Community Quilt

Here is the 'retirement' quilt I made for Cpl. David Hink who has retired from his post at Lacoochee as Officer Friendly.  You have seen the newspaper articles about him. We, who live here in this community know him as the friendly giant- physically and ethically. This is a gentle giant who has made a tremendous difference in our three towns. Like an iceberg, there are so many aspects to this man he never tells.

I first made acquaintance with him in the community development meetings where we hammered out a plan to remake this place. He always had good ideas and stellar connections and he listened to us all and helped us all make the connections  we needed to go forward. I always left those meetings completely energized.

This guy comes from a very different place from me! On Facebook I often take him on (respectfully, of course). And we have discussions.. Dave is a gun guy, has built himself an over the top man cave, doesn't see the need for organic gardening. Probably votes GOP.  O.K. This gentle giant takes his boy scouts to the mountains and to far cities. He works for the Boys and Girls Club in so many ways. He makes sure that the folks who live here in their poverty stricken homes have the chance to improve their lot. He collects bicycles to give away at the Christmas parties and he heads up the Empty Bowls program for the needy.

When I sometimes think that Republicans are generally a mean spirited lot, such folks as Dave Hink and Wilton Simpson come to mind as correctives.

I am humbled. I believe that when communities come together we can achieve anything! We are all colors, from every socioeconomic class, and we can truly make a difference.