Chelsea's First Annual Neighbor Appreciation Day, April 19th!
On April 7th I had the pleasure of attending the last bit of the library's new monthly "Vets & Friends" coffee hour. I'm really glad I went and hope others will consider coming out from 10-11 on first Fridays to enjoy connecting with Chelsea veterans for stories and conversation. While I was there, veteran spouse Ginny Campbell took the opportunity to read her story of when a neighbor came to their rescue years ago and how it resulted in her wishing to establish a community-wide neighbor appreciation day. With encouragement she has since submitted a letter with this idea to The Herald (which slipped through the cracks last week because of a technical glitch on the Herald's end but will be in this week's issue). Since April 19th (Wednesday!) is right around the bend, I'm sharing her letter here for consideration and inspiration – maybe there's something special you'd like to do for a neighbor or two to let them know you're glad they're nearby:
"Several years ago we had a large pile of wood stacked with a covering over it held up by 3 poles and the 4th corner attached to a tree. My husband noticed one day, which was April 19, the tree was leaning toward the driveway so he decided to cut the tree at roof level. When he cut it, the corner let go and down went my husband along with the running chainsaw.
Our neighbor across the field heard the saw idling longer than normal and came to check on things. He found my husband sitting at the base of the tree (I was out of town with my ill sister, expecting to stay the night).
Our neighbor took my husband to the local health center but it was during the noon hour and no help was available. My husband (with no visible injuries) was left at home while the neighbor went home to get ready for work.
Before leaving for work, our neighbor again checked on my husband. He then took him to the Veterans Hospital and left him while he went to work.
At the supper hour, I received a shocking call saying "we are transferring your husband to Dartmouth as we speak." My sister quickly got a neighbor to drive me in my car from Colchester to Dartmouth as she didn't think I should drive. She also arranged for someone to go down and bring this gal back home.
My husband was at Dartmouth for a few days with serious internal injuries.
We are so grateful for quick thinking, caring, neighbors. I often wonder where my husband, now in his 90s, would be had it not been for someone who cared.
For that reason, I have felt for many years that April 19 should be a day to appreciate neighbors. Please pass along the idea and maybe Neighbor Appreciation Day can become official. In the meantime, let your neighbors know they are appreciated!" – Ginny Campbell