May Flies

It is less than one week until this month's meeting to discuss Private Altars by Katherine Mosby. This month I will be scrambling to first, find a copy of the book and secondly, finish reading it in time. (Some of you may be wondering, "so, what's new?" but I have a feeling I am not alone.)

In other news, "Lake Morgan" has officially retreated to its origins as a softball field and we are all continuing our water conservation techniques. It is shaping up to be a busy and quite social month in the neighborhood which gives us a certain assurance that summer is on its way and porch chats will be increasing.

We Are Nashville

I returned to a town which seems much more powerful than the one I left. Not that I ever doubted a neighbor would help a neighbor; this tenant is as oft repeated in the South as John 3:16. What has amazed me in speaking with those who have been actively helping since Sunday is the frequency with which residents accepted a duty for their city without question. GBC member KateO and her partner were essentially told that by filling sandbags, there was a risk of death and they had to accept this risk in order to assist. They did, and I would venture there was no hesitation. I am proud of my city and its residents and for the way both have responded in the face of a crisis.

If you haven't already done so, check out Cool People Care and their shirt to support local flood relief efforts with the slogan above. It was designed by our very own GBC neighbor, Rob Williams.

Water not Chocolate

You may not be aware that by day they are successful executives, but by night (or any time out of legislative session), they are available to heed your call (or email). Wherever there is trouble, they will be there (particularly if reading water is in danger). They are our neighbors and a group of mainly GBC members who are moonlighting under GEMA (Germantown Emergency Management Association) to assist when flood waters rise in the area to extreme depths. I am so fortunate to live in a neighborhood where neighbors help one another, often unasked, and without expectation of reward.

For you readers outside the area, the town has been suffering one of the worst disasters in its history. I would like to take this time to say thank you to my neighbors, and I ask that if you have an opportunity to help another, please take it. For resources on how you can help those in Nashville, please visit HON or the Red Cross. Please visit Nashvillest for helpful summaries of current conditions and other ways to get involved. Also, to repeat our Mayor's request, please reduce your water usage.