Maintaining Community Through The Pandemic

Light follows darkness. Hope is there if you look for it. Lemonade can be squeezed from lemons. Whatever your preferred means of inspiration and survival, it’s always motivating and uplifting to hear stories of those who triumph in troubled times.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to change course. It might have been how we celebrated a birthday or holiday. Many who own sewing machines went to work making masks.

Some businesses had to close their doors. Others found ways to pivot. Curbside pickup and delivery are now the norm for restaurants.

At a time when the tendency is to physically move aside to increase the distance between us, we found ways to stay in touch and innovate how we connect. Here are some examples of how Brevard County residents maintained their sense of community.

— Lee Nessel, Everything Brevard

Welcome Home

“Social distancing does NOT mean disconnecting,” Vicki Pate posted on Facebook in early March.

“My neighbor Richard got home from five months at Mayo Clinic where he received lung transplants. It has been grueling. And we have prayed and worried and prayed some more. His friends — alerting each other through texts — connected (from a safe distance) to welcome him home; to tell him we love him and we are so happy he’s well. We even had a message (written by an airplane service) in the sky to top it all off. 

“Everyone respected boundaries and we all cried and laughed and clapped and cheered and enjoyed an unforgettable moment together. 

“There is ALWAYS something to be grateful for. And there is always a reason to do good, be good and make good.”

— Vicki Pate, Suntree

Happy Birthday, From Afar

Keith Winsten, executive director at Brevard Zoo, found a way to celebrate his father’s 95th birthday even though social distancing prevented them from being anywhere near each other.

“Keith’s parents, Irwin and Monique Winsten, live at the Brennity in Viera. Popsie, as we lovingly call him, turned 95 on March 20. (Daughter) Lily, Keith and I went to the parking lot of the Brennity to sing him happy birthday and they watched from the window. It was an especially sweet moment making it even more special by Keith holding the 95 sign upside down.

“We had them on the phone, as well with our older kids, Molly, George and Fatima to join in the fun from Jacksonville and Boston.”

— Marlene Winsten, Viera

Virtual Faith

Temple Israel of Brevard is among local faith centers that have had to turn to technology to stay connected to their congregations. The religious school meets in Zoom rooms, and Rabbi has also been teaching adult education classes and hosting a check-in chatroom for congregants who want to see a familiar, friendly face and share experiences during this difficult time. 

The Passover Seder and Easter Sunday are traditionally sacred and fun family gatherings. But this year, families across the world met on video chats.

Photo: Rabbi Pat Hickman and her husband, Cantor Raymond Hickman, have transformed their home music room into a live set where they livestream. 

Employee Raises & Drive-Through Groceries

Long Doggers said it was combining government relief money with a 15% “COVID fee” on takeout orders so they could give staff raises. Prioritizing health and safety of staff and patrons, Long Doggers requires staff members be pre-screened prior to shifts, and complies with sanitation guidelines. 

LD dipped into its supply to fulfill grocery orders — including toilet paper. Need butter, ketchup, paper towels or tortillas? Call it in. They also offer meal kits (wing night has to happen somehow).

Specials are updated on the LD Facebook pages. Grocery orders need to be called in.

 

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