The Other Side of the Lake

By T M Laughlin

After 20 months in Asia in the early 1960s, Rob Jamison returned home to central Vermont to find no job, his girlfriend curiously estranged, and his idyllic lakeside community misguided, debased and divided. With the help of his Peace Corps buddy and the discovery of a bountiful treasure, Rob is energized to overcome the many daunting challenges confronting him. He starts by initiating a promising career with a leading venture capital company in Boston. On a parallel track, he advances a bold political agenda to seek redemption and rejuvenation for his Vermont hometown. And very importantly to him, he strives to revive the romance with the girl he deeply loves by persevering and reinforcing the qualities she always admired: his gallant charm, caring character, and unwavering loyalty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T M Laughlin
• Release date: Apr 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463811320

T M Laughlin

About the Author: T. M. Laughlin Tom Laughlin is now retired after an extensive business career with several high profile Fortune 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Upjohn, and Bayer. Tom also founded his own company in 2003, SunHealth Solutions, and served as its President and CEO for six years. For many years Tom also participated in a leading role for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), serving on its Board of Directors for ten years and as its elected Chairman of the Board for two years. Tom and his wife of 43 years, Mia, reside in Naples, Florida for most of the year, but also spend the summer months in the refreshing Green Mountains countryside of southern Vermont. They have two adult kids who are both married and both raising beautiful children of their own - two beautiful granddaughters! As a retired grand-dad, Tom stays busy playing golf in Florida and hiking the many scenic trails in Vermont plus continuously sharpening his barbecue skills, most often with a glass of red wine in one hand. His secret passion is writing and this pleasurable pastime has produced two novels and a short story to date.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The full moon appeared over the lake like an over-sized beacon shining light on the darkness. Gentle ripples caressed the shoreland as the lake revealed its night-time character of perpetual motion. One could even see three loons paddling slowly up the middle of the lake where the moonbeams highlighted their pathway. No lights shone from the residences along either shore out of respect for neighbors as well as visiting animals.

It was a gem of a lake, a glacial work of art in picturesque central Vermont. About 5 miles long and ¾ mile wide and cradled in the hills, which bordered both sides. Spring fed, clear and fresh. Tall evergreens and giant hemlocks commanded the hillsides, but they were also accompanied by handsome maple, oak and spruce trees that lit up the landscape with vivid colors each autumn. And the nearby Green Mountains towered over all this beauty, shadowing the lake’s small town in its verdant valley.

There was beautiful symmetry between the lake and its surrounding geography. A perfect balance only Nature could achieve. However, when dissected into its parts, there was an imbalance, at least around the lake. One side of the lake had developed into a comfortable colony of stylish homes and sturdy docks that hosted a variety of boats – motor, sail, and paddle. Not ostentatious, but undeniably affluent. The other side of the lake appeared rural, almost scruffy, where there were a few small homes, not very attractive and indeed shapeless as if patched together by its owners over time. These simple homes had no guest-friendly docks but rather wooden planks on stilts that merely allowed the owners to get in and out of their row boats and canoes.

By 1960 there was still no access road connecting that other side of the lake to the mainland. There was only a narrow dirt pathway between the homes. Residents used row boats to reach the mainland. A few owned a vehicle but they usually parked the vehicle on the mainland. Mail, supplies and services also reached residents by boat. Telephone service was limited, and TV reception was weak to poor. If there was any trouble or emergency, and no way to call for help, the few residents on this side of the lake could clang a huge bell that was erected years ago to get the attention of those on the mainland. Somebody would generally respond, but not always.

The two sides of this lake represented a curious double standard, not intended or cultivated but real. It surely wasn’t the only example in the country of a double standard where diverse people co-existed in close proximity; however, it may have been the only example of a community that shared the same endowed asset but with very different outcomes. Families on the more developed side of the lake were prosperous and enjoyed a comfortable quality of life. For many, it was their second home or vacation home and used primarily for leisure pursuits. On the other side of the lake, the families lived there year-round and struggled with limited income and a long list of regular chores like repairing roofs, fixing appliances, chopping wood, tending vegetable gardens, and chasing wildlife. When not attending to their own chores, they were often working on the mainland for the rich folks who needed gardening, home maintenance and maid services. Wages were meager, but at least there were real wages.

There was no apparent animosity between the two sides of the lake. However, it could hardly be denied that some on the favored side showed signs of condescension and even contempt at times, while those on the other side of the lake could not always conceal they coveted that better life across the way. Unfortunately, there was little change over the years. The local politicians appeared to like things just as they were, so there was little initiative to grow and enhance the community. And the politicians appeared inbred, so it was hard if not impossible to break the mold. Frankly, life was very comfortable for those in control.

