Letter to the Editor: Have a heart for the Northwood’s Pulling Track
Janet Bredeau-White of Phillips with her truck and fan Bonnie Lisherness of Avon behind the wheel.
Have a heart! The Northwood's Pulling Track in Avon is a great asset for the local towns. It brings in business, maybe not for Avon, because there are none at the moment, but it helps Phillips businesses, like Edmund's Market, 5 K Pizza, & even Sander's Auto because if we breakdown we have a parts store near by.
My family has lived here all our lives. We have built three pull trucks and are working on a fourth for our grandchildren. Some of have been doing it for 16 years. It's a "family sport," in most cases when one goes we all go: young and old, from 2 months to 95 years. Sometimes we stay for a week depending on how far we travel. The pulls are from Presque Isle to Fryeburg Maine.
Mike and Ginny Auger are very family orientated and do a lot for the local community. Remember all profit that they make is donated back to the community. Especially Operation Santa Claus, would you rather that the kids that benefit from that go with out presents? Northwood's is working very hard to fix things right but it takes time, and some times you have to learn as you go. I know, I did!
Truck Pulling and Mud Running are big sports and are growing more popular all the time. It is nice to have a local place and not have to travel all the time. We have nine modified trucks right here in the area and I can't begin to count the Mud Trucks. All the pulls are run during the day and it's "family fun" or some may call it "redneck fun." It's cheap or can be expensive, whatever anyone wants to do. Would you rather have us out drinking, doing drugs and squealing tires?
My suggestion is that the nine or ten times a year that we are over there pulling maybe everyone who doesn't like it should plan on doing something out of town that day . The schedule is set in advance so all pullers know where they're going for the whole year.
My thanks to Mike and Ginny Auger for having a place where we can have fun and spend time with family!
Janet Bredeau-White
Phillips
Entries(RSS)
I have been to these pulls with my family and we really enjoy them. I have heard that the neighbors complain because of the noise, but these people are out just having good clean fun. So if you want to complain about something, complain about the people that are causing trouble and actually bothering those around them.
Yah I live just a short distance threw the woods from the track and yes you can hear the trucks come to life but usually before you know it the event is over and it is rarely very late in the afternoon. People around here work hard and pay huge taxes to live in an economically depressed area..why?? who knows..guess cause it's home for us. Ever spent the night sleeping on the side of an Interstate? I have.. trust me the noise is equally as bad.How about living next to a freight train track? I know alot if not all of the people who participate in these functions from this area..all of them have worked hard in their lives and they do this cause it gives them a little pleasure that they can do together as family and friends. Seriously how far out into the sticks do you have to move nowadays to just be able to unwind a little without pissing somebody off? If this area doesn't start allowing a few things here we might as well put a gate across the highway and lock it up. For the few events they have per year I say just plan on going somewhere with your family for the day if it is really that bad that you cannot stand it. Let these guys have some fun half a dozen times a year
I can hear the sound of the engines at my house also. It makes me smile, because for 1 day the community folks are coming together to socialize and escape the stress of everyday life. I love it when the pulling events are well attended and everyone is enjoying a local activity. Most of the time we have to travel out of town for most everything. If I found the noise to be bothersome...I would ask for a schedule of the local pulls and plan an outing for the day. I would not try to take away the enjoyment of so many for my own purpose. I would want to find a compromise for the greater good of everyone involved. There is a common ground for everyone if we can be considerate of why we live here. We should be promoting outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, ATV's and snowmobiling. That is why we live in a community so unique to us.....because we are rednecks and enjoy the simple things in life. Perhaps if I could not appreciate that type of culture...I would consider moving to a neighbor that would be more fitting and less bothersome. One where even the dogs have crapping restrictions.
First of all I would like to sat that there are many people who have transplanted to our area and have been a welcome asset to our community.
But for some, they soon discover that we enjoy more things other than sitting on the front porch sipping lemonade.We enjoy mud running, truck pulling, snowmobiling, atv-ing, fishing, hunting and YES shooting at a local firing range. Some of these people try to change the way that we live and become spoil sports.
Change is good but do NOT move to our communities and try to change who we are. Many of us grew up doing all of these things and many people come to the area because of these things.
I think the Phillips did a pretty good job at standing up to those who wanted to shut down the local firing range and I hope that the Avon residents take a stand over mud running.
