Church bells rang out, horns sounded, and doors opened to let out clapping, singing, and music-making Wednesday and Thursday evenings for five minutes at 7 p.m., all to pay homage to our first responders and healthcare workers who have put their own lives on the line in service to others, especially now, during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Selectman Mark Russo put the program into action, inspired by what neighborhoods throughout New York City, and others across the continents are doing to show their appreciation.
Colleen Thompson and Susan Vetterlein rang the bell at the First Congregational Church in Plympton Village, a bell that was cast by George Holbrook, an apprentice under Paul Revere, in 1830! It cost a princely sum of $386 at that time. The First Congregational Church was the first church in town to have a steeple and a bell. The bell weighs 1,100 pounds and it takes strong arms to pull the ropes to ring it.
Russo invites all of Plympton to continue to open their doors each night at 7 p.m. to make a joyful noise – or just listen, “listen deeply to what is possible.”
Fire Chief Stephen Silva had his department take available trucks to the bottom of the driveway and flash their lights.
Police Chief Matt Clancy’s department also took part to show their appreciation. Fire and police opted not to sound their sirens out of respect to their neighbors.
Lean out the door, windows, sound a horn, sing a song, bang on a pot, and continue at 7 p.m. each evening at least until Tuesday, or until the virus is contained.