If you live on the "Backside" (Tremont/Southwest Harbor) of Mount Desert Island chances are you know Jayson Clough. The "Cluffer" is a 100 percent cheerleader for the "Backside" and "Backside Pride"

He organized a kickball game at the Tremont Consolidated School on Sunday August 2nd, and from that humble beginning, it has grown into another kickball game, where everyone is invited to play on Sunday, August 30th from 1 to 3, but into a full-blown volunteer fundraiser supported by the Town of Tremont.

I invite you to read Shaun Farrar's story about this on the Bar Harbor Story. From the original kickball game on August 2nd The Tremont Youth Community Assistance Program has been formed.

If you're "from away", you may be under the illusion that everyone who lives on Mount Desert Island is doing well, and living the "high life". Nothing could be further than the truth. Just look at Open Table MDI and how many people they have been serving at their Free community meals on Tuesdays. They have fed thousands in the years since they began. And now, because of need, they are expanding into Southwest Harbor a couple times per month.

Many Islanders are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Many Islanders have had to make difficult choices regarding food, medicine, and gas, and with the high price of heating oil, and the upcoming heating season, how they are going to heat their homes.

There are a number of food banks on Mount Desert Island, and backpack programs to provide food for children. But Mainers, are a proud and stubborn people. I have run public service announcement on the radio along the line of "There is no shame in accepting help if you and your family truly need it. The only shame is if you let your pride get in the way of feeding or keeping your family warm"

Donations to the The Tremont Youth Community Assistance Program may be sent to the Town of Tremont. Please make checks payable to the Town of Tremont and in the memo reference Tremont Youth Community Assistance Program.

If you want to drop off gently used or new sports equipment or children's clothing at the kickball game on Sunday, August 30th from 1 to 3 at the Tremont Consolidated School that would be awesome. You can get a hold of Jayson Clough on Facebook. If you can't reach him that way, please reach out to me on Facebook or via email and I will relay the information to him.

I've said for over 20 years that Mainers take care of Mainers and those they love. I also believe that those in Downeast Maine are some of the most generous people in all of Maine! Unfortunately, this is going to be a time once again we are going to have to help out our neighbor!

Check out the interview with Jayson.

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