Hugh McElyea, Board Secretary — A Shared Journey Toward Community in Freeville

I came to Ithaca in 2018, self-identified as “the composer” with a kind of mask or armor I had worn for most of my adult life. I joined Shard Journeys with that long held “stance” - a kind of compensation based on very early psychological injuries – i.e., a performance based on the desire to be accepted, loved.

One day I met Eric at my apartment, and during our conversation he asked me, “Who are you, Hugh?” – meaning, “Who are you behind what you do?” Looking back on that conversation, I see a turning point where being open and present was enough. That there was a difference between relating and “performing” relationship.

I moved to Freeville in 2019, where there was little interaction with villagers – mostly a nod or smile during brief encounters at the post office.

Last fall, I decided to attend a cover dish community dinner in the fellowship hall of the local church. I arrived with my roasted vegetables to find a lively room full of young families and children, elders, singles, and couples. I introduced myself as a piano teacher and immediately had requests to begin lessons for the children and a few parents.

As the year went by, my observations broadened, and I recognized existing community and power relationships. I realized that, with a population of under 500, Freeville might be a “laboratory” to bridge the gap between newcomers, longstanding residents, and everyone in between, and have the possibility of becoming a slightly more self-aware community. The purpose of the awareness would be to address resident concerns more quickly and accurately.

I attended a Freeville Community Council meeting with the local pastor, a retired mayor, president, and treasurer. I happened to mention the possibility of becoming more self-sustaining as a community and one member enthusiastically deliver a big “YES!”

In closing, I’ve found a new place in myself and in the community - mentoring through music and participating in village life, both as who I am and what I do. Blessed beyond measure sums it up for me.

As I open to a deeper level of sharing . . . hard . . . soft . . . beautiful truths, I welcome contact with others, including “no talk walks,” (wordless presence on walks, hikes or meditations on a park bench. Please feel free to email, call or visit. (Email Hugh.)