my neighbors
Last month I wrote about how we can prepare better for climate-related emergencies and disasters. In addition to packing a go-bag and signing up for VT-Alert, I got several responses to the prompt “know your neighbors” - everything from disbelief that someone could not know their neighbors, to lament about the conflict between them and a neighbor, to (my favorite): “I don’t have neighbors.”
As our federal government guts resources and our state tries to navigate funding increasing needs, it is more important than ever that we build mutual aid infrastructure. Our future will be determined by how well we work together - with the people who live and work in our community, whether or not you voted for the same candidates, or argued over a fence, or have kids who did or didn’t get along. We are, for better and worse, stuck with each other.
I am grateful for this community. This community has taken care of my kids at a moment’s notice, picked up medication, walked with me while I pushed a screaming baby in a stroller, jumped my car, lent me a carpet cleaner, driven me to the hospital, taken my calls late at night and early in the morning, taken out my trash when I was away, and fed my family. I am so lucky. We are so lucky. But we are also still learning how to work together.
So how can we do better?
credit: Greta Thomas
Volunteer. Woodstock is home to many organizations that do important and specialized work. Whether you are looking to meet people, learn something new, or put a skill to use, this is the best way to do it. Here’s a list of organizations you can join (not a comprehensive list, feel free to add to it). We also have several civic boards in need of volunteers, like the Town Development Review Board and the newly-created Marketing Committee. Please reach out to me if you are interested in either of these.
But, Laura… I don’t have the time or I don’t want to deal with the drama. If you want to have community, engagement is the entry fare. There are many opportunities with various levels of commitment, because I get it: some seasons of life are filled to the brim with taking care of obligations (work or family or health or all of the above). But for our community to be reflective and representative, participation is necessary. What are you passionate about? Go there first.
Stay informed. Coming to our public meetings can be a part-time job, and certainly while the Selectboard loves to see more folks engaging with us, we understand the demands of life. However, I frequently come across folks who speak with absolute confidence about something that is not based in fact. It is likely that unless you come to meetings regularly or talk to our boards to understand the work that’s being done, there is very little that can be reduced to a headline or hot take. Our problems and solutions and personalities have layers and no one is being helped by an uninformed opinion. You can always:
Don’t wait, do. See some trash on the Green? For the love of creemees, pick it up. Considering doing some work on your property that might inconvenience abutters? Knock on your their door and have a conversation. Want to start a club, organize an event, or change a policy? Let’s go! Each of us has ownership and accountability over this place, but often it feels as though we are just here to complain about how things aren’t working. When you take action, you’re not only having impact, but you are strengthening social institutions, and possibly becoming happier.
Ask for help. This is a hard one for us stoic New Englanders, so you can start small. Ask for something in the Buy Nothing group, or ask to carpool to an event. If you’re not sure where to start, let me know and I can help match you with resources.
But why do all this?
Because no man is an island. Especially here. Especially now. I am telling you in earnest, there will come a time (if there hasn’t already), where you will need your neighbors. And likely in a way that makes you uncomfortable. But it will come, and it will be a whole lot easier if you’ve already delivered a meal in a time of need, or shared vegetables, or given them a wave in passing.
Because even Thoreau left Walden Pond to help Emerson.
An ask
Chris Barr, a wonderful and dedicated member of our community, passed away last week. In addition to being the Director of Public Works, he was a father, a partner, and a friend to many. We mourn his loss and celebrate the impact he had on Woodstock. His friends have started a GoFundMe to help support his daughter Charlotte and her mom, please consider donating if you are able.
Reading:
Calling all good news
A bulletin for good news? In the year 2025? We actually have so much of it (looks around) but we need to share it - I’ll go first:
The Town, Village, and Sewer Departments all ended the fiscal year with surpluses.
Your turn - tell me something good!
