Thank you, Warwick, from a teacher who had an idea to show a movie

To the editor: On the evenings of Nov. 14 and 15, more than 200 members of the Warwick community gathered to watch the HBO documentary “Addition.” Mothers with daughters, neighbors with neighbors, husbands with wives, teammates with teammates, sisters with brothers, all watched as the stories of shattered lives and wasted years unfolded before their eyes on the screen. The gravity of the evenings and tension of the film made it difficult not to find something to reflect upon. Following the viewings, several people said, “Thank you for doing this.” It is now time to redirect those wishes of gratitude to those who truly deserve them. Thank you to the coffee house that said “Sure, we’ll show the film,” for that show of support was the first show of support. Thank you to the priest, the emergency responder and the shop owner who all accepted an unannounced visitor and willingly pledged a helping hand. Thank you to the community center whose doors are always open when it comes to helping children. Thank you to the politician in the middle of an election and high school coaches in the middle of team tryouts and the pursuit of a state title for asking their athletes to think about something else at a time when nothing else but their sport seems to matter. Thank you to the village merchant who worked to find a place for people living on the outskirts of town to gather to watch the film. Thank you for the theater on the outskirts of town for answering the call. Thank you to the library officials who agreed to provide a place to house the “Addiction” books so that all community members might have easy access. Thank you to the school officials for recognizing the educational worth of such a community event. Thank you to the individuals who work at the county organization dedicated to helping people overcome addictions. Your line of work is a noble one. Thank you to the students, teachers, friends and parents who assumed the responsibility of facilitating at each of the seven viewing sites. Thank you to the addiction specialist, pharmacist, nurse, youth group director, supportive daughter and recovering addict for pledging your support for future events. Thank you to the entire Warwick community for coming together to share the pain some individuals must bear daily due to drug and alcohol abuse. Moments when we share each other’s pain are perhaps the moments when we are most human. They are also often the first steps toward true understanding and healing. Thank you, Warwick. Richard Linkens Director of ELA, Social Studies and Academic Intervention Services Warwick Valley Central School District Editor’s note: A story on the showing of “Addiction” appears on page 26.