Chocolates
from the
Mayor
of Paris at Christmas
By
Arnie Greenberg
Contact
Arnie at
ultours@gmail.com
I've just spent a month in an apartment in the 5th Arrondissement (or District)
of Paris, very close to the center of the city or kilometer zero.
I
couldn't ask for a cleaner, safer, more interesting area in all of Paris. I recommend
it although there are very few rentals available for short term.
Maybe
it has to do with the fact that the mayor of Paris lives in the area or did at
one time. He watches over the community and brings to it a sense of loyalty and
caring.
That
is not to say that other areas of the city are neglected. They too have their
perks and special treatment, especially for those with low incomes.
On
the way back to my apartment today, I dropped in at the mayor's office to buy
a commemorative stamp issued in the memory of Alexandre Dumas, who was laid to
rest just across the square in the Pantheon.
It
had all been preceded by a parade and elaborate ceremony.
"Are you here
for the chocolates?" a guard asked.
"No," I replied. "I'm
here for the new commemorative stamp."
But since chocolates are my addiction,
I asked, "What chocolates are you referring to?"
When he said
it was by invitation only that the mayor gave out chocolates for Christmas, I
decided to ask more questions.
He showed me to a room set up by the
Centre d'Action Social (Social Action Center), where two women and a man explained
that any person in the arrondissement who lived below a certain income was invited
to the Mairie (City Hall) to receive their Christmas gift from Jean Tiberi, their
mayor.
It was a large box of chocolates with a note from the mayor and
was available to those living in the arrondissement for at least one year.
I was told that their mayor was also inviting them to a special lunch on
January 7th. These needy residents have certain perks year round. They are allowed
to travel free within certain zones of Paris on the Metro and to attend certain
functions free.
I was offered a chocolate, which I couldn't refuse. While
I was thanking the aides, two women approached with information about the activities
of the center. They gave me a file filled with material.
I
discovered that handicapped people were given tickets allowing them to eat at
certain restaurants free of charge.
The center also supplied me with
a list of clubs they could be involved with. These included yoga, scrabble, English
language, Spanish, bridge, pottery and physical activities.
The center
is at work serving those in need, and the chocolates are only a symbol of a caring
community working for those less fortunate. This and the other services show how
good government works.
Their Christmas sentiments are appreciated. I
lift my hat to them.
