Community2gether (formerly Community 2000) continues our goal of supporting each other, the businesses in our Villages of Florida, Greenwood Lake, Warwick and the entire town.
We hope these articles provoke and launch discussions to help bring us smoothly, safely and successfully out of this pandemic.
Entering this lock down of our businesses, schools, churches and institutions we knew would be tough.
We knew that we had never been in a health crisis like this and we each had a reaction in those first few days and weeks.
We must admit that it actually was more difficult than anticipated. We’ve learned of our resourcefulness individually and as a community. We’ve learned that our systems both personal and community-wide were challenged, tested and stressed. Those systems not only held up but were adaptive.
For that we should be proud and comforted to be in a town that will sustain us, provide for us and protect us.
As we ponder that and try to write of our successes the world around us is in turmoil. Not everyone is experiencing support, protection and safety. Many in America are angry and demand change.
Some would say that this started with a homicide in Minneapolis. But this disrespect and the limiting of opportunities and support for the Black Community has been going on for hundreds of years and the time for change has come.
We’ve learned of the depth of our caring for family and friends and an extension of the caring to help those in need. Now it is time to open our hearts, open our eyes and listen to the needs of those forgotten. We will be a stronger community when all members of our town are strong.
The tapestry of our town has many colors. Our true strength is in the strength of every citizen. We must take up this challenge and come together to find ways to change.
We must expand our commitment to change.
We must link hands and hearts to not let this moment pass without finding a better way forward -- together.
We know there are no easy solutions to problems we have faced for centuries. We also know that we need to devote our time, energy and resources to making a difference. We at Community2gether are committed to starting a process locally. To do our part together to bring us together to find solutions.
Let’s plan to get out safely and support those we value. It is time.
(Please share ideas for personal stories about what you have been doing during this pandemic or about perspectives to be considered for this series. Contact Patricia McMillan at patricia@community2gether.com.)