County Connections: Our community has so many everyday heroes
The art of love is largely the art of persistence – Albert Ellis
This week hallmarks the 100th installment in the County Connections series. A volunteer initiative that humbles me more with each passing week, it’s my hope that this column has offered a glimpse of the resilience that calls our community home.
Debuting in January of 2020, the first headline of the column read, “Looking for something to do? Fairfield County has options.” Yet, only a few weeks later, the streets of our community fell silent.
Amid the onset of Covid 19, events were canceled, and shops were closed. Yet the spirit of solidarity was far from lost – shifting from social activities to social service, community members committed themselves to building a new normal – especially for the vulnerable.
Over these two tumultuous years, I’ve been blessed to share the work of men and women who have opened their hearts and doors to their neighbors, serving through some of the most uncertain days of their lives.
I’ve heard from those who have started Facebook pages and volunteer chains, connecting impoverished and homebound community members with grassroots assistance. I’ve also learned from experienced nonprofit leaders who have adopted unprecedented strategies, including online youth mentoring and free-of-charge food trucks for the homeless.
These everyday heroes have persisted against insurmountable odds, offering hope that, even in uncertain times, we can still believe in compassion.
Though fatigue lines the faces of many of our social servants – clinical workers and social workers, homemakers and educators – it's affirming to know that such examples of healing surround us every day. Yet there are many more stories still to share.
And to the community agencies and nonprofit groups, businesses, congregations, and inspired individuals, your stories connect those in need with resources, and remind us of what is possible for those who persevere. As the pandemic continues to impact neighborhoods across the nation, we need you now more than ever.
If you wish to share your events, volunteer programs or outreach initiatives with me, please contact me at tkellyfairfieldcounty@gmail.com.
These heart-felt efforts, big and small, have kept Fairfield County connected, and I’m grateful to everyone who has allowed me to tell their stories.
Lastly, to those who have joined this writing journey with me – thank you for your readership and words of support. A nonprofit employee by day, and a volunteer writer by night, you have supported me on a wonderful adventure, and I look forward to hearing more from you in the year to come!
Upcoming events
Registration is open for the 2022 Polar Plunge at Buckeye Lake Winery. Participation fee is $35 per individual and $120 for a team of four. This fun event will take place on January 30th with activities beginning at 10:00 a.m. and plunge taking place at 1:00 p.m. The day’s activities will include live music, Benny the Bass Shot Luge, and prizes for winning Team and Individual costumes. To register, text 22BLPLUNGE to 41-444 or visit 2022 Polar Plunge at Buckeye Lake Winery on Facebook.
Now through Feb. 1, tickets are on sale for the Fairfield Heritage Association Valentine Tea to Go. Tickets are $20 each and include a decorated box filled with Georgian-style treats and a cup of hot tea. Treats can be picked up between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Georgian Museum, or delivery can be arranged in Fairfield County for $5. To order your tickets, please call 740-654-9923.
Sunday, Jan. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., New Zion United Methodist Church, located at 10991 Snyder Church Road in Baltimore, is offering carry-out meals for donations. Meal will include choice of soup (beef, vegetable, chicken noodle, chili or potato), sandwich (hot, shredded chicken, sloppy joe, coneys or hot dogs, drink (iced tea, punch, or coffee) and choice of dessert. Donations will support congregation members work with the Pioneer Bible Translators in Tanzania. For more information, call 740-862-6462.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Our community has so many everyday heroes
