The more we’re told that we are divided, the more we believe it.
Scroll through the internet and social media, and there’s no doubt you’ll see negative coverage of the small town conflicts of Ute Pass.
We all know today’s political climate emphasizes strife and the algorithms amplify it on social media. Our whole society has become one big reality show. We’re told to fight because getting along doesn’t drive up sales or viewership or engagement. We know reality shows are anything but real. So why do we believe what we’re told about our lives?
As a resident of Green Mountain Falls, I am aware that my town, when viewed through the lens of media, can appear toxic. We squabble over parking meters, tiny home developments, annexation proposals, the condition of the roads, short term rentals…
their thanks to the community for their support. | Credit: Molly Stevens
But what doesn’t get attention – what we don’t see enough of – are the many ways the people of Green Mountain Falls and Ute Pass come together.
If someone came to your home and said, “Your family has disagreements, you’re clearly divided, therefore you should hate each other,” how would you react?
The message we’re fed is: You’re on opposite sides of an issue, therefore you must stand apart in anger.
Is this what we teach our children when they squabble over the last swing on the playground? Separate yourself from the other child. Hate them.
Of course not, we tell them to find a way to work it out, to hug, and go back to being friends.
“I know people in town who have very different views than me,” says GMF resident Lisa Huizenga. “Yet they’re the sweetest people, my neighbors and friends. We don’t agree on some things, but when we work together on community projects, we have the same goals, we get along great.”
Chipper Days event in September. | Credit: Heidi Bailey
Lisa builds community from within, volunteering with local organizations, maintaining a public garden to bring a gentle beauty to the town, and connecting with others through her love of baking. Attend most any event in GMF and you will be greeted with one of Lisa’s home-baked cookies or pies. She can often be found teaching others the art of baking in her home, where she quietly builds community.
The many organizations in Ute Pass are made up of people like Lisa, with generous hearts, who give freely of their time and talents. This past summer, the community came together to work on fire mitigation, raise money for the local food pantry, appreciate firefighters, and celebrate togetherness with festivals, block parties, a parade, and a superhero fun day for children. Woven in among the public events are the personal gestures of celebrating the lives of those who have passed, shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, and bringing food to a friend in need.
Read the news, follow the posts, and it all appears negative. It can leave us discouraged.
But turn off the screen and come to a Ute Pass community event instead. You’ll see a different picture. Like all families, we have our points of dissension, yet when we come together, we have a good time, we deepen our friendships, we get things done.
Some of the community events happening this month in Ute Pass:
- Oct. 4, 9-11 a.m. Creek Week Clean-up, meet at Green Mountain Falls Farmstead.
- Oct. 11, 5-8 p.m. Annual Chili Supper, Cascade Volunteer Fire Department.
- Oct. 12, 3 p.m. Community Concert, Forté Handbell Quartet, Church in the Wildwood.
- Oct. 12, 5 p.m. Chipita Park Association ‘Oktoberfest’ Member Potluck, Marcroft Hall.
- Oct.18, 4:30-6 p.m. Community Potluck hosted by Building Ute Pass Community at Church in the Wildwood.
- Oct. 31, 5:30-8 p.m. Trunk-or-Treat, Cascade Volunteer Fire Department.
Acts of kindness and building community will never be as sensational as strife. We will always have differences of opinion and sometimes we’ll say them out loud. We may even stand on opposite sides of important issues.
But we are not divided.
