Meet Caleb

Remember the good old days when no matter where you went around town, you seemed to know everyone?  Caleb Sweedler of Plymouth doesn’t have to rely on those "remember when" moments because, as one of Plymouth's most recognized people, he simply cannot go anywhere in his hometown without running into a legion of friends and supporters.

To say that Caleb is invested in his community would be an understatement.  He is always involved with something going on in the town of Plymouth, whether it be working or volunteering, and finds many ways to give back to the community that has been so supportive of him.  Just spend some time around him at his job at Hannaford's of Plymouth and you'll start to get a feel for the breadth of supporters he has.

"Everyday people come into the store and call out to Caleb by name," said Steve Kidder, Grocery Manager at Hannaford's.  "There are so many people in town who know and look out for Caleb he can barely get around the store without running into someone he knows.  He's clearly well liked by many, many people – including his co-workers here at the store."

Caleb Sweedler crushes some boxes while
working at Hannaford's in Plymouth.

Caleb, who was born with Down's Syndrome, has been working at Hannaford's since he graduated high school.  He works a twenty hour weekly schedule in the store's maintenance department, and is responsible for keeping the store clean, breaking down boxes, and general maintenance as needed.  He requires minimal supervision and is always up for a new task.  To a person, Caleb is described as being very reliable and hard working – "an ideal employee," according to his manager.

Caleb also puts in a couple of days a week at the Main Street Diner in Plymouth, where he pitches in washing dishes and keeping the kitchen clean.  It's enjoyable work for Caleb and keeps him engaged with the community he so clearly loves being a part of.

According to his mother, Toni, Caleb really enjoys horseback riding in his spare time.  He takes lessons at Steeledust Farm in Campton and even competes in area events to match skills with other riders.  He has numerous ribbons to show for his efforts, including ones he earned this past year at the Sandwich Fair.

When not working or riding horses, Caleb can be found exercising his true passion in life: his undying affection for the Plymouth State University (PSU) Athletic Program.  Caleb is as much a part of the Athletic Program at PSU as the green paint on the gym floor.  He started attending Plymouth State Basketball games when he was 11 years old with his father, Steve, who is the Horticulturist at PSU.  He's been growing his involvement with the PSU Athletic Program ever since.

Whether he's roving the sideline on a crisp fall day supporting the Panther's football squad, or seated at the end of the bench on a frigid January evening supporting the University's basketball team, one thing is undeniably obvious: the mutual love shared between Caleb and the teams with which he works.

According to PSU Men's Head Basketball Coach John Scheinman, no one on his team could imagine the program without Caleb around.  "Caleb is as much a part of the fiber of this program as anyone could ever be.  We don't hold any team functions without Caleb, and he makes as many practices and games as his work schedule will let him. He even has his own locker down in the boy’s locker room.  If Caleb isn't present for a function, everyone notices."

Caleb's involvement with the athletic programs at PSU certainly is a two way street.  Caleb benefits from his genuine interaction with the student athletes he supports as a ball boy working the sidelines.  He has made countless friends and found an acceptance that anyone would envy.  Caleb can simply be himself and he is adored for it. Simultaneously, Caleb is teaching valuable life lessons to everyone around him on a regular basis, and that's not easy to do when you consider that the room primarily consists of 18-22 year olds who think they already have all the answers.

As Coach Scheinman so clearly puts it, Caleb really knows how to put things in perspective for everyone.  "Caleb is an everyday part of my team's educational process.  He helps my kids learn about honesty, humility, and the importance of quality interpersonal relationships.  When Caleb comes up to you after a tough loss, gives you a big hug and tells you "it’s ok" - guess what?  Right there, you know that he's right, and it is "ok."  He really keeps everything in perspective around here, and that’s a very important lesson for all of us."

The next time you find yourself in the stands watching one of PSU's athletic teams take on a Little East foe, take a look towards the sideline and see if you can find Caleb.  He’ll be the one rooting the hardest for the home team, sporting a huge smile regardless of the status of the game.  You'll know it when you find him, because you'll be hard pressed not to break a heartfelt smile yourself.

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