Every Dark Cloud Has a Silver Lining
OK, we’ve successfully completed week 1 of “Operation Self Isolation”. Piece of cake, right? Not so much!
I know, it’s tough. I’m self-isolating just like everyone else. We all want to be out there, working, vacationing, enjoying friends and family. But we all know that right now, for the good of our families, friends, community, state, and country, we must do our part and stop the spread of this invisible enemy.
Although, paling in comparison, the closest I’ve come in my lifetime to something like this was having lived through “The Blizzard of ‘78”. For those who’ve never heard about this storm, from February 5 through the 6th of 1978, “dark clouds” dumped over two feet of heavy wet snow over most of New England. Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis declared a State of Emergency, the National Guard was activated, and all vehicles were banned from roadways. For nearly a week, life as we knew it, froze. We were trapped in our homes (sound familiar?) and literally had to dig our way to small corner grocery stores for supplies (and, no, I don’t remember them running out of toilet paper).
Although we were all stressed to the max, there was a miraculous silver lining to it all. I distinctly remember as we made your way through snow trenches, homeowners would set up tables at the end of their driveways and fill them with homemade food, pots of hot chocolate, coffee, and assorted adult beverages-all available for free to anyone who passed by. For those who stopped, there would be great conversations. Neighbors who hadn’t spoken in years reconnected. Friendships that had drifted apart were re-established, and those relationships continued long after all that snow melted away.
Well I’m proud to report that like the Blizzard of ’78, the same selfless American spirit of neighbor helping neighbor is alive and well today. Case in point, about a week ago, a good friend, Bob Chapman from Berlin, New Hampshire, mentioned to me that many years ago he had purchased thousands of surgical gloves made by the now defunct Healthco International formally located in Dixville Notch, NH. The gloves were scheduled to be landfilled as part of the Balsam Resort demolition and Bob purchased them for more historical rather than medical reasons. Nonetheless, he offered them to me should the need arise.
Fast forward to last Thursday when I was meeting with our City Manager and Department-heads (telephonically). I mentioned Mr. Chapman’s offer to donate those gloves. Turns out we were absolutely in need of that type of protective gear and any donation would be greatly appreciated. Well I placed one call to Mr. Chapman and the very next day he drove 10,000 gloves from Berlin to our Franklin Fire Station (see photos attached). Now that’s above and beyond!
But, then again, should we really be surprised? After all, this is New Hampshire-the greatest state with the greatest people in the nation!
To Bob Chapman, on behalf of the citizens of Franklin, thank you for your generous contribution to our health and safety. You are the epitome of all that is great about our State and Country. With acts such as yours, I am 100% certain we will win this war on coronavirus. And, like the Blizzard of ‘78, the reunification of our friends, neighbors, and communities will be our lasting “silver lining” long after this threat has passed.
Tony Giunta, Mayor City of Franklin
Bob Chapman (L), Captian Jason Jenkins (R)