It’s rare that I’m early to an event. Just ask Lauren Slocum at the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce or the mayor’s office, which schedules in the course of a year anywhere from ten to fifteen ribbon cuttings recognizing commencement of construction or the opening of a new business.  More accurately, the commencement of construction is more typically celebrated by the tossing of a shovel of dirt on a countdown from three. For laughs, (or was it?), members of prior city administrations have suggested the lineup of elected and corporate offices take aim at me.  Knowingly, or not, it couldn’t have been better advice as it made for a far more interesting photo than a lineup leaning on shovels.

But, of course, to catch the moment for the flying dirt or the moment the ribbon is snipped, you’ve got to be there.

Invariably, it seems, I either try to cut the timing too close or something interferes. How is it that just as I’m about to leave the office somebody comes in with an “important” bit of information; a visitor is stuck and needs a jump start or some other event is happening at the same time. And even when it looks like there is plenty of time to make the trip, I find all seven traffic signals between me and my destination turn red just as I reach the intersection. I understand why some people believe in conspiracy theories. I chalk it up to a bad day.

There have been times when I’ve called and texted Lauren or Liz Tufts in the mayor’s office to let them know I’m on my way, but it’s more likely they’re calling me.

There have been the times when I’ve totally missed the event because I was never notified to begin with. Friday afternoon, as I was getting the latest development on an agreement over the planned air cargo facility at Green Airport, Mayor Picozzi mentioned he had just returned from a 100th birthday party for Mary Grace Yemma at West Shore Health Center. There for the celebration was Mary’s brother, Victor, who is 101. Hoping the party was still in swing, I drove over to the nursing home. The cake was gone, but Mary Grace was there as well as a gathering of about a dozen residents. Mary is hard of hearing but very much with it. I sat with her for a brief interview, rapidly realizing that because I was speaking so loudly I had an audience that was interested in hearing her answers. It was one of those occasions when being late actually worked out for the better, although I didn’t get a photo of her with her brother and the mayor.

Being early, as I discovered Jan. 5 also can have its benefits.

When I heard Col. Braford Connor would be installed president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association, I texted my congratulations and asked at what time festivities would begin. He texted back, 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza.  I told Carol I probably wouldn’t get home until after 7 and so as to leave plenty of time headed for the Crowne shortly after 5:30. Heading southwest on Sandy Lane, I spotted a bank of flashing lights at Wilde’s Corner. Figuring it must be an ancient or disabled vehicle, I turned right after passing Thayer Arena to cut over to Strawberry Field Road.

When I arrived at the Crowne, it was bizarrely quiet. There was plenty of parking and not a single police vehicle. I checked the lounge. It was dark. Had something happened, was there a change in plans?

I called the chief. He answered on the first ring.

“I can’t talk. I’m at a bank hold up,” he said breathlessly. The line went dead.

Less than a half hour later he texted the details of the armed robbery at TD Bank at Wilde’s Corner and the subsequent high speed chase that ended when the suspect hit a car on Airport Road. I also learned I had arrived a week early for the association installation of officers. 

Could it be, as the saying goes that timing is everything?