How’s everyone doing? The good news is that it’s April, the weather is (slowly) warming up, and if you are healthy, with a roof over your head and food to eat, you are lucky and blessed. If you’re a doctor, a nurse, a first responder, an essential worker, a grocery store employee, a delivery person or anyone else risking your life to bravely serve your community, we THANK YOU for your service and hope you stay safe.
We are all doing the best we can amongst this “new normal,” and personally what’s getting me through this scary time is all the positive stories, people helping others and communities coming together. That, and getting outside for some “socially distant” fresh air.
I thought I’d share a few bright spots that made me smile recently from around our area, and then I’ll offer some ideas for how to keep busy and also support our local businesses during this trying time.
Bright Spots
A Westerly Boy Leaving a Chalk Mural at the Dunn’s Corner Fire House
If you haven’t seen this story on the news – it’s worth a watch. Kudos to you, James Fairley!
Town of Stonington Community Bell Ringing
Every evening at 8 p.m. the town is coming together to ring bells. Follow along and use the hashtag #supportstonington to join in.
Restaurants Donating Food to Westerly Hospital Staff
If you check out Westerly Hospital’s Facebook page, you’ll see some of the many generous gestures from local restaurants who’ve donated food to feed the staff. They also posted a great photo of their staff reminding people to stay home!
Local Breweries Making Hand Sanitizer
Both Grey Sail in Westerly and nearby Sons of Liberty in South Kingstown have recently shifted their operations to make and donate hand sanitizer to the community and those in need.
Creative Window Displays
From teddy bears, so kids can do a “bear hunt” when they walk or drive by, to hearts, rainbows and inspiring messages, people are getting creative with their window displays and putting a smile on passerby’s faces for sure.
One local store even took things a step further. For a good laugh, check out the current window displays at Woodees!
Know of any other “bright spots” in our community? Leave us a comment!
Things To Do/Ways To Support Our Community
Shop Online and Shop Local
All of our small businesses are struggling right now. They are all finding new ways to survive while still protecting their employees and keeping the community safe. Clothing retailer Woodees is hosting live sales and virtual happy hours on their Instagram Live. The Hotel Maria and Breezeway Resort are offering special “Quarantine Gift Certificates” at 10% off on future stays. Hauser Chocolates is offering online ordering and takeout orders so you can still fill those Easter baskets with goodies. Many shops are offering online gift card sales for you to purchase now and use later. This allows the business to have access to much-needed cash now and gives you something to look forward to when this is all over. From a shopping trip to a spa day to dinner out at a favorite restaurant or even a hotel stay, you can shop now and enjoy later, while helping keep our local businesses afloat. Reach out to your favorite businesses and restaurants to see how you can best support them during this time. They need our support.
Enjoy a Virtual Experience
From visiting a museum, mansion or zoo virtually, to taking an online fitness class, there isn’t much you can’t do from the comfort of your own home these days. Locally, Westerly Fitness has been live-streaming workout classes on their Facebook page. Mystic Aquarium has been holding daily Facebook lives at 11 a.m. showcasing different animals. Savoy Bookshop and Cafe has been hosting virtual story hours. Even celebrities are joining in on the fun, with children’s authors reading books and singers doing free virtual concerts.
Order Take-Out or Delivery
While restaurants are currently closed to inhouse dining, many are offering curbside pickup, free delivery and contactless transactions to make things as seamless as possible. Here are some links to stay updated on what’s opened and what’s closed:
Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce
Get Some Fresh Air
While RI State Parks and Beaches are now closed, you can still get your daily dose of exercise and fresh air, just do so with caution and respect to others. If you’re sick, stay home. If you’ve been asked to self-quarantine, please listen. If you are healthy, take your family for a walk in your neighborhood or in nature. Just remember to stay six feet away from others, don’t touch anything and wash your hands when you get home!
If you have other ideas, please leave us a comment. Stay safe everyone and see you on the other side!
