Officials mull over Central tragedy
Published on October 13th, 2004
STONEHAM, MA - “Friday, October 1 will be a day that will not be easily forgotten by the residents of Stoneham,” said School Committee Chairman Cheryl Walsh as she opened Wednesday night’s School Committee meeting, following a moment of quiet reflection for all affected by the horrific accident at the Central School on that fateful day.
“In the blink of an eye, lives were changed forever…It was a tragic, freak accident that has left physical and emotional scars on many.”
The victims of Friday’s accident at the Central School, that occurred when a car driven by Stoneham resident Enrique Caruso accidentally jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd of students and parents at dismissal time, have been the focus of the town’s well wishes and prayers, as some continue to recuperate in Boston hospitals.
But it was the unsung heroes who helped soothe the injured, calm the frightened, protect the vulnerable, and lessen the impact all around, in the form of Central School staff, parents, emergency personnel, town officials, and business and community members that Walsh recognized as crucial to the response that eventually helped return a semblance of normalcy to the site for the youngsters who flock there each day.
“It was truly a community pulled together…The school community and the entire Stoneham community will never know the names of all the unsung heroes.”
And while doctors, nurses, and other specialists continue to work feverishly to help the physically injured heal, others have had their emotional healing addressed. Outreach from other communities as well as the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) STARS (School Threat Assessment Response Systems) program has contributed to that healing process. Many therapists have been and continue to be available to those struggling with the mental anguish resulting from the incident that for many hit too close to home.
Some students still struggle with feeling safe again, while many parents wish they could have done more. But Walsh reminded the public that all of these reactions are normal and each person heals differently and at a different pace. She urged those who need more support to take advantage of that offered.
“Please, please, please to all of those – young or old – do not suffer in silence. If these feelings persist in the weeks and months to come, seek counseling.”
Walsh also appealed to the community to keep Caruso and his family in its thoughts and prayers as they too struggle with all that has happened.
“The Caruso family needs to know that we are a supportive community.Yes, there is anger and bewilderment, but there is also compassion and understanding. It was a freak accident that changed many lives forever including theirs. Reaching out to people who need our support is part of the healing process. We need to heal together.”
According to Walsh, the Central School PTO has become the conduit for many programs being put together to help the victims. The Red Cross is planning a blood drive at Stoneham High School on November 1, and the PTO is open to suggestions on raising funds as a means of defraying some of the incidental costs to victims’ families such as meals and hospital parking.
One idea in particular has really taken off. Many Stonehamites have been seen sporting blue wristbands since the accident. An idea that arose as a way to show support to those who continue to be hospitalized, has bloomed into a full fledge fundraiser for victims’ families.
Stoneham residents Tom and Erin Barry brought the idea to fruition by locating a vendor who could provide and print wristbands, similar to the hospital bands worn by the victims during their stays. But it was Central School parent Wendy Pignone who suggested selling the bands for $1 to cover expanses incurred by the families during the hospital stays. About 7,500 bands have already been distributed with another 5,000 on the way. The bands can be purchased through the elementary school offices, or by contacting the Barrys at (781) 438-4415, Wendy Pignone (781) 438-0066, or Karen Mooney (781) 438-7192. The bands will also be sold at this weekend’s Stoneham High football game and Middle School dance.
Assistant School Superintendent Joseph Casey offered his gratitude to all those who helped in the immediate aftermath.
“Everybody was drawn to help…I can’t tell you how amazed, awed and proud I am…The Central School staff was absolutely amazing.”
“At this point, we are all still grappling with the rawness of last Friday,” Walsh said. A meeting to discuss school traffic and partking issues will take place in the near future. The commuity will be advised of the date and location of that meeting.
“To the town of Stoneham that we are all so proud to be a part of, thank you for your unselfish heroism, and God bless all of you.”
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