By Jason Tardio
Over 35 years ago I was first introduced to the MRV by my stepfather and it was truly love at first sight. Some of my fondest memories as a child were coming to The Valley, skiing Mad River Glen and Sugarbush, spending time in the local falls/swimming holes, gazing at the millions (or so it seemed) of stars in the nighttime sky and eating as much local beef jerky as humanly possible. As I got older, my love for The Valley never wavered but in fact grew stronger after I was able to purchase my own home here. While the aforementioned attractions remained the same, what I really came to love about The Valley were the people … always smiling, beyond friendly, always willing to help and, above all, so welcoming.
I am writing to you today to raise awareness about the hateful attacks that have recently taken place against me (and I assume other out-of-state homeowners). Like many of you, I have sat from the sidelines for weeks now reading the chat boards and listening to the local narrative regarding “out-of-state plates.” My emotions during this time have ranged from compassion to shock to anger and ultimately dismay. Given our current situation, I thought it was important to share my perspective.
My name is Jason Tardio and I am your neighbor. True, I might not lay my head down in Warren 365 days a year, but that does not mean that I am not your neighbor. Just because I do not have green license plates does not mean that I am not a productive and respectful member of your community. Besides the obvious of paying taxes, I go out of my way to support local charities, lend a helping hand to neighbors in need, patronize local restaurants/businesses, hire local builders/contractors, build genuine relationships with local friends and humbly ingrain myself into The Valley life. Similar to all of you, all that I have ever asked in return is to be treated the same way that I treat all of you – with love, dignity and respect.
Therefore, it was shocking to me that not once but twice on my way to Mehuron's this past week for my every-two-week grocery run I was greeted with motorists giving me the middle finger as they drove by, including the guy on the motorcycle that felt compelled to emphasize his finger-led “F*ck you” while actually screaming, “F*ck you.” Is this really what we have resorted to during these difficult times? Childish and immature name-calling and obscene hand gestures toward out-of-staters? Such acts lack any justification and must have no place in our society. We are better than this, MRV.
Now I get it. The COVID-19 virus has you scared and frustrated. It has me scared and frustrated as well. But your anger and disrespect directed toward me and your other out-of-state neighbors is wrong and misguided. We did not create this problem that we are in nor did we bring this virus to The Valley. Many people, like me, have been up here long before there were any stay-in-place directives and I am confident that the majority of us are abiding by the local/federal stay-at-home guidance ensuring that we keep both ourselves and our community safe.
My simple ask is the following: Please do not let your fear about COVID-19 cloud your humanity. The virus can be carried by any person, regardless of what color their license plate is. The “enemy” here is not out-of-staters but rather the virus itself. Now more than ever it is important for us as a community to rally together, not to divide us apart. We will get through this difficult time together and ultimately will be stronger for it. In conclusion, I would like to send a big thank you to the large majority of MRV residents that have been so wonderful during these difficult times. And for the few in the minority who feel the need to express their emotions through obscene hand gestures, I ask that you direct your anger not toward your out-of-state neighbors but rather to the virus itself. Please stay safe.
Tardio lives in Warren and NYC.
