By JIM SCHUH
of The Gazette
In the aftermath of Tuesday's tragedies at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington and in the fields of southern Pennsylvania, life in central Wisconsin went on. But in so many instances, people living in our area could not put the tragedies out of their minds as they went about their business.
For so many, the magnitude and result of the attacks was just too astonishing, and it tugged at their hearts all day. The first subject of discussion almost everywhere people met was the unbelievable series of events. Many people just shook their bowed heads in disbelief.
Tragedies have a way of bringing out the good in humanity, and there were ample examples of that fact in our area. Here are just a few:
Mae Nachman, the executive director of the Portage County Red Cross, said the community's response "never ceases to amaze me." Nachman said the agency's two telephones rang nonstop all day, as more than 200 people called with offers to donate blood or to ask what they could do to help.
A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Plover Municipal Center.
Area residents wanting Red Cross assistance in confirming the welfare of an immediate family member may call the local Red Cross at 344-4052.
At almost every area gathering on Tuesday, there were moments of silence to remember and pray for the victims and their families.
Stevens Point Mayor Gary Wescott said the most important thing to do right now is stay calm. "This is a time for cool heads to prevail," he said. "We as a nation have got to keep the family and loved ones of the victims in our prayers," he said. "There's no reason why any citizen of Stevens Point should be overly concerned about their security. We're safe in Stevens Point."
Once the report of the tragedy was received, Wescott said emergency operations were put in place. There is a plan outlining procedures and the city was ready to implement the plan if required.
The city's communications system is wired to state and federal officials, so the city is kept informed about developments in any emergency situation, he said.
The Portage County Business Council's annual agriculture tour began with a luncheon, and attendees paused in silence to reflect on the day's events. Even as they toured fertilizer and potato packing facilities, it was impossible to put the day's events out of their minds.
The Stevens Point Kiwanis Club observed a moment of silence, and canceled its program to watch televised updates of the tragedy.
At the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Chancellor Thomas George issued a message to the faculty and staff, expressing his deep sorrow. He asked the campus and community to remain calm while they tried to understand the events and how to react.
George announced afternoon group discussions at the university's Counseling Center and in residence halls, distribution of information on donating blood and communicating with foreign students "to assure them of their safety and of our concern." The chancellor directed flags to be lowered to half-staff.
George did not cancel classes, but rather noted that they presented the opportunity to discuss the tragedy and its consequences. He also pointed to memorial services at several area churches for those who wanted to attend.
Late Tuesday afternoon, the United Way of Portage County kicked off its 2001 fund drive under a tent on the riverfront in Stevens Point, but not before attendees bowed their heads for prayer and reflection.
Sympathy for the United States from abroad even arrived in Stevens Point. David Worth, president of the Worth Company, told friends his firm had received e-mail condolences and expressions of sympathy from about a half-dozen of his concerned foreign customers.
Members of the Stevens Point delegation who visited Rostov in Russia last month received a message of condolences from Mayor Anatoly Rudenko's office. Nadezhda Sokolova, the mayor's chief of staff, sent the following e-mail overnight:
"I and my friends commiserate with you on your tragedy and we give our condolences to you on the terrorist actions which took place in your country and on the death of people. We hope you'll have enough strength to manage the situation. At any moment you can count on our help, support and friendship."
Tragedy of this magnitude also breeds panic. Rumors of expected jumps in gasoline prices of around $5 a gallon led many motorists to gas up their cars Tuesday. Some even filled gasoline cans to add to their supply. Lines at the pump stretched several blocks out onto the street at several gas stations in the Stevens Point area. Gas prices Wednesday morning ranged from $1.74 a gallon at one station in Stevens Point, while a few miles down the road a station in Plover was at $2.02.
Recognizing people's nerves might be getting frayed as the country faces an uncertain future, the UW-SP Counseling Center and Employee Assistance Program provided the university community some information about typical responses to such tragedies, and information about what kinds of reactions may warrant seeking additional counseling support.
Typical reactions include shock and disbelief, speculation about what happened and wanting more information, feeling sadness or anger, and wanting to check in with loved ones, even if they weren't in any danger. Counselors advise people to share their feelings with people they trust. Signs that people should consider additional counseling support include if they have family members in New York or Washington, D.C., if the event brought up recollections of past trauma and wondering what to tell their children about the attack.