Home Team

The parking lot was full. The gymnasium was pulsating with music through the brick wall. Couples, grandparents, and kids were hustling through the cold air to get in line for the big game.

In the lobby of my high school I shuffled into line not really sure where it ended. The man behind me said, "You were ahead of me."

"Oh, I wasn't paying attention. I'm surprised how many people are already here."

"Big rivalry, these two schools."

Yes. Even twenty years ago the other team, then the Tigers, was the powerhouse rival. Despite a new name, mascot, and student body, the Mariners are as fierce as its former name suggested.

Energy was coursing through the air. The stands were full even before the first game. People made openings and offered arms and shoulders to hoist their neighbors and friends into the stands. People called to each other or stopped for a quick hello. By halftime of the first game it was standing-room only.

Every other face was familiar-I recognized school mates or their parents, teachers, newer friends from church or around town. And despite not being able to talk to all of them, it was comfortable having all those familiar faces nearby cheering for the same team.

The music was loud. We yelled and cheered. The cheerleaders performed. The players ran hard and fast. Only the occasional taunt, protest, and "boo" was heard from opposite sides of the court mostly in good fun. It was loud, intense, exciting, and happy.

At 9 seconds left, the game could have gone either way, but it didn't. After one overtime, the hometeam spoiled it for the rivals by two points, one goal.

The place was wild with noise and celebration. Elation and disappointment mixed together. Clapping, cheering, hand slaps, fist pumps, and hugs.

Another community rite--cheering on the home team!

Another Supper

Garlic and tomatoes. That's what it smelled like when I opened the door. Red and pink balloons greeted us, as did two volunteers who kindly told us that would be "Ten dollars, please."

Community supper for a good cause brings
community members together.

Another community supper for another great cause, this time for a community preschool of which we are alumni.

I am continuing to wrap my head around community, what it looks like, and what it is. It's difficult to define in one word, but if it could be done the word would be people, or maybe eating.

But eating can be done alone, whereas people are never too far away, and when they are gathered together it can be called community. And when they are gathered for a similar goal or a singular purpose, that seems even more like a community.

Our purpose was to raise a bit of cash for a wonderful school that serves preschool age children and their families in our county. The dinner draws parents, grandparents, friends, and of course, children.

The dessert table was a delight of pink and red frosting topped with heart candies, rainbow jimmies, and paper heart flags. It is almost Valentine's day, and what a way to show our love for the school, the teachers, and students, and our community.

There was a raffle prize table filled with gift certificates to the hardware store, restaurants, a gardening basket, and a chocolate basket, and more. Buy your tickets, pick your favorite chances, and drop the tickets in a bag. We didn't win, but that's not really the point.

Even though we are 4 years out of attending preschool, I love to attend this community event. The teachers and staff can see how their former student has grown, and he (my child) can stay connected  to the people who first formed his idea of leaving home and Mama's lap. We see former classmates and their parents, and we can catch up with current attending families who we know.

Community is about people, and community suppers are just one way we celebrate each other.

Besides who can resist a $5-a-head spaghetti supper?

Who can resist a $5 spaghetti supper?