As I’ve gotten older (almost 60), I’ve learned that a fundamental factor of life is becoming part of something bigger than yourself. If it’s family, a job, a church, a school — a sense of community and togetherness forms and thrives. I moved from the City of Pittsburgh to the suburb of Churchill five years ago. It wasn’t an easy nor smooth transition, as I’m more of a city girl. I found it difficult to meet anyone, as I live on a road not easily walked, and I found myself isolated.

And then Amazon happened. For the past six months, I’ve been part of Churchill Future, a growing grassroots group with a common goal of opposition to Amazon moving in and destroying our lives. I’ve now met hundreds of determined, smart residents who’ve organized, mobilized and galvanized.

Although I thought Churchill was a sleepy, albeit beautiful, suburb, I’ve learned that there was a shared volcano waiting to erupt. We were told that Amazon moving in “is a done deal.” Churchill council may have thought they presided over a lethargic borough. One resident thought he could convince us to “trust the professionals.”

Based on the passion, determination, brilliance and rage that I’ve seen and heard, we’re no longer asleep. We no longer politely disagree. We fearlessly disagree and we fight on.

Kate Carrigan Hill

Churchill

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