Thank you, Mr. G!

In 1984, after my stint in the US Army, I returned to Uptown Troy NY to begin the next chapter in my life. I had an infant son to support and, although I was living with my parents, I didn’t want them to carry any added financial burdens. Finding a job was my highest priority.

So, I went job hunting and landed a position with John B. Garrett, Inc., a medical supply company located just two blocks from my home. “How lucky” I thought to myself, “I won’t need to get a car to get to work.” That luck continued too. The company was family-owned and operated. I liked that. Mr. Garrett, his wife Helen and 2 (eventually 4) of their 8 children worked in the business. Their Office Manager, Dolores, had been with them for years. I learned very quickly that - to the Garrett’s - their employees were members of their family. For the better part of 14 years I felt honored to be working for and with the Garrett’s.

John B. Garrett, Jr. continued the business his mother had started when he was young. He built the business through hard work, determination and an eternally optimistic mindset. An example of this optimism shines in letters he crafted to his clients and vendors following the fire that had destroyed his office and warehouse at 533 River Street back in 1965. He closed them with “Watch us bounce back.” And bounce back they did. To him, all things were possible. He was the king of quotes and bids. He was meticulously unorganized. He always wore a smile. He was regal. Mr. Garrett passed on from this world on Monday, July 5th.

As I leave home to join the family in celebrating Mr. Garrett’s life, I am keenly aware of how he both affected and effected my life. Who I have been as an employee and who I am today as a business owner was greatly shaped by his kindness, gratitude, consideration, optimism, joy and love. Yes, love. Mr. Garrett’s smile was full of it. So, for one more time: THANK YOU, MR. G.

Your Vote Here Could Help Your Neighbors

You can help two wonderful organizations in Troy this week by casting a vote for each of them in Chase Bank’s Chase Community Giving Campaign, which runs through July 12th. Thousands of charitable organizations have been nominated for a minimum of $20,000 in grant funding with the top vote getter nationwide recieving a $250,000 grant.  In order to be considered a charity had to be nominated by a supporter. You only have to vote once and you can select up to 20 different charities to support. Included among the thousands are two of Troy NY’s own - CAC Woodside and Capital District Community Gardens.

CAC Woodside, a recipient of a $50,000 Refresh Everything Grant in May of this year, hopes to use the additional $20,000 grant towards completing the on-going renovations to the old Woodside Presbyterian Church. Please take a moment to visit Chase Community Giving-CAC Woodside and vote.

Capital District Community Gardens was also entered into the Chase program by one of their supporters. $20,000 will help CDCG continue offering programs like Squash Hunger and The Veggie Mobile. Please take a moment to visit Chase Community Giving-CDCG.

And while you’re there, check out the many other great Capital District organizations that were nominated for consideration. After all, you’ll have 18 votes left.

Today we celebrate our Independence Day

It’s the Fourth of July. Our American Independence Day. Today we celebrate our break from British rule, remember our founding fathers and honor the volunteer militias that fought to make it happen. Volunteerism led to independence. Think about it. Would we be celebrating if those men hadn’t volunteered to stand up in protest to protect their neighbors?

The men and women who are serving in our military today are volunteers. Regardless of why they volunteered, they DID volunteer. Volunteerism is a cornerstone of America. Serving in the military is the ultimate form of volunteerism, requiring great personal sacrifice. We’ll gather with our family and friends for a cookout while our servicemembers gather in a mess tent in the middle of a desert. Later, we’ll head out to watch the fireworks. They’ll head out on patrol. We’ll return safe and sound to our homes. If they’re lucky, they’ll return unscathed to their tents.

Today’s military volunteers serve to ensure that we can continue to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They are akin to those that fought 234 years ago. So, as you gather to celebrate your right of self-determination, remember those that are sacrificing their freedom to maintain ours.