What Does it Mean to be Local?

I’m not sure I know of a place in the world that has placed as much emphasis on ‘being local’ as we have- with t-shirts, bumper stickers, songs, traditions and rituals along with an endless debate on who is and who isn’t. Have you sung “American Pie” at The Corner on Labor Day? Have you participated in the Whaleboat races during the Whaler’s Festival? Did you ever buy Keds at Ivan’s shoe store? Did you swing off the rope into Trout Pond? Ice skated at Ryder’s Pond? Decorated your bicycle for the Memorial Day Parade? Sledded down Pierson Hill? Camped in Stock Farm? Attended a race at Bridgehampton Race Track? Caught bottle fish at Long Beach or snappers off the wharf? Ultimately, we are all just visitors to this inimitable and miraculous planet. We all belong wherever our feet are, yet the debate continues. Recently I read a Facebook post asking folks what the qualifications are to be considered ‘local’. Is it time spent? Connection? History? Commitment? Or all of the above.

Certainly, some draw the line between being a local or being native to the area and some are often both. But in our small village I believe being a local – or feeling like a local - is a mixture of gravity, heart, and state of mind. Do we envision this corner of the world as a distinctive entity with a life of its own-a living breathing well-lit piece of heaven? Or is it merely a playground – to be used and tread upon according to whim? An oasis or a watering hole? Preservation or devastation?

My family has lived in this small village for I believe 5 generations now- but there are families here that go way further back- to the first footprints in the sand, the first fishermen on the shore-the Algonquin, the Montaukett, then the European settlers, the potato farmers, the whalers. We all come from somewhere- and unfortunately, we didn’t get to choose. It is all part of the continuum of life and it will endure long after we’re gone. So, what does it mean today to be a local- and how does a local maneuver these chartered waters?

I have lived through so many changes and incarnations of this village. In my humble opinion, here are some of the traits and motivations that I believe are important ingredients to be considered under the definition of ‘local’:

You are a friend to all local wildlife – your call is to welcome and protect them- don’t force them out into the road with tall fences and cattle grates. Realize what a gift they are to our area and our way of life – a gift that future generations may only hear tales about. Help turtles to cross the street, grow plants that support pollinators, feed the birds.

You follow the codes -you don’t overbuild, take over land that isn’t yours, don’t denude your property of all vegetation, try to keep the land as natural as possible. Encourage organic gardening and lawn care.

You become a neighbor, not just a resident-we look out for one another, get to know each other, help each other -bake the cookies or the casserole- cross the street to greet a friend, listen, care, support.

You get to know and celebrate our history. Visit and support our local historical museums. Become a member, attend events, feel the footsteps of those who walked before you.

You support local community groups-the ambulance, fire department, shops, churches, The Community Band, American Legion, the Long Pond Greenbelt, the Sag Harbor Helpers….with your time and/or your resources. You realize how important they are to the life of this village.

You say ‘hello’, ‘hey’, ‘good morning’, to people as you pass them by. Pick up conversation on the grocery line. Sport a smile. Encourage a sense of community and friendliness.

You pause and let people cross the street and when someone lets you cross you smile and wave and perhaps say ‘thank you!’ You don’t take kindness or friendliness for granted. You pause and let folks back out of a parking spot. You follow the rules of the road.

You become involved-attend local meetings and events- help out when you can-share your time and resources.

(Please feel free to add to this list.)

I have always held my head high with a palpable sense of pride of being ‘local’. Yet, there are those who may look down on us – those that come in thinking that they have all of the answers-the pedigree, the bank accounts, the illusory superiority - those that see locals as people from a small town that may be unsophisticated, insignificant, and perhaps even invisible. There are those who think they are beyond the code and the laws and they’re here to ravage and do whatever they want – those that threaten litigation and would rather pay the fines than follow the rules. They live with an entitled sense of self that is backed-up by their wallets. They will never be considered ‘local’ not here, not anywhere. And there are others who take up residency and do whatever they can to help, to encourage, to support, to belong.

To some being local may mean years spent, or lineage, or how deep you dig your heels in, but for me being local means having pride in and taking care of this beautiful corner of the world (wherever you may be)– somewhere inside of you, you feel planted and rooted and part of the circle of life here – with a love and a responsibility to leave the place even better than how you found it. To me that warrants the title ‘local’. You are sure to hang your hat where your heart ❤️ is.

A track from my first CD (a cassette actually)-’Local Girls’- recorded with Phil Noble, Kenny Harris and Rodney Harris back in the ‘80’s.