If you came to this area thinking, it was Mayberry-- You must not have really come out and met the locals before you made your decision.
I would also like to say that these things are a part of our family traditions. Would you want us changing yours? These events happen during day time hours. Get over it, take a day trip somewhere or maybe.... come over and join us. You may just enjoy it yourself.
Dear Complainers,
You do realize that you live in Avon, Maine, right? I understand some of you may have purchased your home through the computer from a desk somewhere in Southern New England, however, you should have done more research. Mudding and truck pulls have been enjoyed in this area for decades. You should feel fortunate it is an organized event in a single field not something to do on a hot day on a back road somewhere.
The participants and spectators of these events are carpenters, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, masons, farmers... These are the people that you will be asking for help when a bear attacks your dog, lightning strikes your house, your car breaks down, or a pill addict breaks in to steal your valuables.
Before you fold your arms and turn up your nose in disgust (like some kid that didn't get picked to play baseball), maybe you should take a walk and go see what fun you're missing. Like Mom always said, "You can't say you don't like it if you don't try it."
I love all the comments, but realize it isnt only the "flatlanders" that may be complaining. The first complainers are People that have always lived there for years. I havent gone to the mud runs or truck pulls, I may soon, but I think what this small community needs is more people enjoying these things and thank your lucky stars we have ppl like Ginny and Mike and all the participants to make this happen and make money for worthy causes. ONE DAY FOLKS>>>>ONE DAY>>>>> go shopping or go for a drive if its that bad for you. Let this community come together and have fun clean fun..well maybe not clean..but you get my drift.. and make money for Operation Santa. Like Jon Wilbur said, if people cant have fun lock up the highway and call it a dead town.
Ive lived here all my life and I am sorry to say that I FEEL that ppl moving in to Avon and Phillips are trying to tell us rednecks how it should be done around here and I take offense to it. And then you have locals that are trying to cause trouble by getting it shut down??? How dare you??? And just like Phillips..they talk about getting new businesses coming to town and then drive them right back out with their stupid ordinances... COME ON PEOPLE! Let them have some fun..I dont think it will kill you for one day a month or so!
I think it,s great for the towns Avon & Phillips and I live next door to this event !!!!
Put the pedal to the metal guys! Let everyone know that we're still alive and our little corner of the world is worth visiting. These races are non-destructive, don't occur late at night or year-round, and victimize no one. Just a bunch of people having a great time. Show some tolerance-it just might be your favorite activity next time. And thanks, Mike and Ginny for your donations to those in need.
I live up on the Parlin Road and could hear the engines roaring today. I thought of all the good times they were having there today. RIP 'Em! Rip 'em good! At least I know the town isnt dead and they were having good old fashion fun!
As I was working in my yard yesterday I was thinking the people there are having a great time. I can hear them but I chose to stay and listen . We all have choices to make in life and that is there choice . Yours is to stay home and complain . If it bothered me I think I would take a day trip . I would rather have them there than out on Main St. where myself or 1 of my grandchildren were in danger. Come on folks I think if you were honest you probably squeeled a tire or two in your day and it probably bothered someone . This is organized let them have there fun .I may join you next time sounds like people having a great time . Leave them ALONE
I also live nearby and can hear the engines roar and every so often hear the crowd cheer (which is what it's all about by the way) I have attended many truck pulls & Mud Runs over the years and see that it is a good family oriented sport where there are multiple drivers for the same trucks and see opponents helping one another during break downs lending equipment, hands, etc. Although I have not actually been to one of the events here at the track many of my family members participate in these activities and it brings them joy. I am grateful to see this inexpensive entertainment come to the area and it's great to know that the money is going back into our community at a much needed time. I have traveled by this area of complaint while these events are going on and see that the dust appears to be blowing the opposite direction of the houses across the street. Thanks Mike, Ginny , Cecil & all involved in making these events memorable for all. You guys rock and I am proud to call you a part of my family. Mike, maybe more events can be planned for next year? and how about some of those wind turbines to supply power to the track?
Yaknow,,,,I grew up in the sticks of Maine,,redneck as anyone,,proud of it too.
Whatever is going on in Avon is the same thing that has happened evrywhere else in rural Maine.
No jobs. But it's quiet and a damn fine place to be.
Retirees or people with a little jingle (from away) buy some land or an old house and move on in.
Often times these folks have a lot of experience and education and end up kinda "running things" in the local town governments.
