Saturday, March 21, 2020

Community Spirit in Troubled Times

Living in a rural area we like to think we are sheltered from a lot of the stress or dangers of the "big cities". Many times that is true. We live in safe and friendly communities with some insulation from the issues that are more common in urban areas. As our world faces a pandemic with many precautions being put into place, our community is not immune from uncertainty and a rapidly-changing world.

Driving in Forman yesterday evening I saw places that usually are busy--the fitness center, the bars, the school,  all had empty parking lots. The nearest COVID-19 case might be many miles away but the same restrictions apply to us as anywhere in the state.

In the midst of tension, however, there is amazing community spirit. Elementary students and teachers  are taking turns reading books to classmates on social media, people are texting where to get toilet paper or coffee, and offering to pick up items for those who can't get out. Four Seasons residents brought smiles to many faces as they shared messages for the world outside their quarantined space.

Another positive in the midst of a trying time is the news that the Forman Community Development Corporation is now the owner of the grocery store building in Forman. Plans are underway to get it up and running as soon as possible!  Refurbishment of the building is planned and an advertisement is out for a manger. We hope that once this crisis is over our whole community will have this new place to shop... and may we always have shelves well stocked with toilet paper!

In the mean time, the city asks that everyone would please support their local businesses wherever possible. Order food or off-sale liquor, and pick up curbside. If you have concerns about going into a retail or service place give them a call to see if they can come up with a solution that will work for both of you.

Warmer temps are coming and the outdoors is still free and available! Take a walk or run down the new pedestrian trail, get your kids and dogs out for a walk around town. Be mindful of keeping distance between yourselves and others out doing the same. Waving and yelling greetings is still ok!

Thanks to everyone who makes this town and community a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Stay strong, Stay healthy. Be kind to each other. We are a Forever Hometown!

Paige Cary
Forman Economic Development Coordinator




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Acknowledgements

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