Neighborhoods Convene to Tackle Y2K

Sounds of much laughter, neighbors swapping stories, sharing concerns, brainstorming together: who would have thought Concord's first Year 2000 (Y2K) Problem neighborhood meeting would have been so much fun?

Margaret Motley of Martin Road hosted the April 14th meeting along with Concord Citizens Y2K (CCY2K). Eighteen people showed up to discuss how to make this neighborhood a stronger, safer, and closer one regardless of what disruptions may or may not occur due to this computer problem also known as the "Millennium Bug". (see here for info about CCY2K)

Participants shared stories about a variety of past disruptions which they remembered their neighbors were helpful: the blackouts of the 1960's, the Blizzard of '78, the gas crisis of the 1970's. "We all remembered how great it was to pitch in with others to make sure everyone was okay," said Concordian Di Clymer, who attended the meeting as a member of CCY2K. "We also recalled those times were sometimes frightening, but realized how comforting and reassuring it was to have others to turn to." During the next months, there will be meetings like this one held throughout Concord. They will help assure large supplies of this type of neighborly strength, should it be called upon next January.

"The focus of this meeting wasn't to debate what would or wouldn't happen due to Y2K," said Concord resident Jimi Two Feathers, who also represented CCY2K. "No one knows the answer to that question. Instead, it was to talk about and plan for what COULD happen -- how to become prepared."

What Could THIS Neighborhood Need?
Those present considered what they would do to help neighbors in need. A first approach suggested was to consider the needs of THIS particular neighborhood. What were the risks specific people or families faced? What households might need special care? How will people safely stay warm? Keep fed? Stay well?

Answers to these and other similar questions are important in understanding how Y2K -- or any other problem like a blizzard or power outage -- will impact any given block. In order to accomplish this, those present agreed to meet again, first completing a personal inventory of their needs. The combination of all these assessments would serve to make a sketch of the needs of the neighborhood.

What about YOUR Neighborhood?
With Chief of Police Leonard Wetherbee's help, CCY2K is working to break down Concord into neighborhoods, and to identify contact people within several of these areas -- individuals who are already concerned and active when it comes to the health of their neighborhood. More volunteers are needed to ensure ALL neighborhoods in town have an opportunity to plan in such a grassroots manner (see below to find out how to volunteer).

"This is not doomsday rhetoric," says Wetherbee. "It is a common sense approach to getting the 'neighbor' back in YOUR 'neighborhood.' For a number of reasons we have moved away from that very concept over the past couple of decades. This is a perfect opportunity for neighbors to get to know each and feel a little more secure that when the next hurricane or blizzard hits that help and assistance is within walking distance." If you are interested in hosting a neighborhood meeting or helping CCY2K to get info to these meetings as they spring up throughout town, please contact Di Clymer at (978) 369-7172 or Jimi Two Feathers at (978) 371-2502 or email cbooth@massed.net or webmaster@concordma.com. There will also be a public meeting for those who want to learn more (see column at right).