Dear Greylock Together,
A lot of good news today. The fundraiser went great and the next one has a ton of sign-ups, we got the DPH testing protocol for nursing homes changes, there’s great food resources, masks are getting made… Let’s keep going! Keep working! Keep helping! Keep fighting! It’s okay to be scared or tired. It’s okay to take a rest. Just remember that every day is a new day — and a new chance to make a difference!
I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.
Fundraiser. Our fundraiser last week was a shocking success, raising thousands of dollars for Senate candidates. We’re seriously floored with how many people showed up to watch the discussion, ask questions, and donate. This Thursday evening at seven, we’re switching it up and we’ll be watching some comedy, instead. Comedian J-L Cauvin will be doing stand-up and political impressions — you might know him from this video that went viral a couple of weeks ago. Go to our site to find the link to sign up and donate.
Indivisible Pittsfield. During this difficult time, Indivisible Pittsfield has added their subscribers to our mailing list. Welcome, friends! If you’d actually prefer not to receive the GT newsletter, please click here to unsubscribe.
Williamstown Commons Success. Dozens of you made calls last week to HHS about the situation at the Commons. They became acutely aware of the issues with the lack of testing, especially with the disparity in supplies when compared to elsewhere in Massachusetts. And while it took far too long, they finally agreed and changed their policy, as our state rep let us know:
I looked up the DPH guidelines to confirm; you can read them for yourself here in this Word document. Thank you, everyone!
Food Resources and the NBCC. The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is doing an unbelievable job collecting information about food resources throughout the area. If you live up here and you’re food insecure, you should be checking their Facebook page daily. Each day, they’re posting an updated list of resources (click on the photo labeled with that day’s updates — the info is in the photo descriptions). Here’s today.
Pittsfield and south county will find the Greylock Glass food resource map very useful, especially the calendar at the bottom, as well as the invaluable Berkshire Mutual Aid Facebook group. Please email us (reply to this message) if you or someone you know are in need, and we will get you some help!
Food Pantry Success. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry in North Adams! Organizer Mark R. reports that they not only have enough volunteers again, they also have a few in reserve in case local needs start to explode again. Great!
Masks Success. Pam A. and Martha S. made 60 handmade vegetable face coverings this weekend to give to each staff member at Wild Oats in Williamstown to help keep them safe! Thank you amazing team, and to Anne Art for her organization and continued sewing for members in our community! It truly does take a village!
County Jail Progress. Five people being held for trial have been released from the county jail to help lower the risk of COVID-19. This is progress, but we’re a long way from where we should be.
National Politics. You may have heard about the Wisconsin election — the Republican legislature in the state insisted on holding their state election (including for a seat on their supreme court) last Tuesday even though it was flagrantly dangerous, perhaps out of the belief that dense urban centers would find it impossible to vote (which is why Milwaukee’s 180 voting centers were cut to only five!) It didn’t work, and the liberal candidate won by a wide margin! Maybe the power grab was just a little too flagrant? But did you hear that a restrictive voter ID law in swing state New Hampshire was struck down by the courts? Of course, this is balanced by the fact that Kentucky added a new voter ID law… but I guess if we’re horse trading, a purple state beats a red state? …nah, everyone deserves the right to vote. Onward to Kentucky!
Reminder: Think You Might Be Sick? There’s a new site from the state that will walk through your symptoms and talk about your risks, plus recommend things to do and where to find care. Visit it here at buoy.com/mass.
Reminder: Donate/Sell/Acquire PPE. If you are a member of an organization that needs Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or if you have some to donate or sell, go to this state site to do so. They’re looking for donations of the usual stuff (N95 masks, surgical masks, etc). You might actually have some extra bottles of hand sanitizer — donate them!
Reminder: Healthcare Workers Volunteers. Are you a former or current healthcare worker interested in volunteering to help during this terrible time? Go to this site to step up and assist.
Reminder: Donate for Undocumented Workers. Undocumented workers throughout Massachusetts have been badly hurt by COVID-19. Not only are they suffering from the same economic straits and social distancing (if they’re even able to do that!), but they’re also deliberately excluded from most of the relief and rescue efforts. Donate a few dollars to help them at the MassUndocuFund.
Check out more news from this week at Muckraker Farm.
Events (GCal,iCal)
Join our virtual fundraiser Thursday night at seven. Also, it’s nice outside. Go out for a walk.
Alexander