That was the week that was

And, what a week. We begin by recognizing some newbies who joined us for the moves.

Bob Kane brought his daughter, Shannon, for her first lift, and while she could and did do everything, her special talent was assembling the small dressers. On Thursday, she put together three of them in about 15 minutes. The next day it took five of us roughly 45 minutes to do the same job. I have to point out that she worked alone and had no one to constantly criticize or argue with her, as did the men.

On that same Thursday lift, we met Kelly Costello and her son Gus. Gus was young, strong, enthusiastic and fast. It seems as if he was everywhere he was needed. He is coming back and bringing some buddies with him.

Since Kelly assured us she will be an ongoing regular, we decided to give her an assignment, and what better assignment for an elementary school teacher than to give out Gold Stars for outstanding achievements. Those of us of a certain age will remember Gold Stars. Teachers used to lick them and paste them on our foreheads (this was pre-COVID) when we finally passed a spelling test. God only knows what teachers give out now — probably “likes” on social media. Not us. Our Gold Stars will recognize dedication, commitment and courage in the face of adversity. Since Kelly just met us, we realized we will have to help her pick out the winners based on notable performance in 2026.

First on the list is Dorea McMahon. This week, Dor was one of four women who signed up to handle baskets, toys and bags. However, as the afternoon wore on, three of those volunteers dropped out for reasons both medical and social. Undeterred, Dorea did the whole move solo and handled it like a champ.

Second, I need to recognize the gang from St. Pat’s Youth: John Cahalane, Ryan Mimarzio, Paul Eckenrode, Brendan McGovern, Danny, Mike and more. All under the capable leadership of Mike McHugh. I could give them each a Gold Star, but I thought it might be more entertaining to give them one and watch them fight over it. Early betting would favor the big guy, but I have seen these men work. They are tough and strong, so it is even money across the board.

Next we have our dependables. Jim Gleason, Doug Free, Andre Jackson, Bob Kane, Phil Burroughs, Billy Dankos and Jack Gibala have all made five or more lifts year to date, so they each get one.

We hadn’t anticipated giving out Silver Stars, but we need to recognize others who have made multiple lifts. Joe Haynos, Mike Burgoyne, Don Butcher, Chris and Pat Casey, Bob Hamilton, Kevin Keegan, Joe Ferrante, Jim Griffin, Chris Leonette, Dan Keegan and Jim Perrault are all on that list.

On the distaff side, Cathy Monge, Dorea McMahon, Beth Keegan, Meg Kinneberg and Carolyn Cullen lead the pack, but close behind them are Lisa Johnson, Kathleen McGuan, Cindy Posluszny and Pat Succar.

There are another two dozen I should mention who have made a move or two this year, but we are not some millennial group who just gives a trophy to everyone even if we love them.

Gold Stars also to our Toy and Book Committee, ably led by Kristi Swartout and Joei Dyer. Behind them is an army of young mothers in Manor and Flower Valley who we will probably never know. They find the right gifts for each child on each move.

Finally, special Gold Stars all around to Jim Gleason (who, by the way, has made the most moves this year), Doug Free (who drives the farthest to be with us), Billy Dankos (who claims he can’t lift anything, often while he is hauling a dresser up two flights of stairs), and Dan Keegan (a model blend of youth and dedication). Why them, you say? Well they all have trucks and when they bring them we don’t have to rent one, so we kind of have to suck up to them.

We’ve done something like seven moves this month, which is close to a record for us. You can all rest on your laurels, however, because we have depleted our stores and, hopefully, won’t get another call until next month.

For those who have been on moves, watch for something special coming up in the near future. We need your advice and we are willing to pay for it.

Great job, everybody.