What is an East Ender?

The local shops are filled with little paperback books exploring the question of what makes a person a true Hamptonite or a real North Forker. There are even bumper stickers that proclaim birth rights to the title: "North Fork Native- Born here." Occassionally I hear people complain about this. "You're not considered 'local' unless you were born here." Well, I was born in Brooklyn, but have lived on the East End for over fifty years. If I am not considered a native by some, so be it. I know for sure I am a North Fork Natural. I belong here.

I love the East End. I wait for the osprey each spring and see which farmers have plowed by St. Patrick's Day. Yes, I remember when the Lion's Strawberry Festival was just a small town event and I still look forward to strawberry season. Bicycling on Shelter Island remains an adventure and I never get used to the beauty of the Hampton beaches, the sunset view from a table at Soundview Restaurant, or the sounds of a marina at night.
Our schools may not have alot of racial or even religious diversity, but each classroom has children of doctors, fishermen, shop owners, carpenters, lawyers, and government workers. The kids grow up together and as adults we see each other in our local stores, soccer games, and parades. We support our firemen, our police, our PTA, and our churches. Sometimes we need reminding, but once we get that knock on the noggin, we help.
It's not how long you have lived out east or even if you live out east all year round. What makes a person an East Ender is the love of the East End and the spirit of community. When you love something, you cherish it, tend it, and support it any way you can.