I wanted to take some time to offer my support, thoughts and prayers to Greenfield residents. In this unprecedented time, I have felt helpless and, yes, a bit fearful to keep connected with you. It’s my nature to act and the social rules have changed. Like many of you, I too have been furloughed from my job but wanted you to know to put pride aside and reach out to me for any help you may need. If I don’t have it personally, hopefully we can work together with the community’s abundance of resources to find a solution. Our mayor, public safety and health care workers have stepped up and put our lives first and keeping us informed every step of the way. I applaud our local businesses; not only have they changed their methods to continue serving us, but have had to make difficult heart wrenching decisions. The one thing I know about this community is that we always rally when presented with something bigger than ourselves. We will come through this better and stronger than we ever imagined ourselves to be. I’ve been pleasantly surprised and proud to see the Literacy Project, GBA, Nelcwit, GCC and YMCA continue to meet with board members via online so good work does not stop. It speaks volumes about their leadership. I’m sure many others are doing the same.
These are very different times for us. Children home for weeks, but it’s not a vacation. Dining room tables are offices and a simple hike means so much more. Shopping for groceries and other essentials gives us pause at the same time we now take an extra moment to really look at the cashiers, baggers and stockers. Let’s also not forget the truckers. I even look at my postman, glad to get my mail but saddened he doesn’t have the same opportunity as I to stay put. Will we all remember these moments when the holidays roll around and we tip extra or bake something special for those we take for granted? Should we be waiting for the holidays?
I continue to read my personal and Council email many times a day as well as checking Facebook. I see people working hard to make others’ lives better through helpful websites, food offerings, fun community activities and laughter. Feel free to contact me in whatever way is most convenient. My job did not end because the door is locked on town hall. In fact, it is what made me write this to begin with. You have never been shy to comment and I wanted to assure you I’m still listening. I do hope you have been listening! Stay in, wash your hands and be mindful of what’s most important. I begin with counting my blessings.
Councilor Penny Ricketts
Penny.Ricketts@greenfield-ma.gov or Penrick1960@yahoo.com