Hard Working COC

So, how did you survive sheltering in place? Have you ventured back out or are you getting ready to?

Georgia’s shelter in place edict expired April 30, and from traffic and other signs, it looks like a lot of people think COVID-19 is over. It is not.

I have worked throughout the shutdown, as have lots of other people as well. But, although I’ve come to the office, I have ventured out very little. I have gotten carry-out from almost every restaurant in town. I have been to Family Dollar, and had to wait outside until some shoppers left. I’ve been to Ingles several times…and I don’t forget to wear my mask there. Lots of people have to go to Ingles. But, I have limited my trips.

And, I know other small businesses need me to be shopping with them, as much as I need people to be spending money with me. Small business, and I think big business too, is suffering. But, we’re alive. We’re healthy. And, this awful virus is still among us.

During the shutdown, a lot of people have been out of work and others have worked from home. For some working from home means doing much of what they did before, but managing to do it remotely. For most, from what I saw, it’s not as much time spent at “work,” but there’s a lot of juggling household activities with work obligations.

The ladies at the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce have been mostly working remotely, but they’re a perfect example of working remotely. I think they’ve done as much, if not more, than usual during this shutdown.

I know Friday I was sporting a t-shirt that Mandi Tanner at the COC designed, and Michelle Cumbie at Southern Embroidery made. It cost $20, but $10 goes to the small business of your choice. What a great idea!

There was also the COVID Bingo a few weeks ago, designed by Brandi McMichael. It ran in the paper and urged people to shop local. The COC ran an ad with contact info for all local restaurants, so that as hours and services changed, customers could contact them to find out. Most local restaurants are still offering carry-out only.

Next Saturday, the COC is hosting a social distancing scavenger hunt that sounds like a load of fun. Read about it in the ad in today’s paper.

And, the next Saturday, May 23, the Market on the Square opens. And, the COC is working to be sure that social distancing is paramount and that the shoppers and vendors have a good Saturday.

I’m not a big fan of Facebook. I have an account, and so does my business. But, I don’t use it much. During this shutdown, it has been a life saver. It’s about the only way to go to church, at least locally. And, the commissioners have begun meeting again, but they are not ready to risk letting the public in, so they are doing Facebook live meetings.

I had a tele-health visit last week. It was the doctor’s office appointment that is necessary before certain procedures. When COVID-19 dies down, I’ll have a procedure. Who knows when that will be.

The COC had a Zoom meeting last month, and may again this month. It was interesting. Several board members sat at their desks, while others, like me, were at a computer with no camera or microphone. One person was enjoying the sunshine, and we got frequent views of the sun over her head.

I think if we meet that way this month, I’ll use my cell phone so I can see and be seen now that I know what it’s all about.

These are strange times we are living in. Stay healthy and keep reading your paper!