That’s the way it was around Lake Aura in the valley town of Aura, Vermont in the early 1960s. Status quo might have continued this way for many years, but it wouldn’t. Change agents can occur in many different forms: weather, government, private enterprise, leadership. All these played a dynamic role in the transformation of the Aura community over the next 15 years. It started like a gentle rain but morphed into a monsoon with hurricane force winds. A relentless storm that would blow away the sins of political spoils and complacency and would give rise to youthful vigor and vision. It would be a powerful insurgency that would change the Aura landscape, one hoped for the better.

CHAPTER 2

Anything noteworthy on the agenda today? Mayor Martin Willoughby asked the town manager.

The usual stuff – you know, general admin and a few prattling complaints.

Prattling complaints? That sounds like it could be good for a few laughs. What do you have?

Oh, predictable sour notes like how come our property taxes keep going up without any change to services? And how does the town justify the bump in local tax on our cigarettes, booze and gasoline? And why can’t we have twice a week trash pick-up so the animals can’t get it? And why aren’t the police stopping the speeders?

OK, all yawn stuff, right?

Well there is one item that stands out. It’s a petition from residents on the other side of the lake requesting that we build a road that would connect them to the mainland so they wouldn’t have to take boats all the time to get to and from our side.

There’s a big laugher! How many names on the petition?

10.

Wow, overwhelming huh? How many residents over there in that wilderness?

10.

And how much do they contribute to our tax base?

Negligible.

This is comical. You know, several over there tried pushing us on this ‘road thing’ once before, about three years ago. We tossed their request in the round file and wrote them a syrupy letter about how much we would really like to do that for them, but finances are tight, and there just aren’t enough resources right now.

So, they came back in force this time, with a 10-person petition!

Yeah, sad. They just don’t get it. But we’ll deflect it as usual. Why don’t you draft a polite response letter that I can sign? That should buy us another three years at least.

What about the town council?

Yes, at our next meeting I’ll advise them we received this petition for a road from our neighbors on the other side of the lake, but that it’s my judgment we must defer given our limited resources. I’ll read them my polite response letter that you’re going to prepare, and that will be the end of it. You know they all will agree to whatever I suggest.

That’s surely the truth. In my one year here as the town manager, I don’t think I can recall any pushback on anything from any one of them!

Yes, quite frankly a bunch of lemmings, but they are elected and they dutifully come to meetings. I guess they like the prestige and attention of a town council position, but they don’t like sounding negative and they certainly don’t want to be accused of rocking the boat.

That’s the way I see it, too, but wouldn’t we be a stronger management team if they would contribute something?

Not necessarily. You and I know what we’re doing. We don’t need a committee of airheads interfering with our agenda. They’re good old boys just eager to be liked and get along with everybody. Nothing constructive about them.

Still, it’s a shame we don’t have a stronger team, but at least we have a captain who has command of the ship and knows how to navigate.

Thank you, Cliff. I appreciate your kind words and support. Please get cracking on that letter so I’ll be ready to read it to the members at tomorrow’s council meeting. And on your way out, please ask my dutiful secretary, Kristin, to come on in. Many thanks, Cliff.

As Cliff Bowman eased out of his chair in the Mayor’s spacious and handsomely decorated executive office, he caught himself staring at several pictures on the mayor’s desk. A mahogany framed 8 x 12 portrait of his wife, Glynnis; a smaller, silver framed photo of his two teenage kids, Eric and Samantha; and a modest picture of a young man in military uniform holding a medal proudly.

Mr. Mayor, although we never seem to talk family, I just have to comment about what a beautiful family you have – great pictures.

Thank you, Cliff. I am blessed, although I have to admit two teenage kids can make you crazy! But I do think they’ll grow out of this phase, eventually, Mayor Willoughby said smiling while rolling his eyes.

And that military picture – I assume that’s you? Cliff asked genuinely.

Yes, as a sergeant in the Marine Corps. Enlisted at age 18 and served 20 years including a tour in Europe during World War II and two tours in Korea in ’50 and ’51. That’s a purple heart medal I’m holding that helps remind me in more ways than one how close I was to joining my Maker.

Oh, that sounds painful. A story for another day perhaps.

Perhaps, but I’d need a few drinks first to loosen up on that story. Again, please ask Kristin to come on in. Thanks, Cliff.

As Cliff exited the mayor’s office he sidled over to Kristin’s desk to deliver the mayor’s message. But first, he couldn’t resist a little flirting. Kristin was 24, athletically slender but sensuously shapely, auburn hair, hazel eyes, and a luminous smile. A beautiful young woman, but to her credit she did not broadcast that she knew that. Her humility was part of her natural charm.

Kristin treasured her job as secretary to the mayor. The job not only paid well, but it also gave her a sense of self-actualization and well-being. She knew she had achieved a better job than most of the girls who graduated from her small high school in the Aura township. She felt fortunate, and best of all her parents were very proud of her.

