I’m sorry Joey. I know this is exactly not your kind of thing. I would never put you on the spot like this if I didn’t think it was necessary. I want people to know that giving you money to help others is a smart decision.
Remember the time you were hell bent on watching movies on Lipona St, back around 1991? We did not have a VCR. We did not have an account at a video store. We did not have a credit card to secure an account at a video rental store. Step by step you worked through the plan. You got the credit card. You set up the account. You rented the VCR. You connected the VCR. We picked out some movies. We got all the snacks. We turned off the lights to finally enjoy the big moment. I think Darin and I chose some obscure, maudlin Hal Hartley movie, The Unbelievable Truth, and you were fast asleep within minutes. I think you slept through Robocop after that.
Your real entertainment was overcoming the challenges, and the watching of the actual movie, just didn’t hold your attention like being told you couldn’t watch a movie. Oh, good times.
A more recent story that also cracks me up to no end involves a global plague and speculation on the collapse of society, so you know it’s going to be funny. The Coronavirus was swiftly infecting the planet during the spring of 2020. The government shut down everything. We were talking on the phone, musing about the possible collapse of society altogether. Zombies were taking over pop culture. Political divisions were ripping the country apart. Things, generally speaking, were not looking good for humankind. I joked that I would have to make my way to your compound in Candy Man Holler, where you could tell me what type of gun I should buy. Understanding that I have neither the interest, or the patience, to develop any reliable marksmanship you said, plain as can be, “Oh Johnny. I bought your gun years ago. It’s a shotgun. You don’t even have to aim it. Just stand over me and shoot anything that tries to sneak up on us from behind.” I still don’t know if you were joking, but I realized your mind is always improving and refining the plan. I fell asleep that night worrying about how to get up there, but now about our chances once I made it.
When you moved to North Carolina, it sucked, but I understood why Tallahassee wasn’t working for you. Most of your skill set was just too dormant here. Too many college football games on television, and not enough opportunity to drive a tractor on steep grades and clean deer in the front yard. It all made sense when I made it up there. Your idea of a good time is to harvest the trees to make the boards, to build the shop, to make the other things in, and on and on. Meanwhile in Tallahassee I was probably contemplating if making deviled eggs on a Saturday was just going to be too much work compared to getting a burger at the Corner Pocket.
Game always recognizes game, so despite being a Florida transplant by way of Wisconsin, with stints in: Montana, Oregon, Sarajevo and other parts unknown, you were a local at the Griffith store within months of arrival. This tightly knit community that goes back generations in the area, came to know and love you like we all do. You spoke their language of self-reliance, respect for the land, and you also spoke your own mind without explanation or apology.
You have an expert knowledge of land use planning, environmental conservation, cartography, drone piloting, construction, rope-craft, firearms, mechanical stuff, wilderness survival, and 90s hip hop. You are truly made for this moment.
15 generators and counting, are running on the mountain somewhere right now, before we even start this fundraiser. People can get to dialysis, and keep insulin cool. Thanks to you, a couple with Alzheimer’s disease are able to return to their familiar home with their children to care for them instead of being somewhere scary and unfamiliar. People can listen to the radio and watch television to keep up with developing events and get vital information. Beers are cold. Children are safer.
In this situation where the need is overwhelming and constantly changing, this is a simple plan. It is the essence of do what you can, for who you can, where you can. We are going to power the Green Mountain communities, and maintain them with fuel deliveries, and oil changes, for as many as possible, for as long as it takes. There are many reasons to support this project, but for me it’s simple. People you love need help, and you are people I love.
Now let’s get after it.