Next thing you know,,,you got Culture Clash.
Most of the comments here are the rednecks saying if you dont like what we do,,get out of "our" town.
Who are you to tell us what to do.
Fair 'nuff as long as the locals step up to the plate and take care of all your local affairs that towns need to to survive these days.
If you dont like the folks from away being involved (or having an opinion), you better make sure it's all "locals" who get out there and volunteer and serve the town.
That means time away from riding around on ATV's and running trucks shooting off fireworks (I hope you realize that,,,,,Ya I think you do and that's why some of the folks from away end up running things,,,,).
Doing all that a rural town needs involves more than writing an article or comment telling everyone to go away.
Too many times,,,,all the locals want to do is sit back and let the flatlander foreigners do all the work then howl like coyotes whenever something happens they dont like.
Get out of the truck once in a while and get involved.
Otherwise,,,quit whining.
It's beautiful country,,,,,
@askmeeyeno
Although I understand and appreciate your point of view, I feel compelled to address its presumptive nature. Retirees and "educated" folks have the lifestyle and the wallet/purse for volunteering or running for a position as a town official. You don't have much time to attend meetings when you are trying to get a load of wood ready for your truck driver, finish a roof before it rains or pick up another shift waiting tables. After a long day of breaking your back, arguing about town matters doesn't sound as good as playing ball with your kids in the back yard.
You also seem to have the misconception that only those with a college education are educated. An ounce of common sense is worth so much more to me than a degree. Life experience is more valuable than what you learn from reading because you don't have to adopt someone else's opinion based on their research, you know things to be true because, well, you know. Some locals, like me, have a bachelors degree but choose to work with their hands because of the pride they feel at the end of a productive day, the sense of tradition, they are good at what they do, or simply because it's a job to support their family. You see, there are jobs, but some people don't want to do them because the pay sucks; or the job is too hard, inconvenient or beneath them. Sometimes their skills are disregarded by potential employers due to the narrow-minded theory that you need an education to be smart.
The ATV/snowmobile trails and events like those held at Northwoods are a way to bring additional revenue to this area. Remember, the trails don't maintain themselves any more than towns run themselves. So while you may think I'm out having a grand ol' time on my wheeler, I'm actually donating my time and equipment to promote local recreation. Sometimes I need to blow off a little steam and be the hero by having the loudest, toughest truck - sorry if that bothers you. If you want to enjoy nature in all its peaceful glory, take the day to hike Tumbledown. I might see you there. I'll be the one picking up bottles and wrappers that others have left behind.
It may seem like we are saying 'its my way or the highway', but we are actually saying 'can't we all just get along?' And remember, the one ruffling all the feathers is usually the one that gets chased out of the chicken coop.
Hey Amanda,,,you musta saw red before you even read what I wrote cause that's "not what I said"....
I said they sometimes they have """experience""" and education. (you kinda stepped right in that one).
You can paint any picture you want here but dont misquote me and run around with it.
Some of them older flatlanders you're trying to chase out of your chicken coop,,,well you might find out they did "all that" kind of hard work too. A retired builder or plumber that worked his tail off all his life probably wont turn tail and run off that easy.... If you gave em a chance they could (and would) help out.
You know damn well how some of us see out of state plates and assume,,,,,,,everything.
What are they to assume when they see a pack of rednecks snarling at em?
I've worked in the south for weeks at a time before. And when I got way out in the sticks (where it's nice) as soon as some heard my Maine Yankee accent,,,,well,,, They sure talk funny down there.....but real good people for sure. Redneck is redneck no matter what state.
The gun range issue in Phillips recently came to a good conclusion (in my opinion). It got solved because people got involved. Good job too!!
Your trucks wont get shutdown in Avon because you guys wont let that happen. I hope not.
Involvement will win the day not whining and snarling and chasing em off.
If you're involved,,,good for you.
If you're not, dont be surprised.
Dont assume too much about some of these folks "from away",,
Work with em. Use their experience (well,,,some of em).
They know we're not Mayberry,,,,
Is the pot calling the kettle black or what? I never said anything about flatlanders, nor did I misquote you. I simply stated that your comment was presumptuous. Apparently that made you see red because you misquoted me and assumed I made assumptions.
Janet, I'm sorry your point has been so diluted by hurt egos.
Uncle.
good luck.