Heroes Emerge

Posted 04/15/2020

Letter to the Editor, East Hampton Star Heroes Emerge Springs April 5, 2020 Dear David, When the Town of East Hampton moved to an Incident Command Structure to handle the ongoing state of emergency, I became the liaison to the town’s Department of Human Services. In this role, I have the privilege of collaborating with the Human Services Department, East Hampton, Springs, and Montauk food pantries, Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, the school districts, the East Hampton Clericus, OLA, Meals on Wheels, the Retreat, Family Service League, East End Cares, the list goes on. I soon learned how each of these organizations was quietly and compassionately helping our children, our seniors, and our hard-working families during a time of tremendous loss, uncertainty, and fear. This new knowledge gave me pause, as I reflected on what it truly means to be a “hero.” When I think of a hero, someone with super powers usually comes to mind. Sometimes they don a cape, possess super-human strength, and are extremely agile. But at this moment in time, our definition of a hero has changed. All of these folks who are working tirelessly and selflessly behind the scenes are heroes. The folks at Human Services who are making calls, preparing meals and delivering them to our seniors are heroes. The staff and volunteers at East Hampton High School feeding our children so no child goes hungry are heroes. The volunteers at the food pantries providing nutritious food to those who are food insecure are heroes. The teachers and teaching assistants who have had to adapt their practices so our children can continue to learn and have some sense of normalcy are heroes. The custodians and sanitation workers keeping our workspaces and our public spaces clean and sanitized are heroes. The police officers, marine patrol officers, volunteer firefighters, and E.M.T.s who are a phone call away are heroes. The grocery store workers who are ensuring that stores stay open so everyone has access to fresh food and essentials are heroes. And the nurses, doctors, and health care professionals who are putting their own lives at risk treating our sick are heroes. In the midst of terrible events, heroes emerge. We see you. We thank you. May God bless you. Take good care, KATHEE BURKE-GONZALEZ East Hampton Town Councilwoman https://www.easthamptonstar.com/letters/202049/letters-to-editor-april-9-2020