Hi Kristin, Mayor Willoughby beamed. Please sit down. I just had a very interesting discussion with Cliff Bowman about the petition that was sent to us by your friends and neighbors over there on the other side of the lake. Your parents included. Did you know about this?

WelI, I was aware that there was a lot of discussion and discontent about the road issue. My parents actually asked me if I could do anything about it with you and the town council.

And you said…?

I said absolutely not, that I’m merely a secretary, privileged to be working for the mayor directly, but I know my limitations.

And how would you describe those limitations?

I do as you request, and keep my mouth shut, Kristin blurted.

That’s a good way of putting it. Please continue that prudent policy. But now I have to deal with this petition, the mayor said handing a copy to Kristin to read.

You know Mayor, this really is a big issue for us. It’s so inconvenient and at times treacherous, especially at night, to navigate across the lake in our little boats. And when there are medical emergencies, those good people are in a panic.

Has there ever been an occasion when help didn’t arrive in time?

No, not to my knowledge, but I can tell you the anxiety level is sky high.

OK, then. I know this is a big concern for those of you living on that other side of the lake, but you must be aware that our finances are tight and our priorities list is very long. Building a road over there would be hugely expensive and we just don’t have the resources at this time to afford it. But haven’t I gone the extra mile to help in many ways? I mean we set up that big emergency bell over there, and we put lights on the landings. And Lord knows I have gone out of my way to help with employment opportunities, especially for your parents.

Believe me Mayor, people over there do appreciate all your efforts. I know many of my neighbors would be starving if it were not for you setting up their handy work and housekeeping services with many of the residents on the mainland. And my parents have benefitted the most, so thank you. But the road is still a sore subject, very heavy on their minds.

OK, well as I explained, resources are tight right now, so I’ll have to respond to their petition with a courteous explanation that I hear them, that I understand their concern, but due to other priorities we’ll have to defer the road for future consideration. Can you help me deliver that message?

"Of course, I’ll reinforce your sincere interest to help when possible. But many folks are wondering when is our town going to grow out of its economic problems? My former boyfriend, Robbie, used to comment to me that the best way to increase our town’s resources would be grow its economic base. It just seems like we continually add taxes on local services when we need to get some additional revenue. Robbie felt strongly that discourages investment in our town. He was always asking where are the incentives to grow?

Is that what Robbie learned at the University of Vermont? He sure did well, didn’t he? No clue what to do, so he joined the Peace Corps?

Well, yes he did join the Peace Corps but that’s because he was heeding President Kennedy’s clarion call to help needy people in distressed places, and that would be typical of Robbie.

OK, I didn’t mean to disparage the good work of the Peace Corps, but Robbie Jamison has a lot to learn about how the real world works. Maybe he’ll get that education when he returns to the U.S. and tries to get a real job. But Robbie is not my problem and furthermore, not yours either, right? Didn’t you confirm to me that you had cut it off with Robbie?

Yes, I cut it off, but I still think he’s a very good person, and smart, too.

OK, I don’t want to argue that, snapped the mayor, but I do hope you understand that I’m trying to do as much as I can to help this community, and many of its citizens, including your parents. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, your parents are both working tonight at the Sheffield’s party thanks to your mayor!

Yes, thank you for arranging that. It all helps. So, I guess you’ll be there, too?

No, I have some other work to do. But I may check in with you later in the evening. Please leave your light on as usual.

CHAPTER 3

Kristin honey would you run down to the main dock to get our mail? I believe I see Shelly coming across the lake in the mail boat, asked Mrs. Betty Anderson, Kristin’s Mom.

The Anderson family had been living at Lake Aura for 18 years, having relocated there from Minnesota when Kristin was only six years old. Harry Anderson, a carpenter by trade, had fallen on hard times in the mid 1940’s when the nation’s attention was still focused on supplying war materials and there was scant need for local carpentry services in Minnesota. When Harry read about the nascent ski industry developing in Vermont, he figured there would soon be a need there for ski lodges, new home building, and home repair. He contacted a realtor in the Lake Aura area and found a modest house for a very affordable price, although it was on the much less developed side of Lake Aura. Nevertheless, Harry bought the place and began his multi-year home improvement plan for their humble abode, which had now become a very cozy, comfortable home.

Harry never became rich, but he was right about a rising demand for his skills, and made a decent living. Of course, it also helped immeasurably that the Aura mayor, Martin Willoughby, had taken a special interest in the Andersons, and often channeled job opportunities to Harry for home projects as well as to Betty for maid services on the mainland.

No problem, Mom, answered Kristin. I’ll run down there in five minutes and catch Shelly before he leaves. I have a few letters I need to put in everyone’s mail box and I need to make sure that’s OK by Shelly.

Who are you writing letters to, Robbie Jamison?

