Community Corner

Montclair Residents Forge Neighborly Bonds Amid Coronavirus

"A list of names is greater security than toilet paper," a Montclair resident said.

Residents of Harvard Street in Montclair launched a “neighbor directory” to help them stay in touch during the coronavirus crisis.
Residents of Harvard Street in Montclair launched a “neighbor directory” to help them stay in touch during the coronavirus crisis. (Shutterstock)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The new coronavirus’ spread throughout New Jersey is causing anxiety for many Montclair residents. But for others, such as the residents of Harvard Street, it’s inspiring a sense of community spirit.

Recently – in response to the spread of the new coronavirus and the ongoing state of emergency in Montclair – the residents of Harvard Street launched a “neighbor directory” to help them stay in touch during the crisis.

The Harvard Street Group has since migrated to Facebook. However, it began with a handwritten letter that partly read:

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“In these crazy times, seemingly changing hour by hour, I’m sure we are all feeling very unsettled and disconnected from our usual lives. We have such a special street of wonderful neighbors and such a strong source of support right here, that we wanted to be sure everyone has each other’s information as we face these mounting daily challenges. We are creating a neighborhood directory and group email so that we can all be in touch. You can use it to reach out if you need anything, let people know if we have things people might need, or just if you feel like starting some Italian-style balcony opera singing from your front stoop… For instance, I have a few extra rolls of toilet paper, so let me know if you need. I also may well need help with my phone at some point, because it’s totally acting up now that Apple is closed – of course! Between us all, I am sure we can help each other through any issues that come up, and maybe make some amazing lemonade out of lemons.”

“A list of names is greater security than toilet paper,” said Cindy Svane, who recently joined the group with her husband – and their dog – as honorary members, despite living on adjacent Grove Street.

Svane credited Harvard Street resident Deborah Lansing for spearheading the original letter-writing campaign. In turn, Lansing offered Patch the following glimpse behind the scenes of the community-building effort:

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“I was more than happy to gather and compile all our neighbors’ info. Others with design and technical skills have been quick to step in and make it all more accessible. I feel, being connected during this unsettling time is so important and helps us all feel less isolated and fearful. Like most of us, until now, I’ve only known immediate neighbors, so this has been extra wonderful for me. People are offering to get stuff for neighbors, checking in with those who are in isolation and it is all so much more doable knowing we are in this together. We managed to get a couple of socially distanced ‘blocktails’ in before the Saturday lockdown, and I think it’s just helped us all feel we have support through this.”

So far, it’s been paying off, Lansing reported.

“One woman on our street who lives alone told me yesterday that four other neighbors had already checked in on her,” she said.

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