I noticed that the MacArthur “Genius” Awards were announced recently and I am happy for all those new MacArthur Fellows — how wonderful to be recognized for this distinct honor and to receive a considerable financial reward. But I am concerned that the MacArthur Foundation people seem to have left out some folks who should have been included on the list. So while I am not denigrating this year’s recipients, I am adding to the list just to make sure that a few people who were overlooked are now properly recognized (but without the financial reward, alas).
First on my list of people who should have received a Genius Award is Miriam, my five-month-old granddaughter’s day care provider. Miriam is a child whisperer for sure. Holding Charlotte in her arms, she somehow gently directs, guides, and supports the toddlers running and the babies crawling all around her and keeps everyone safe, happy, giggling, delighted, well fed, and in clean diapers. Genius. And miraculous.
I would also add to the list of awardees our postal carrier, Alex. Constantly cheerful, Alex never complains even when it is 100 degrees out and he is scurrying from house to house. Or when it is 20 degrees and we can only wave from the window and mimic a sad face trying to show that we are sorry that he has to be out there in the wind and cold. “Hello, Princess” he always says to my granddaughter Fiona.
In addition, I would like to include Ms. Agna, the legendary principal of Jackson Street School, now retired. She loved the kids and supported the families as she led a diverse, vibrant, happy school with patience and grace. I would like to have a quiet walk or a peaceful lunch out with Ms. Agna, but it is difficult. No matter where we are together, someone in their 30s runs up, hugs her, and tells her that she changed their life.
I would also have to add Pastor Shawn, the Senior Minister at my church in Springfield. Pastor Shawn is my son’s age and preaches up a storm. Holding a towel in one hand to wipe his sweaty brow, he pounds the pulpit, jumps up and down, dances on occasion, and demonstrates — Sunday after Sunday — what a deeply embodied faith looks, feels, and sounds like.
The MacArthur Foundation also forgot Faun at Paradise Copies in Northampton. Always patient and understanding, Faun nods kindly as I explain my next nearly impossible job with a nearly impossible deadline. Somehow she does her magic with computer screens and big machines and delivers what I need, before I need it, with a gracious attitude and the self-effacing, “Well, we do our best!”
Also on my list of those overlooked in the MacArthur awards is Marianne LaBarge. Marianne, who loves Northampton endlessly and profoundly, served as a committed, informed, passionate city councilor for 28 years. “Loyal” and “engaged” are Marianne LaBarge’s middle names.
And how did the committee not mention Ruthy who founded Pedal People — a worker-owned, human-powered delivery and hauling service in Northampton? Ruthy can be seen on her bicycle hauling enormous loads of trash and recycling up steep hills while smiling.
Also omitted from the Genius Awards is terrific musician and fine fellow Roger Salloom, who has been making music and charming audiences for more decades than any of us can remember. Roger has performed each year at the largest outdoor free concert in Western Massachusetts. Starting in 1982 at the Pines Theater in Look Park, Roger’s show has been performed annually and has become a highlight of the summer for many in this region.
I would also recommend that the MacArthur Foundation consider giving Genius Awards to groups. Why just single out individuals when so many groups work in harmony together and demonstrate genius qualities? For example, the wait staff at the Blue Bonnet Diner; our local Girl Scout Troops; the Young@Heart Chorus; all the nurses at Cooley Dickinson Hospital; and the 6,000 people who participated in the Hot Chocolate Run. They all seem like geniuses to me.
The Rev. Andrea Ayvazian, Ministerial Team, Alden Baptist Church, Springfield, is also founder and director of the Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership.