Uneven Sidewalks
Are a Problem

The older I get, the more familiar life’s situations become. Allow me a moment to share a story of uncommon ground.

Ten years ago this wouldn’t have mattered to me. I’m hoping that this story may bring awareness to the entire community that it should matter. The village of Randolph has become a part of my community and one that I care very much about. I am proud to be a part of the close-knit family that is all part of life in this town.

Recently I have become aware of issues that need to be taken care of. As a friend and community member I ask help from all that live in this community.

A friend of mine, and probably yours, has been struggling with stability and uncommon ground. A scooter was purchased in order to alleviate the pain endured on her feet that has become progressively worse. What a process to go through, between physicians and insurance companies! She almost gave up.

It seems that people in need become forgotten. How must life feel to have once been able to stand with the best only to become a burden to others? It tugs at my heart to see day after day the shame on a person’s face to have to ask for help. Let’s lend a helping hand without judgment, just love.

It seems that my lovely friend cannot use her scooter in most places of this village. The conditions of the railroad tracks and uneven sidewalks, as well as the inadequate entryways of businesses, have become impossible to navigate on a daily basis.

A regular schedule for most people must now be altered. She is forced to take the "scenic" route from her local apartment building around by the Gazebo and onto Main Street. The refreshing cup of coffee with a treat has become unavailable in the life of her scooter. The shopping of luxury or necessity has become nearly impossible.

The town manager was asked what could be done. The reply was simple and easy. The proper people would be contacted and the situation resolved. That was never followed through.

So, my persistent buddy called the man in charge of the roads in Randolph. Hmmm, not the town’s problem to fix the railroad crossing area. Not an offer to help in any way, just not his problem. This is truly sad to me. The community pulling together and lending a helping hand seems to be unavailable to a woman in her 70s.

The Disability Acts of the federal government? Ah yes, this will certainly be a help. Conversations between my friend and a concerned individual occurred. Finally, a lawyer will be in touch—still waiting. Why does it seem that in order for anything to be done it has to be through legal matters or fighting? This makes me wonder how I would feel if left in a situation such as this one. Would I give up, or would just that one someone stand up for me and listen and help.

Is it really necessary to drive in the middle of the road to get from one end of it to the other? How ridiculous this all is to me. Why can’t I go to lunch with my friend and not be concerned that she may tip on the uneven sidewalk? Why cannot we eat or shop anywhere anyone else does?

Members of the community—Let’s become closer with helping hands, find the answers and do something for all of the community. Isn’t that what life is truly about? Let the problems be solved together. One never knows when they will be placed in the middle of uneasy and uncommon ground.

Kelly Wheatley

Randolph