No, these are actually letters written by Mayor Willoughby that I promised to deliver. There’s one here for you and Dad. I has to do with that petition the neighborhood sent about constructing an access road to the mainland. And Mom, you know that Robbie and I don’t write each other anymore, not for over a year now.

Yes, well I can always hope that will change. Such a nice young man, so handsome and smart. I still don’t understand how you two got off track. Neither does Robbie’s Mom.

Thank you and Mrs. Jamison for your genuine concern, but you should both know being so far away so long in that Peace Corps didn’t help, but there are other reasons as well.

I get the separation part, but that generally happens at some time in any relationship. Admittedly love has to be strong enough to hold it all together, and in your and Robbie’s case, I thought it was. And what about that old adage ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder?’

Mom, as I said, there are other reasons beyond the Peace Corps issue. May we please just drop this discussion? I’m going to get the mail.

Kristin bustled out the kitchen door and scampered down the pathway to the dirt road that led to the main dock for all deliveries to this side of the lake, including the mail. Shelly was still there placing mail in everyone’s mail box.

Everyone liked Shelly. Tall, slim and soft-spoken, Shelly Percy always had a smile on his face. He’d been a mailman for 28 years to people living on both sides of the lake. He still enjoyed the daily routine, especially the people part. Shelly loved exchanging greetings and listening to the occasional gossip. Shelly knew a lot about a lot of people, from the enlightening envelopes he delivered to the idle chat that friends loved to share.

Hi Shelly, Kristin said cheerfully as she bounded onto the dock slightly out of breath."

Whoa, Ms. Kristin, slow down, what’s the hurry?

Oh, I guess I was just moving fast to make sure I caught you before you left, and also to get away from my mother who was pressing me again about my love life.

I’m surely not going to ask you about your love life, but why did you need to catch me?

Oh, I have letters from the mayor I said I would mail, but since they’re for all our neighbors, I thought I’d just put each one in everyone’s mail box with their other mail, if that’s OK by you, Shelly?

Not a problem, especially since I see they’re already stamped. Saves me some work and the government doesn’t lose any money, Shelly said with a good-natured laugh. From the mayor you say?

Yes, the mayor is responding to all ten neighbors on this side of the lake who submitted a petition about constructing an access road to the mainland.

May I guess that it’s a no?

Good guess. Limited resources and higher priorities according to the mayor.

That really is a shame. It’s long overdue and no access road surely creates a hardship for everyone over here. Even for me since I have to boat over here every day to deliver the mail. One has to wonder why the town can’t understand the need or find the will to get this done. Surely it will happen someday. May need new leadership though, but you didn’t hear that from me!

Not to worry. We’re on the same team!

Hi Kristin and Shelly, a familiar voice sounded behind them.

Hello Mrs. Jamison, Shelly acknowledged in his usual friendly manner.

Oh hi, Mrs. Jamison, Kristin said sheepishly, trying to conceal her uneasy feeling.

Great to see you both, Mrs. Jamison replied. It’s been a while, hasn’t it Kristin?

Yes, sorry to say, but so busy you know. How have you been?

Doing fine, and maybe better if I get the letter I’m hoping for.

Shelly picked right up on that and blurted I think I have that letter for you, Mrs. J. It’s post marked ‘Viet Nam’ and has the Peace Corps insignia on it!

Praise the Lord, Mrs. Jamison exclaimed. May I please have it, Shelly. Can’t wait to open it!

Here you go, Shelly said while handing Mrs. Jamison the internationally stamped envelope.

Mrs. Jamison opened it immediately and scanned the first page quickly. OK, this is great, just what I wanted to read. Robbie confirms he is coming home!

Shelly said cheeringly Wow, that is great news! and offered a high-five to Mrs. Jamison.

Kristin beamed a big smile and started clapping her hands together. So he’s safe and sound and headed home – what a relief. He’s been gone so long he may not recognize this place.

Oh, he’ll remember it, but he may want to fix a few things…like his broken relationship with you.

Oh dear, that could be awkward, Kristin blushed.

Well I do hope you’ll keep an open mind and remember the good times – that should be worth at least a welcome home hug.

Of course, Mrs. J. There are no bad feelings between us, and I do look forward to seeing Robbie back here among us again.

Shelly interjected, So how long has it been?

Mrs. Jamison responded, "It’s been about 20 months. Robbie joined the Peace Corps in the fall of ’62 not too long after graduating from college that previous June. After 3 months training at the University of Texas in Austin, Robbie was assigned to work with a Catholic missionary in South Vietnam. Their role at the time was to aid, teach and nurture Vietnamese families that had been adversely affected by the Viet Cong insurgents from North Vietnam who are ravaging parts of the South.

Sounds nasty, Shelly said grimly.

"It is and although there hasn’t been