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Re: White Trash, nosy neighbors and Snobby Milltowners

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Posted by Bob Belloff on 2/09/2010 07:13: IP: c050.host.mprdc.com

In Reply to: White Trash, nosy neighbors and Snobby Milltowners posted by kaw on 2/03/2010 19:12:

As the chair of the Milltown Revitalization Commitee, I read your post with a great deal of interest. I'd like to address some of the things that you posted here.

I think that many of the things that you lament as "wasteful" are things that make Milltown the great town that it is- they show civic pride and community spirit. Are they "for show"? Yes- that is precisely the point. But they are not "for show" in the sense that they hide who we really are, as you imply. Rather, they are so in the sense that they project the very best of who we are. Projects and activities that show community pride, bring people together at gatherings, and beautify a town make it a more attractive place to live and improve its commercial revenues. Simply put, communities require investment to thrive, and civic beautification, community projects, and community activities should be seen as investments.

I think our clock project is a great example of this- it gives people an opportunity to show their affection and pride in their community, and create a landmark that expresses that pride for Milltowners and visitors alike. Far from being unsuccessful, this project was an overwhelming success- we have raised all of the required funds for the project and the construction phase is underway. To be honest, we received more money in sponsorships than we expected, in a much shorter time than expected.

I have lived in Milltown for only five years. Am I a "Milltowner" in the eyes of many residents who have lived their lives here? I do not know. I will say this - I chose to get involved in the community, to attempt to serve the community I live in, and I have been treated like a friend and neighbor by everyone I have encountered, without exception. I have never been made to feel like an 'outsider' by anyone I have met, no matter how long they have lived here. On the contrary, I have made some great friends of people who have lived in this town for generations.

Is Milltown perfect? No. There are many things that could be improved. I encourage you get get involved in a positive way, to share your ideas on how Milltown can be a better place to live. Our organization is always looking for ideas and for volunteers.

It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.


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I think our clock project is a great example of this- it gives people an opportunity to show their affection and pride in their community, and create a landmark that expresses that pride for Milltowners and visitors alike. Far from being unsuccessful, this project was an overwhelming success- we have raised all of the required funds for the project and the construction phase is underway. To be honest, we received more money in sponsorships than we expected, in a much shorter time than expected.

I have lived in Milltown for only five years. Am I a "Milltowner" in the eyes of many residents who have lived their lives here? I do not know. I will say this - I chose to get involved in the community, to attempt to serve the community I live in, and I have been treated like a friend and neighbor by everyone I have encountered, without exception. I have never been made to feel like an 'outsider' by anyone I have met, no matter how long they have lived here. On the contrary, I have made some great friends of people who have lived in this town for generations.

Is Milltown perfect? No. There are many things that could be improved. I encourage you get get involved in a positive way, to share your ideas on how Milltown can be a better place to live. Our organization is always looking for ideas and for volunteers.

It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
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