As a business owner in Passadumkeag, it is with regret and bewilderment that I sit to write this at the news that has shaken our little town, likewise Costigan. The past few months have been a beehive of news and doubts among this community as all eyes have been focused not on the mills in these towns, but the future of Eastern Fine Paper mills.

In dealing with my customers, they have shared their thoughts and concerns. The discussions that took place were, “What would the people of Lincoln do if Eastern was to close, how would the families of Eastern Fine survive?” I do not think the majority of friends, family and neighbors whom I have spoken to ever dreamed this would happen to their mill or their families. They believed they were safe and were grateful for being part of such a strong company such as International Paper.

It is interesting that IP feels this was just a smart business decision and not one of morals or reputable business practices. I wonder if you talk to the workers who have dedicated their lives to these mills, if they, too, would agree. The effects of IP’s smart business decision will affect all of us. The store owners, the taxpayers, the school district, banks, the loggers and the men, women and children who now must face the uncertainty of their future.

It is time for the community to work together to help these families. I challenge area businesses to help in one small way. If we work together and give out kindness and support then somewhere, sometime we will all receive back good things. In the spirit of sending out kindness and helping my fellow neighbors, I would like to offer free haircuts to the men and women of Costigan and Passadumkeag before their upcoming job interviews in my business as a way to do my part, to keep our community intact.

The men and families affected have done things for our towns, they shopped in our businesses and paid their dues, so let’s thank them and help keep them here, which is their home.

Shelly Mott Crosby

Owner, Shel’s

Tangles & Tans

Passadumkeag