was a time when people would go to town to buy items such as clothes, tools and equipment. Along the way, they’d run into a friend or acquaintance and strike up a conversation. Then they’d stop by the coffee shop, grocery store or barber shop. The odds were, every stop would produce another encounter.
That, I believe, is how people are designed, as social animals. Sure there has always been a fair number of loners, but nowadays many people are forced into solitude.
Here’s what I mean.
Take voting, for example. Instead of gathering at the polling place and visiting with neighbors, we now fill out a ballot at home and put it in the mail. I get to vote but that’s all. I don’t get to see how the community as a whole is getting along, and I miss that.
Many people also shop online these days. They buy clothes, equipment – even dog food – online. Their purchases arrive at their house, and they don’t have to talk with anyone.
What a sad way to live.
It’s as though only a handful of institutions promote a sense of community. They include celebrations held in the towns in this part of the valley each year, and the local schools. In fact, I’d wager that the schools do more to promote a sense of community than any other institutions. They draw families together with a common interest in children and their education.
Other get-togethers that promote a sense of community are centered on the library, swimming pool and churches. I urge anyone with an interest to join in.
Sometimes, we just need to make the effort to be sociable, to be part of the community. It can have a huge payoff.
Some years ago I avoided going to meetings and other events as much as possible. I worked long hours and preferred to spend my free time at home.
One time, I was invited to a peace officers association dinner. I had helped start a Crimestoppers-type program and the state troopers and police wanted to give us a pat on the back for helping them.
I tried like crazy to find someone else to go the dinner for me. In the end, though, I went.
My life has never been the same.
I met the woman who would become my wife at that dinner. We’ve been married 34 years.
Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Stayton.
