Idealism reflex exercised at recent ribbon cutting

There was no red. No blue. It was all about green—as in the great outdoors—as people from all walks of life gathered with the Friends of the Polly Ann Trail to celebrate a completed section of the trail in Dryden.

I saw folks from state and local branches of government, engineers, advocates, and volunteers, all of whom felt really good about things that are happening along the Polly Ann Trail. Things they helped make possible.

This somewhat weary former reporter’s idealism reflex—which, like my body, has grown a bit stiff over the years—was awakened and exercised in a most pleasant way.

I’ve been to hundreds of ribbon cuttings in the 30 years since I started with the paper, and it’s very seldom that such an enthusiastic crowd attends, especially in the middle of the day.

I was highly impressed—inspired, dare I say—that people of all political stripes were very happy about the latest accomplishment on the trail.

Made possible through a DNR ‘Spark Grant,’ the Friends group was able to fully develop a 1.5 mile section of the trail, one that happens to be near the home of the late Larry Rumley, who is credited with getting the local Polly Ann Trail group off the ground.

What I witnessed, even if it took almost 30 years, was what can happen when people, citizens and government (state and local) work together for a common cause that improves things for everyone. I got to see tax dollars in the form of a grant working for my own communnity. I got to see people dedicated to their jobs did what they are supposed to do to find affordable, do-able ways to accomplish a goal, regardless of their personal politics and beliefs.

More importantly, perhaps, is I got to feel the energy, the happiness and the pride that wafted through the room like a fresh breeze and fanned a fire of hope in my belly.

What I thought was going to be a standard ribbon cutting photo for the paper turned out to be a demonstration of what people can do when they come together to make their own community a better place for everyone.

Longtime Friends of the Polly Ann Trail Chairman, David Howell summed it up best when he recited a quote by Margaret Mead.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Yes, indeed.

Email Catherine at tct@pageone.inc.com.