Chatham CommUNITY at Its Finest

Resident Feature by Stacey McEvoy

Social distancing, washing our hands constantly, school from home and working from home became our new normal during March and April when the coronavirus changed our lives.

As we learned to keep at least six feet away from each other and to wash our hands for 20 seconds, and our teachers learned to teach from afar and our kids got into the groove of virtual learning, Chatham residents also sprang into action, banded together and did what they do best: Help. They lifted up one another, our local businesses and health care workers with their support. And they lifted our spirits. Stories of kindness, determination, courage, selflessness and love were everywhere.

Rising from the uncertainty, FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group) www.FLAG2020.org was born to support local restaurants and keep the front line fueled. Chatham’s Liz Bernich began the crusade March 19 and was joined by Gina McGuire of Madison to become FLAG of Chatham and Madison—which turned into a nationwide movement. As of April 9, FLAG of Chatham and Madison raised $115,000 to feed the front lines in our local hospitals and health care centers. Local businesses received $41,000 that provided 6,400 meals, and 73 towns in 21 states started FLAGs of their own. It was nothing short of astounding.

Inspired by her hometown Huntington, Long Island, that started Huntington Hospital Meals group to feed health care workers during the crisis, Liz gauged interest from the Chatham community on Facebook, asking for donations to feed doctors and nurses with meals from local restaurants and food establishments.

“In these really dark and stormy days this entire movement has brought so much goodness and help to those who need and deserve it. This simple concept is changing lives and bringing smiles to the faces of people who are dealing with really hard stuff inside those hospital walls,” wrote Liz in a Facebook post a couple of weeks after FLAG started.

And the movement was elevated more. “We love our front liners” signs began popping up on lawns across Chatham and surrounding towns. Chatham resident Tracey Tango of Art with Heart designed the signs with the FLAG logo created by Chatham resident Beth Kneebone to show the community’s love and support to front liners as they drove through our neighborhoods on their way to work. Tracey also designed t-shirts with the logo to honor front liners. All proceeds of the signs and t-shirts were donated to FLAG.

Liz Bernich and her family.

Chatham and Madison residents with sewing skills joined forces, formed Front Line Angel Sewers and answered the call to make masks for health care workers. The Library of The Chathams joined the crusade and began a mask drive. More than 2,500 masks were delivered to 17 hospitals and medical centers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Manhattan as well as Chatham’s own Garden Terrace Nursing Home and Juniper Village at Chatham. Masks were also delivered to Madison Pharmacy, Madison Animal Hospital, Madison Borough Maintenance Dept. and Walgreen’s Pharmacy. Cartwright Bag, a locally owned privacy handbag maker, halted production of handbags to make masks to support the cause.

Courtesy of Monica Shaefer, a volunteer sewer of masks

The Senior Center of the Chathams staff continued to provide vital resources, information, physical and emotional support to Chatham’s senior population. Fifty volunteers shopped for more than 30 households and made calls to more than 2,000 Chatham residents over 65. They also answered calls from family members who could not physically be present but wanted to know that their loved ones were being looked after and were staying safe and healthy.

“Clap to Show Gratitude” brought residents out of their houses, at a safe distance, to applaud, honk horns and bang pots and pans to honor front liners each Monday evening at 7 p.m.

Residents lit candles and luminarias in their neighborhoods during “Let There Be Light” on April 1 to show support to front liners.

“Let There Be Light” at Sunset Lake, Chatham Township, April 1.

Photo by Paul Heitlinger

Sunset Lake in Chatham Township during Let There Be Light on April 1.

Courtesy of Anna Zoni

People sent flowers from Sunnywoods Florist on Main Street to make friends smile. Rainbows made by children began appearing in Chatham windows. Symbols of hope.

Kate McEvoy, 12, painted a rainbow for hope. Hannah the cat gave it a “paws up.”

We are Chatham. We will get through this. This is commUNITY at its finest.

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at smcevoy@bestversionmedia.com.

We would like to thank Salerno Duane Inc. in Summit for bringing you this month’s cover story.