A is for ARVC
Many memories have been made at this private pool club, whether you were a member or a guest.
B is for Boys and Girls Club
Swim lessons, basketball leagues, and everything in between. There are Boy and Girls Clubs everywhere, but it is especially popular for kiddos in C-Town.
C is for Coffee Connection and CHOPS
This letter deserves two different locations because how could you possibly choose one? Since they are strategically placed next to each other, you have to admit to going to one and then the other at some point in your life (since they are BOTH totally delicious). And, as for CHS students/alum, you also have to admit to walking there the entirety of your freshman year like it was the best thing since sliced bread.
D is for Diamond Hill
Hikers can make their way to this nearly 6-mile path with beautiful views of the town. However, you can find most people at D-Hill for the annual Cumberlandfest, which most use as a social event rather than to try out the ‘carnival’ rides.
E is for Eggs Up
One of the few breakfast places in town, and never a disappointment. It's so delicious that smelling like home fries and onions for the rest of the day is totally worth it.
F is for the Fourth of July
The Arnold Mills celebration for the Fourth of July is an event where you see every single person in the town of Cumberland, so be prepared. Just kidding, it is a great celebration and sense of community to see everyone repping their red, white, and blue on the street. Oh and, 10 times out of 10 your mom forced you to wear an Old Navy American flag tee at this event for a decade of your adolescence.
G is for “Go to Bed Freshman”
A timeless tradition of chanting that is performed at Cumberland High School’s Class Clash by the entire senior class. As a freshman, I can recall being worrisome of this. However, you must admit it sure feels good when you are the one on the other side repping Clipper Blue (instead of red). Administration has since shut down this tradition, however, I am sure the rules are continuously broken on this one night of Spirit Week.
H is for Hockey
Boy, do we love hockey games...or maybe we all just love the Cumberland-Lincoln rivalry enough that it looks like we all live and breathe the game. But regardless, the fan base is always rockin’ the Adelard Arena on Friday and Saturday nights “FTB”.
I is for Ice Cream
All ice cream lovers unite. Whether you’re a regular at Ice Cream Machine or prefer indulging in a cone at Josie’s, Cumberland citizens have been keeping these two in particular in business by ordering countless treats on hot, sweaty days.
J is for Jay’s Deli
Typing that just made my mouth water, just me? Buffalo Soldiers, Freshmen, and Pilgrims may all seem like a Bob Marley song, a ninth grader and a historical figure, but here they are delicious sandwiches.
K is for Karkov
No words for this one. *barf*
L is for Little League World Series
Not only has Cumberland made a name for themselves at the Little League World Series, but no one will ever forget Coach Dave Belisle’s powerful post-game speech that made it on ESPN. It most definitely filled Cumberland’s hearts with pride and joy.
M is for Monastery
Filled with jogging and walking trails and home of the Cumberland library (and hmmm... maybe some ghosts too? The SyFy Ghost Hunters seem to think so.)
N is for Nine Men’s Misery
Where nine colonists in the King Philip’s War were tortured by the Narragansett Native American tribe. It was a lesson taught in school, but it became your own adventure the first time you ventured around the Monastery looking for this stone memorial.
O is for Opinions on Cumberland Concerned Parents
A popular Facebook group that is supposed to be for news about the town and general ‘concerns’, but has turned into a drama-filled site with parents and their lack of filters, with every other post being a “Looking for Babysitter?” paragraph from former students.
P is for Phantom Farms
Perfect for all the seasons. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, or their delicious apple cider and pastries drag most people in (not to mention the cute little shop filled with home-y decorations).
Q is for Questioning whether you could ever leave...
And the answer is no. As much as you secretly want to move out and take on the world, in the words of Hannah Montana, “you’ll always find your way back home."
R is for the Reservoir
If you live in the area, it’s a given that you have at least driven on Res Road, simply because of the beautiful views. If you are a teenager, it is a given that you have outrun Res cops once or twice in your day for fishing or jumping off the pipes (oops). Either way, the Reservoir is a beautiful, adventurous place in Cumberland to catch a sunset, or just take a drive.
S is for Soccer
CYSA, to be exact. If you’ve lived in Cumberland for most of your life, soccer is a sport that most people have played (or been forced to) in their younger years. I’m sure you can find your team picture and are guaranteed to spot most of your senior class as little soccer superstars.
T is for Tucker Field
Home of the Cumberland Clippers. You’re either putting everything out there on this field or track, or you’re on the sidelines screaming with Clipper pride, but either way, Tucker becomes your home during your four years at CHS.
U is for Unified Sports.
A program that gives children with special needs the opportunity to take part in sports and other activities. It was awesome bringing our entire community together for something like this, and to see the look on the teams face after our entire school was chanting for them.
V is for Valley Breeze
The newspaper that mostly adults read, but you definitely found yourself rummaging through copies looking to see if you, your teammates or your friends made the cut.
W is for Wrestling
If you know wrestling or even if you don’t, you know Steve Gordon. As the Cumberland wrestling coach for 47+ years, he reached an amazing accomplishment of his 500th career win, and the town was filled with pride.
X is for E(X)cited to be home
As many of us go off to college, careers and accomplish great things, it’s always e(x)citing to come home to our town, families, and friends to share our stories and endeavors. But mostly, to be home in our own bed.
Y is for Yearly Traditions
Fourth of July fireworks, Relay for Life, Cumberlandfest and walking across the bridge on graduation day are just a few anticipated traditions in our town.
Z is for Zero
Zero, zilch, zippo. No other place I’d rather call my home.
