Decorated tree brings holiday smile

The holiday season is a little brighter this year, thanks to the Portland Eagles Lodge.
Maybe it’s just us, but there’s something about the Christmas tree that the lodge has placed on the portico of its building on Meridian Street that brings a smile to the face.
Why are we smiling?
For starters, we’re smiling because the Eagles — through a serious volunteer effort by the lodge membership — rebuilt and restored the portico this year.
It’s been in disrepair, and the lodge, like many organizations, was a little strapped when it came to making improvements. That’s when personal commitment made a difference.
And we’re smiling because the Eagles’ building is one of the most important to Portland’s historic streetscape. Once the Merchants Hotel, the building dates back to about the 1880s. It’s one of those landmarks that is too often taken for granted. Seeing it get some tender loving care brings a smile.
And, finally, we’re smiling because that’s just what Christmas lights make us do.
Throughout Jay County, the lights are on.
Every one of them speaks of hope, of optimism, and of a belief in the power of communities to transform themselves into something better than they’d ever dreamed of.
Sentimental? You bet.
But if this isn’t the season for sentiment, none is. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]