By Robin Fogel-Shrive —
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
This quote by Mother Teresa quite succinctly reflects my awareness lately on the power of community where I live and where I work.
Amy Chermack, the daughter of Cobb postal clerk Vince Joseph, was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 33, and had to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments with limited resources. Amy herself works for the U.S. Postal Service, but as a contracted employee, she has no sick days or other health benefits.
Her husband”s health benefits help, but her days missing work would take a financial and emotional toll on her chances for a strong recovery.
An amazing group of women who work at the Middletown post office took matters into their very capable hands and began a campaign because, “we needed to do something for Amy”. Nan Hartell, Tonie Ledous, Susan Dunseta and Rotary Club member Teresa Greer organized a dinner and silent auction fundraiser to be held at the Rob Roy Country Club on Sunday. A large handwritten notice on hot pink paper, was posted on the bulletin board outside of the Cobb post office informing residents about Vince”s daughter and that monetary donations for Amy were being accepted at both postal branches. These Middletown women are to be applauded for their determination and hard work in arranging this event and outreach effort.
What follows makes me incredibly proud of where I live: All mail carriers have sold every one of their allocated tickets to the fundraiser, 95 percent of local businesses that were asked to contribute to the silent auction said yes ? even as far as our neighbors over the hill in Calistoga, the Cobb community itself has raised more than $9,000 to help Amy and her family.
The Post Office on Cobb is a community focal point, along with Mt. High Coffee and Books ? a place to meet neighbors and fellow “Cobb”ites,” as there is no rural delivery, all residents and businesses have access to this post office for their incoming mail. As I spent time with Vince the other day, talking with him about his daughter and his appreciation for all that is being done to help her, I saw his constant friendly, personal manner in action.
A young woman came in and wanted to donate to “the cause she had heard about” after purchasing stamps. Vince and I chatted a bit with elementary school teacher David Leonard, who had just completed a fundraising event for the Elementary Music Program at Cobb school last weekend and was picking up a package. His parting words on the subject of community echoed those of Mother Teresa”s when he stated. “A small bit makes a big difference.”
Now I have been collaborating with David”s wife Cindy Leonard for the past couple of weeks on a USDA Farm to School grant, which she initiated as a garden and parent volunteer.
She has put in countless hours benefiting the student community by encouraging healthy eating habits.
The list can go on and on of the many community-minded residents and businesses of Cobb, but powerful communities can be found in various places, and sometimes all it takes is a small bit.
Recently one of the top-ranking academic students graduating from Lower Lake High School was without the means to provide a housing deposit for her college dorm room, which was not covered by her university scholarship. The school counselor sent out an email regarding this situation to the staff, and within minutes, literally minutes, teachers and support staff generously generated the money to cover the deposit.
In a conversation last week with one of my senior teacher”s aides, a very kind and talented young woman, I was told that her former elementary school principal had purchased her commencement cap and gown for her and additionally bought her a yearbook, as this student”s family was experiencing financial hardship. Here, another generous gesture has created ripples by casting a stone across the waters.
The power of community does not always involve money, but oftentimes we come together to help our community and its members in need through our donations of financial and human capital. Behind these donations are the essential elements of the powerful human spirit with the hope to create positive changes in our communities and our world.
The silent auction fundraiser for Amy Chermack will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Rob Roy Country Club on Cobb with music donated by The Lost Coast Smugglers.
Dinner reservations have been finalized, yet everyone is welcome to participate by bidding on the wonderful auction items and enjoying the music with a no-host bar.
All proceeds benefit the Amy Chermack Fund.
Robin Fogel-Shrive is a high school teacher in Lake County. She can be reached at rshrive@yahoo.com.
