Mayors want bells to ring out in support of first responders, those working during pandemic

Ronald Echard of New Stanton and Jerry Lucia of Mt. Pleasant are among area mayors who are encouraging participation in a statewide event meant to show support for those on the front lines of the covid-19 pandemic.

Echard has proclaimed Sunday, May 3 as Bells Across Pennsylvania Day in New Stanton, part of an initiative by the Pennsylvania State Mayors’ Association.

All Pennsylvania residents and churches are invited to ring bells for three minutes, beginning at 7 p.m. that day.

The first minute of the event is meant to honor first responders, health care workers and employees of grocery stores, pharmacies and other life-sustaining businesses who have provided essential services while at risk of infection with the coronavirus.

According to Echard, the second minute will demonstrate “solidarity with elected officials and residents of municipalities across the Commonwealth” who are battling covid-19 on the front lines of the crisis.

The final minute will signify “a collective resolve that Pennsylvanians will prevail over covid-19 and work tirelessly to ensure that their businesses and civic life will thrive once again,” he said.

“Since days of the American Revolution, the bell has served as an instrument for expressing communal gratitude, camaraderie and resolve and is a means well-suited for Pennsylvanians sheltering in place to demonstrate such values,” Echard added in his proclamation.

Lucia, who is a board member of the mayors’ association, said he also is promoting the bell-ringing effort in his community. Latrobe Mayor Rosie Wolford has issued a similar proclamation.

The association is encouraging mayors and other elected officials across the state to plan any additional local events that would complement the bell-ringing while observing the governor’s stay-at-home and social distancing directives.

The bell-ringing event was inspired by a similar effort in New York City, according to Jim Nowalk, mayor of Whitehall Borough and president of the mayors’ group. Perkasie Borough Mayor John Hollenbach promoted a Helper Appreciation Day on April 13 in that Bucks County community.

Seeking rainbows of hope

In a similar spirit, Echard announced a contest in New Stanton intended to boost residents’ morale while expressing gratitude for workers who are braving potential exposure to covid-19.

Borough households are asked to create outdoor displays resembling a rainbow and including the word “Hope” that will be judged by Echard on Thursday.

“Display it in your yard or on the front of your house,” Echard said. “It can be any size and made of any material,” including paint or crayon.

Those who want to be included in the judging are asked to email their street address to ronaldechard@gmail.com by Wednesday.

Echard will award local restaurant gift cards as prizes.

Visit newstanton.org for more information.