From Claremont to Boston, One Local Reflects on the Tragic Bombing

Boston and the country have started to heal from the bombings that killed three people during last week's Boston Marathon.

The process will take time. Claremont’s own Betty Crocker, a founder and organizer of the Claremont group Keeping the GOOD in Our Neighborhoods, is in Boston on business.

KGNH is a group of residents who are devoted to helping keep the city safe and helping to address issues and needs by working with the city and police. If need be, the group would also reach out and support fellow residents in the event of an incident like the one Boston and Watertown experienced.

On Saturday, Crocker gave her respects to those who were killed and injured on April 15 by bombs that exploded near the finish line at the Boston Marathon.

“BOSTON STRONG!,” Betty wrote in an April 20 Facebook posting to KGNH followers and directed to Claremont-La Verne Patch. “From Claremont to Boston since yesterday, the tenor of the city is quite somber.”

“Staying only a block from the finish line has proved quite a testimony to the PEOPLE & POLICE of Boston,” Crocker continued. “Yesterday, the city was a ghost town, and there wasn't a soul on the street. All businesses closed including the T, Red Sox, and even Starbucks. Last night you could hear the city erupt in jubilation and a parade of law enforcement with sirens came by to accept the gratitude of the people.”

“This morning, visiting the finish line is a reminder as to why we all stand with Boston as three runners' lives and MIT police Officer Sean Collier were taken. The civic leaders continue to credit the PARTNERSHIP OF THE PEOPLE WITH POLICE as to WHY there was such a swift apprehension. This morning at the finish line, there is an interesting blend of sorrow with celebration. It is quite humbling to be with the people of Boston this week. All of the pictures and reports provided by the people put an END to this EVIL. What Boston did as a community in the time of need is simply inspiring. It is EASY to get a HUG today in Boston ... lots of LOVE in this city!”

As residents and visitors cope, investigators continue to attempt to question the surviving suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, who was found hiding inside a boat stored in a Watertown home’s backyard. According to several news reports, the teen suffered a serious wound to the throat from a possible suicide attempt. He is reportedly unable to talk but has been answering some questions in writing, according to MSNBC.

His older brother and suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, was killed in a shootout with authorities.