Joe Lamartina of Newmarket paints a sectiuon of Newmarket’s Mural on Saturday. SUSAN DROMEY HEETER photo
By SUSAN DROMEY HEETER, Joyful Musings
Every once in a while a Saturday afternoon is so lovely it should be framed. I muse joyfully on Saturday’s Community Paint in Newmarket, an afternoon filled with children, paint brushes, tarps, and a communal goal of readying the new Elm Street mural for June 2027. Homemade aprons adorned volunteers and there was pride in simple work, a gorgeous day prompted laughter and lightheartedness, community and unity.
Whew, I haven’t felt that in a while, I muse joyfully it’s still around, still abundant, still out there. Heartfelt thank you to Newmarket’s Art, Culture & Tourism Commission as well as Friends of the Library for the orchestration and organization behind this event.
Taryn, Ayla, Cole and Josh LaCasse share painting techniques with Katanna Conley Saturday.
And there is something to be said about welcoming volunteers of all ages; children took great pride in having paint on their hands, in their hair. I imagine Towyn Glazebrook, 3, driving by this mural and shouting out every time he goes by, “I painted that!” Joe Lamartina may shout that, too, as he should, but there is something endearing about a child knowing he or she is a part of something greater. They helped. They painted. They showed up.
Newmarket’s community paint took a moment in time, a Saturday afternoon, and allowed people to come together, to simply paint and eat pizza, dance to some music under the sun and to contribute to a project that reflects and celebrates Newmarket’s upcoming 300th Birthday. Celebrate, Newmarket, celebrate. In fact, I muse joyfully you already have. A community paint is a Saturday afternoon so lovely it should be framed.
Justin Glazebrook with Towyn Glazebrook, 3, and Debra Smith enjoy a day to frame in Newmarket. SUSAN DROMEY HEETER photo
Susan Dromey Heeter writes from Newmarket and often from the road where she joyfully muses on life in the fast and slow lanes. She drives a stick shift, can also ride a unicycle and recently retired after 30+ years of teaching. Dromey Heeter finds joy primarily in Milk Duds and people who make her laugh, not necessarily in that order. Follow Susan @dromeyheeter on Instagram and/or @BudgetVogue63. She can also be reached at dromeyheeter@gmail.com.