Storm brings out the best in neighbors
I was one of the lucky ones – lucky for many reasons. I witnessed the patience, compassion, selflessness and hard work of neighbors helping neighbors. The North Riverside storm of Wednesday, June 23 brought out the best of many in my community. And I am lucky because I was spared the worst of the flooding, which disabled scores in our neighborhood. The power outage, a result of the storm, added insult to injury and caused further devastation.
I want to tell you about some ordinary folks who did some extraordinary things. First there was Mr. G, who single handedly assisted six families. From 6 p.m. on June 23, when the skies blackened and the storm reared its ugly head until midnight, Mr. G. retrieved his generator and the generator of his mother-in-law, Ms. S. to lend a hand with multiple acts of mercy.
Mr. G made circular trips from gas station to the homes of six families and back to the gas station again and again, filling his gas can with the fuel needed to run two generators. Connecting massively long extension cords from one generator to two to three neighboring homes, he provided the energy needed to keep sump pumps running, refrigerators cooling and helped remove water from homes where two feet of water continued to rise. He remained patient, focused and energized.
Others who sprouted wings, Mr. & Mrs. R., who had no water problems, rolled up their sleeves and pant legs, to help Mr. & Mrs. H., whose basement was beyond repair. For six straight hours, Mr. & Mrs. R. hauled buckets and buckets of water up the stairs, carried furniture, toys, books, lamps, attempting to salvage whatever and wherever possible.
In the midst of the storm’s damage, Mr. & Mrs. H., who suffered immense water damage just four years prior, provided access to their generator for their neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. B. In spite of their trauma, the H family was generous beyond anyone’s expectation.
Wanting to help, Mrs. G. “scooped up” the children of Mr. & Mrs. H. and Mr. & Mrs. R., allowing the two families to stay on task without the needs of their little ones to interrupt their work. Mrs. G. kept the children entertained and fed for more than 24 hours, until some semblance of order was restored.
It’s now three days later and the wonderful aura lingers. The damage remains, and the replacement of those things lost will take time. I strongly believe that the higher good always prevails. It was my honor to have watched these heroes sacrifice their time, energy and money to aid others.
Barbara E. Silvestri
North Riverside
Thanks for making The Fourth special
The Friends of the Fourth would like to give a sincere thanks to all who helped make Riverside’s July 4 celebration a success. We would like to give a thank you to the village of Riverside, public works, the police and fire departments for their assistance and, in particular, Ron Malchiodi and the staff of the recreation department, who helped in many ways and are very much appreciated and valued.
This year we would also like to extend a thank you to the local vendors, Aunt Diana’s, The Chew Chew, Mi Casita, Mollie’s Irish Pub, Soul Amici and Twilight Party Rentals; their participation was new to this year’s Concert in the Park and a welcome addition.
Most of all we would like to thank the residents of Riverside who not only attended the festivities but helped to make it a successful celebration through their donations and volunteer efforts. You are truly Friends of the Fourth. Thank you again.
Joe Ballerine, Andy Daun, Danny Jisa, JoAnne Kosey, Rey Navarro, Ben Sells
Riverside Friends of the Fourth
Friends, volunteers preserve our traditions
Thank you to the Friends of the Fourth committee and all the other volunteers who worked countless hours to provide Riverside with another memorable Fourth of July. The concert was fantastic and the choice of food vendors the best ever. The parade was perfect and a true reflection of the wonderful spirit of our little town. This treasured tradition, and the people that made it happen, are more reasons why I feel so fortunate to live in Riverside.
Lauren Cody
Riverside