Opening Monologue

From Methuen, sometimes referred to as Lawrence with trees, it's time for "Tales of Brave Musicianship" with your host, David Comtois...

Yeah, right.

I'm just another voice in a cluttered field of more voices. But at least I've got a voice.

So who am I and why am I here? (If you can't already tell, I like to pull cliche phrases and redistribute them for my own use. Hey, if it was good once why can't it be good again? Thanks Admiral Stockdale!)

But seriously, I'm actually one of the many people in this country who've been affected by the economic downturn of late. I've been out of work since March and the prospects of employment have been quite thin.

I'm also a musician and have been one for over 30 years now. It defines me and it defines my family and I'm quite proud of that.

As a result of recent events, I've looked at this as an opportunity to reinvent myself. You have to because if you don't think positively, you'll go absolutely crazy. I've come to terms with the layoff. It's not my fault. I'm very proud of my accomplishments and successes, but unfortunately it still hurts the wallet. So as a result, I've been trying to get gigs, and also start up a small instrumental teaching business to make ends meet.

But do you know what's been my saving grace (besides my family)?

Volunteering.

My brother-in-law has been volunteering at the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence, MA. every Wednesday as a chef for over a year. (Cor Unum means "One Heart".) He's been preparing the meals by himself and the numbers are usually between 250 to 535 people for dinner from 4:30 to 6:30. I was laid off on Tuesday March 10 and on Wednesday March 11 I met him in the parking lot to help him out. (I knew from previous experience that sitting at home all day searching the web and newspaper for employment will drive a person crazy!)

I've been doing this every Wednesday since that time and I get the most satisfaction ever! The work is hard (the prep starts at around 12:30 and we've got to have everything ready to serve by 4:30) and sometimes a little frustrating if we can't find the right ingredients to make a certain meal the way we'd like to. But that's part of the challenge, we have to make do with what we've got and I gotta tell ya, sometimes the meals come out great! It's quite satisfying knowing that I've helped feed someone who may not have had a meal that night. No one should go hungry...ever!

So if you're out of work or think that you've got troubles, do some volunteering and help those who are less fortunate. I'll be good for you and it'll benefit those who need your help!

And if you're in the Lawrence, MA area and feel like cooking or serving breakfast or dinner, come and help out at Cor Unum!

Remember, the light at the end of the tunnel may be you!

Goodnight!