Andrea Newland Arts: Skarmy vs. Tornado

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Created on Friday, 01 July 2011 20:55

The return to Monson has been a sweet one. Fresh green trees, flowers scenting the breeze, birds and peepers singing. Bittersweet when catching the view of a damaged downtown. We never knew quite how much the trees were a part of Monson til they were uprooted by the tornado on June 1, 2011. Home owners and volunteers work daily with chainsaws cutting up downed trees. Roofers staple down new shingles in the 90 degree heat. People deliver meals and water to workers organized from the First Church. Others gather belongings tossed into the woods, and make plans with contractors to rebuild their homes. My first day back I went down to the First Church and volunteered to haul brush out of someone's yard. By the end of the day about 15 people were there, working together.
The sense of home town pride is overwhelming. Benefit shows and fundraisers abound. Last night was a special gathering of 95 people at the Diamond Junction Bowling Alley on Main Street in Palmer, MA, raising money for tornado victims. Bands included The Wild from Atlanta on tour, The Moskal Band from Palmer, and Skarmy of Darkness reunited to represent Monson. It was a reunion of so many people from the days of High School punk shows at The Old Store and The Shed. A few kids and tattoos later, everyone looked the same. We sang and danced and screamed the same as we did when we were 17. I am proud to know so many talented individuals. When we are knocked down by Mother Nature, it is good to know there are good people to help us back up.
Great show everyone.