Over the past year and in particular the last few months, many of us have become much more aware of the national economy, indeed the world economy, than perhaps we’d care to. Escalating costs, affecting even the most basic of necessities has prompted many to make increasing adjustments or sacrifices.

Perhaps we go to the movies less often, eat at home more regularly, travel less, vacation closer to home, or perhaps not at all. With winter soon upon us, many have already made significant modifications in terms of alternate or supplemental methods for heating our homes.

Wood, pellet, or charcoal stoves, high tech infrared portable heaters, radiant floor heating, or simple oil filled radiators and electric space heaters have become increasingly popular expenditures for those seeking to reduce their oil, gas, or electric energy costs. Insulation, weather-stripping, and energy audits are becoming increasing more popular, and indeed necessary, in maximizing the efficiency of our heating or cooling systems.

Within our homes, we are much more conscious of the unnecessary expenditure of energy, and have become more diligent in energy conservation measures. We take shorter showers; use cold water for chores previously undertaken with warm or hot water. Perhaps we use fewer lights within our homes or have swapped out traditional light bulbs for more energy efficient ones, while making a concerted effort to ensure we turn off radios, televisions, or electronics when not in immediate use.

Many have changed eating habits at home, opting for more economical meals, while reaching for coupons more often in order to stretch our food dollar. Perhaps the use of generic or store brands has replaced some of the more common trade or designer names we’re used to seeing in our drawers and cupboards. Fewer snacks, elimination of some desserts, and the increase of water over soft drinks are becoming the norm as we look to save a little here and a little there.

Perhaps you’ve cancelled newspaper, magazine, or club memberships. Maybe that new winter coat we’ve been eyeing, gives way to the old tattered one hanging in the closet for one more year. Surely we can make do with those 3 year old boots after all.

Flannel sheets, electric blankets, and over-sized sweaters will accompany that thermostat dial being lowered one, two, or even five degrees more.

So what happens then, when none of those options are available to you? What happens when you’ve already been living like this for 3, 5, or 15 years, and you’ve made every sacrifice you can? What happens in a month, when the choice isn’t a thermostat at 68 degrees, but just over 60 degrees? What happens when the choice is nothing more than a bowl or two of cereal or soup a day?

What happens when the choice isn’t which single prescription not to fill, but rather what three I can delay for a few weeks or a month? What happens when the pipes freeze because you couldn’t afford 5 or 10 gallons of diesel fuel or kerosene to keep the boiler running, just a few days more?

What happens, when you come to realize that here in Sturbridge, yes, right here in Sturbridge, this is happening more frequently than you dared ever imagine? What happens when you realize, that there is A Storm Not Far Off?

I wish I could say that this was not the case, that this was nothing more than hyperbole. I wish I could, but I cannot, because it is becoming ever more clear that this is a reality for some of our seniors, right here in Sturbridge.

We Must, We Can, and We Will Make a Difference. We havfe no choice, these are the people who created the great community that each of us is privileged to live in; these are our neighbors.

Thomas R. Creamer - Executive Director

REAS Foundation