I will not miss 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we have many things to still be thankful for, pandemic has put major stresses on all aspects of community life. So far we have missed the full force of COVID that has impacted many areas of nation. For example, thankfully the Highlands Cashiers Hospital has not seen a surge of COVID patients as we all had feared happening back in the spring.
I realize we were making decisions in an emergency situation with very uncertain variables. I and the board were concerned that the town would see a sudden spike in cases to the level that are now being seen in other communities. Looking back, I wish we could have had a “do over,” with information and time to respond. But, that is not the way life is.
My concern throughout the year has been the virus toll on community rituals that we all treasure. I think of the cancellation of many events, beginning in the spring with planned Highlands Food and Wine Concert in the park.
We also saw almost all our arts and cultural events cancelled, postponed or converted to virtual events. The Bascom’s exhibition schedule was curtailed, the Chamber Music Festival suffered a blow, the Playhouse schedule was decimated, as well as the schedule at the Performing Arts Center. I hated to see a great rite of spring on the plateau, the graduation of our high school seniors, delayed and scaled back.
The concerts in the park were lost, the Friends of the Park Shrimp Boil was cancelled. While the art show in the park was modified significantly, the Highlands Motoring Festival had to be converted to more of a motoring rally rather than a public car show. I hated to see a Fourth of July without fireworks, and the loss of the Twilight 5K Race. The annual CLE program with face to face lectures was setback.
Our churches have also suffered greatly in not being able to have full in person services. I have missed not having town hall fully opened so people can drop off their utility bills and say hello to the staff.
I have missed in person town board meetings. These changes, some that may be viewed as minor, all have added up to big missed opportunities for community engagement. Countless in person community meetings were lost. The sense of community in going to restaurants and meeting friends and neighbors was impacted. Sallie and I missed the option of meeting friends for dinner out. Takeout is nice, but not the same. The food is just better when surrounded by others. I can’t wait to see the masks go away from the tables and conversations flourish.
The loss of so many of these events have impacted our non profit communities in their effort to serve people in need. I hope folks will send a little extra to these organizations here at the end of the year.
As we go into the new year and recover from the pandemic, I am optimistic that so many of these ritual events will be restored to their original level, or even better. With the challenges that we have faced, new ways of doing things will be incorporated into the fabric of our community.
Happy New Year to all. I hope the almighty will shower us with blessings.