The sense of community

Herman Melville wrote, “We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.”

This message has been on my mind throughout the year as I witness COVID-19 affecting so many people and places. The outpouring of support from first responders, citizens and businesses has been heartening and reassuring because, despite challenging economic times, we rise to the occasion.

It also made me stop and think about what it is that motivates the wonderful volunteers and citizens who participate. It boils down to that effusive term “sense of community” that demonstrates itself through a myriad of causes and positives results but more importantly about special people.

We lost one of those special people last week. Paulie Samele served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and was also a Corporate Partner. More than that, he was a great friend.

I recall many days when he would stop at the office just to talk and even solve a few world problems. We laughed a lot too! We cheered him on when he won the best dancer at the Y’s fundraiser of course held at Chatterley’s. Can you imagine my Bridge Club venturing into PSam’s years ago realizing we looked like the chaperones? We were treated like royalty!

The Chamber was the beneficiary of many hours celebrating in his amazing venues over a period of years. There was nothing like his fine cuisine, his generosity, his humor, his creativity, his sincerity, and his love of life.

There were surprises too — with his many stories and adventures that always included his beautiful wife, handsome children, and supportive family at home and in the business. He truly became a part of the Chamber family with a personality that was second to none. It is an understatement to say that we will miss him terribly but we will carry on know

ing that the memories will linger forever and his goodness will serve as an example of the way to live life to the fullest.

Looking forward, let’s remember that time, energy and expertise makes our community stronger,

smarter and wiser. Paulie’s involvement and that of many others is indeed priceless. We are most appreciative.