Guest Column: Remembering the Titans
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city of North Adams and our greater region recently lost two wonderful men and community servants, Eugene Wein and George Fairs.
As both men were well into their 90s, the names may not resonate with some, however, I am certain they do have significant meaning to many, I know they do to me.
I had said that both men were what every parent would want their sons to grow up to emulate. Both were devoted husbands and fathers, successful businessmen, community leaders and true gentlemen. Both were veterans of World War II. Both made significant commitments to their community and truly left their mark on all who knew them.
Mr. Wein was an inspirational figure in the Jewish community, taking on leadership roles within his congregation as well as being a passionate advocate of youth and most especially Drury High School sports.
Mr. Fairs served the North Adams Parks and Recreation Commission for 38 years and devoted his life to Windsor Lake, Historic Valley Campground and the natural amenities that grace this community.
They were from the old school where a firm handshake was all it took to solidify agreement, where respect was earned and not demanded, where family always came first and where "love thy neighbor" was not a commandment but rather simply the right thing to do.
And while there are so many folks in our greater community who work very hard to help others, who are entrenched in making this area a better place for all, the loss Mr. Wein and Mr. Fairs to me is extremely significant. They were unique in that they did not complain but rather reacted to what they might have seen as "wrong." They had both the energy and personality that could see something that was broken and immediately find a way to fix it.
They loved this city and this region at its best, worst and in between. They were a significant part of who we were and never gave up on what we might become. They were part of an elite list of those dedicated to community who have passed before them.
I write this because they deserve to be recognized. I write this, too, because I am hopeful, hopeful in that I see so many young people in our community that grew up here, left, and have now returned. I am hopeful because of those who have moved to North Adams due to something that they saw, that many of us forgot or refuse to see. My hope for the future of this city and region rests in the minds and hands of those now able to take the lead.
Who will step up and make the significant commitment to the people of this community? Who will step forward to create solutions and promote good will? Who like many of our past leaders of ordinary people will step up to do extraordinary things? Who will be the next Mr. Wein or Mr. Fairs?
As a community, we need to thank Mr. Wein and Mr. Fairs for all that they did and even more so for who they were, for the example they set, and for the lives they lived.
Richard Alcombright is the mayor of North Adams, Mass.
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