By CHARLENE LOVETT
By Charlene Lovett
About a month ago, I wrote about some of the things that individuals, families, businesses and organizations are doing to uplift the community and help one another. Those acts of kindness continue to increase, and the outcomes are transformative. During a time of increased stress and uncertainty due to COVID-19, these actions are making a difference on our outlook and in our community.
Daily walks around the city are great stress relievers and a way to connect with the community. Prior to COVID-19, that connection usually met a short conversation with fellow residents. Since COVID-19, those conversations have shifted to written messages of gratitude and encouragement. During a recent walk, I came across two such messages. One resident had written a note of thanks to the UPS on his or her front glass door. Another chalked “Claremont Strong” in huge letters on a side street. Messages such as these cultivate a positive outlook, critical to our mental health during this pandemic.
In recognition of Earth Day, there has been a renewed focus on cleaning up the city. Residents and organizations throughout the community have mobilized to remove trash alongside roads and trails. One individual’s goal is to pick up five bags of trash a day. To date, people have cleaned up Half Mile Road, Plains Road, Grissom Lane, Hewitt Road, Sullivan Street, Twistback Road, Syd Clarke Park, Charlestown Road and Old Church Road.
The collective results have been amazing, ridding numerous routes throughout the community from unsightly litter and debris. In addition to the countless bags of trash collected, efforts have also focused on the proper disposal of tires. For several years now, the city has offered a Free Tire Day at the Transfer Station for residents. This year, Free Tire Day was scheduled for three separate days in order to keep traffic down and adhere to CDC guidelines for COVID-19. At the time of this writing, two of those days have occurred and 3,900 tires have been taken to the Transfer Station. Not only has this provided an opportunity for residents to dispose of unwanted tires, but we have addressed the issue of tires illegally dumped throughout the community.
These efforts to clean up our community continue to expand. The Claremont-Sugar River Rotary Club will be picking up trash along Washington Street. The local ATV club will be focusing on Cat Hole Road, as well as local ATV and snowmobile trails. A coalition of downtown businesses, led by Jeff Barrette of the Ink Factory, is organizing an effort to beautify downtown Claremont on May 8, inviting residents and organizations to participate.
In preparation for Memorial Day on May 25, the Department of Public Works will be sprucing up local cemeteries. This year, special attention is being giving to the Pleasant Street Cemetery. As one of the oldest in the City, there is a need to level some of the grave sites that have sunken over time. Additionally, DPW will also be addressing the crumbling pillars that hold the wrought iron gates gifted to the Claremont by Mr. Moody in the previous century.
Finally, individuals continue to respond to the need for masks, volunteers and donations. This past week a local resident provided 50 masks for riders using the public bus transportation system. Every week, volunteers faithfully give of their time and energy at the Claremont Soup Kitchen. Others donate money and supplies to non-profits in the community.
These acts are transformative. Words of encouragement or gratitude, community pride and a helping hand not only impact us individually, but the entire community. Despite the hardships created by COVID-19, we have chosen to act to improve our lives and our community.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].
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