Local Hero Stands Out During Pandemic

The bad news seems overwhelming these days. We have disease, the loneliness that accompanies social distancing and the ever present news stories filled with heart wrenching projections. The toll on society’s morale seems to be deepening daily. Which is why these days it’s important to focus on the good things, and especially to remember the heroes

Kevin Svoboda has worked for the New York Department of Environmental Conservation for over twenty years. As an essential employee, Kevin still goes in to work every day, keeping the water flowing in our taps and our toilets and our showers.

It’s not a glamorous job, and the commute is several hours from home to plant each direction. But it has allowed him to take care of his wife and his five natural and two “bonus” step children and it’s a job of which he has always been proud.

These days, to protect his family from exposure, Kevin has moved into his parent’s house in Mahopac while they are in Florida.

The fear of getting sick combined with the loneliness of being separated from his family has been hard for Everyone. However, the Svoboda’s have worked out ways to cope and stay connected using apps like FaceTime, online games, and texting regularly. March 27th was a beautiful day and Kevin visited his home with groceries (which included his step daughter’s favorite Mint Oreos) and spent time working with his wife in their garden. Earlier in the week when the thermostat broke, this resident handyman walked his thirteen year old stepson through the repair over video chat.

These are difficult times, but just like the Svoboda’s, families throughout the Hudson Valley are learning to cope and might just come out stronger in the end.

This story is a tribute to all of our essential workers - nurses and doctors, grocery store workers, gas station attendants, sanitation workers and all the rest. Thank you and thanks to your families who have allowed our lives to continue functioning during this emergency.