Good Neighbors, Good Deeds

by Margery Elfin

Margery, Mel and Emmy Elfin (photo by Dzenita Mehic Saracevic)

There was nothing to like about the violent storm of June 29th that left so many of us without power, but I’d like to report something positive in the difficult situation.

On the day after the event we found we could not get our garage door open manually. This meant that each time we walked the dog we had to walk around the back of our house to exit. More important, we could not take her and us for an air-conditioned ride now and then for some relief from the heat.

On the second day we were walking with Emmy down the alley when we saw the end of it was blocked by a tree and a neighbor was phoning in the damage on his cell phone. Exchanging pleasantries, he told us that he had not lost power, then inquired about us. When we told him we couldn’t get the car out, he immediately said, “Finish your walk and I’ll be down to help in 20 minutes.”

True to his word, Kris Baumann was soon at our house and in the steamy garage manipulating the heavy door and securing it so it wouldn’t slip. We felt as though we had been liberated. It was a great feeling. Later that day we had a cooling ride and for the succeeding two days we were able to enjoy a little bit of comfort.

We rarely see Kris and his wife Elisha and I did not remember their last names. Here’s where the dog network came into play. A year ago we would see Elisha (and sometimes Kris) with their dogs. As a busy lawyer she couldn’t come very often, but one of us had her e-mail. I was able to e-mail Kris and thank him via her e-mail. She must have been surprised to receive an e-mail with “garage door” as a subject.

I’m sure many of you had similar experiences which you could share with the community. For now my nomination for hero of the storm is Kris Baumann.