I think it is fair to say that we live in a time of growing division. Although there was likely never a time in which everyone in the country felt the same way about everything, our ability to now get any information we want with the few taps of a finger has increased the number of matters of which we are forming opinions. At the same time, everyone else is doing the same, developing their own opinions which at times will differ from our own. And while for most topics, this is not a big source of contention, there are more and more that are. The result being a more common desire to separate from one another, to end relationships. A slow destruction of our sense of community.

So it is that much more important, in times like these, to bring light to the instances in which members of our community do something that brings us back together for a common good. Something that gets us to forget our differences, even for just a few moments, and focus on things we all feel are just and right.

Over the past two weekends, I have been lucky enough to be a part of the two fundraising efforts put on by The JaDuke Theater; Momentum to benefit the Greenfield Business Association (GBA) and Arc-A-Palooza to benefit The United Arc. In total, these two efforts raised just short of $40,000. Funds that will, in the end, benefit the community in ways that may otherwise go unappreciated. These funds are vital for the GBA in the efforts to revitalize the Greenfield business sector and allow The United Arc to provide opportunities for those it serves to make wonderful memories. Not a trip to the tropics but the small, everyday things that many of us take for granted. A trip to the movies, a day in the park, a concert at The Shea. Things that might not find its way into the part of our brain which stores our favorite memories, but for some, are the highlights of their year.

The events produced by JaDuke brought together almost 100 people over these past two weeks who were focused not on themselves but on others. The only goals being to entertain and support strangers. Strangers they might walk past in the grocery store or stand behind at the coffee shop. Strangers who are a part of our community.

Those performing at the two events were given this wonderful opportunity because of the kind-hearted souls at JaDuke. Kimberly Williams, Nick Waynelovich, Samantha Myburgh, Pete Mclver, Caroline Burden, and the rest of the JaDuke crew gave their time, their energy, their resources, and the use of their theater to allow for something magical to happen. Their kindness allowed myself and the others who were willing to take to the stage to feel a sense of community that was uplifting and inspiring. At the same time, we were all gifted a feeling of doing something to positively impact the lives of others. A pride in bringing us together. Those on stage shared their talents with the 700 or so who were kind enough to attend and be entertained. Both groups giving the other a much needed sense of togetherness.

Much like the use of the money raised from these events, these opportunities of community building have an unassuming significance for all of us. Thank you JaDuke Theater for your continued support of our community and our neighbors.

Fred Warren lives in Whately.