I’ve been following with interest the news about panhandlers, empty storefronts and the sense of doom many seem to have about downtown Northampton. My wife and I don’t live in Northampton but we’re in the city a couple of times a week to see friends, hear music, shop or participate in the Valley Jazz Voices.
Last Saturday evening, I rushed over from the Northampton Y to order a futon at Fly By Night for family staying over this coming weekend. The manager/owner Gary patiently explained that the mattresses were in their factory warehouse which had just closed and I’d have to pick it up there on Tuesday when they re-opened.
I apologized for waiting until the last minute; he replied, “That’s OK. Everyone does that.” Then, when I said that we couldn’t make it over to the warehouse this week, he offered to drive down to the warehouse himself, and re-open it to get me the mattress.
Once I had the mattress, I stopped off at the Haymarket Cafe for some pastries for a holiday party that evening. The friendly worker behind the counter gave me the seventh one free.
Leaving the Haymarket in the rain, there was a woman playing guitar tucked under a storefront for cover, asking for handouts. Figuring I was flush with the $1.75 I saved on the pastry, I could easily afford to give her a little money. She smiled and said, “Thank you,” then continued playing.
Then I went through Thorne’s Market, warm, bright and beautifully lit up for the holidays, with fine bustling businesses filled with shoppers — on my way to the Parking Garage, where I parked for free, since it was less than an hour.
Sure, there was a bedraggled man in the Haymarket, who looked confused carrying around a power cord with no computer. I think he used the restroom and did not buy anything there.
And there was a befuddled man talking to himself as I entered Thorne’s Market. But in the crazy times we live in, I’m surprised that many more of us have not lost our minds!
About those street people, and folks who may be mentally ill, we should remember that they are just suffering human beings like the rest of us. With a small change in circumstance, we could be in their shoes.
And for those who might be frightened of someone who looks or acts odd, remember that they mean no harm. If we want to be scared of a crazy person, we need only look to the hateful and maniacal occupant of the White House!
In the meantime, we should enjoy Northampton’s unique historic downtown filled with great local businesses giving you service you’d never get from Amazon or a big box store.
Shop local this holiday season, and be kind to whomever you meet; you’ll be surprised how good it makes you feel.
David Gottsegen, MD
Belchertown
Holyoke Pediatric Associates, Holyoke