There is a budding detective in all of us; maybe that is why the notion of a secret is so compelling. Whether we are unravelling a mystery or attempting to keep something concealed, a good secret draws us in and piques our curiosity.

In a small town about 300 miles north of here, there is a secret. And while it is true that some secrets have the capacity to weigh a community down, this secret has lifted and encouraged during a year of uncertainty, challenge, and heartache.

Stowe, Vermont, was founded in 1763 around a booming agriculture and lumber industry, and at one point as many as 8,000 sheep grazed the hills and valleys. Today, Stowe is better known for its outdoor recreation, but for some, it is a year-round, nurturing community that has earned the name home.

In March of 2020, when the global pandemic struck and the world was closing up shop, there was something brewing in this small town. Stowe’s beautiful landscape was changing – amidst the first flowers of spring, handmade signs of encouragement were taking root.

Stowe Strong. Braver Than You Believe. Every Storm Runs Out of Rain.

As one resident noted, “Last March, I was driving around taking photos of all of the signs - they were filling my heart with tears as fear of the pandemic set in. These signs have brought life full circle to our community.”

As graduation neared, signs were created and planted to congratulate every soon-to-be graduate. On Father’s Day, fathers were celebrated. When a popular coffee spot closed in August, unable to make it in the COVID environment, there was a sign of thanks. When they reopened: Happiness is the Return of PK Coffee.

Many of us will look back at this year as a time when the true value of community was appreciated, when neighbors took care of each other, and this was especially evident in this little town in Vermont.

Who is responsible for these signs? It’s a secret. But these mysterious gestures of love and support kept a community strong during a year that has rattled us all.