WHY I LOVE WASHINGTON
COMMUNITY MAKES A SMALL TOWN HOME
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WRITTEN BY HENRY CAPOGNA | PHOTO BY STEVE BARNES
itting comfortably on our screened porch overlooking the fifth hole at the Cypress Landing Golf Course, I remain ever so grateful that my wife, Cathy, and I elected to relocate to this area 39 months ago. Staring beyond my porch on this splendid mid-winter day, I see and actually feel the radiant sun setting beyond the majestic loblolly pines that reach up towards the crystal clear sign of life not to mention the cherry blossoms which are poised to explode. As a transplanted Michigander, I still find it hard to conceive that a January day is not spewing a wintry mix of snow and slush fueled by a bone-chilling blast of north wind that stings the nostrils and prompts a hastened retreat indoors for the several dull gray months ahead. No Toto, this isn’t Michigan, and neither is it north-central Kansas where I spent youthful summers on my mother’s childhood wheat farm. There, I developed a profound appreciation for small town life where people actually made eye
contact, waved to strangers and engaged in heartfelt small talk. Six decades later, I find myself living in a very similar rural community where belonging to Rotary, attending church regularly and working on behalf of a number of non-profit organizations, including Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry and Toys for Tots, can make a noticeable community impact. It seems like only yesterday, actually seven years ago, my wife and I discovered what many affectionately refer to as Little Washington. Strolling down East Main Street in late November, I stepped inside Big Bargain Furniture where I encountered store owner Billy Jefferson and his wife. I asked Billy who was one of the most famous Washingtonians other than Cecil B. De Mille. Billy glanced towards his wife and said, “It might be actor Murray Hamilton. You know he and his wife are buried just up the hill.” Ironically, the night before my son and I had watched the movie “The Graduate” featuring the same Murray Hamilton! Perhaps, this was a sign that we were
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meant to move here. Three years later upon retirement we did so to be near our grandsons. Today, we sincerely appreciate the many friends we’ve made here. Finally, the U.S. Census Bureau reports there are 311 cities or towns having Washington in their name. Yet, there is only one “original” Washington. My Washington is enhanced by a restored Turnage Theater, a fabulous Brown Library, a captivating Harbor District, an alluring Festival Park and the quaint charm of the recently remodeled Main Street that will certainly attract others like us. Hopefully, they’ll have the good fortune of meeting someone like “Bargain Billy” Jefferson who’ll welcome them a with a twinkle of an eye and congenial smile. As Mother Teresa said, “Peace and love begins with a smile.” Cathy and I are ever so grateful to call this place home. Now, I’m going to take a mid-winter stroll down the road so I can check on the cherry blossoms. Hope springs eternal — even in January when you live right here! Blessed, we are. ⋇
