(On March 20, 2020, Sentinel reporter Tom Chillemi went looking for some “good news” to counteract the shock of COVID-19 that was emerging. Recently, Chillemi contacted some of those he talked with on that Friday in 2020 to find out how they have fared during the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic.)
by Tom Chillemi –
Zero is a number all have been hoping for when it comes to the number of local COVID-19 cases. Middlesex County Public Schools reported the number of COVID-19 cases at zero for the week ending April 1. Also, the number of individuals who came in close contact at school or on a bus at zero.
The worst of the pandemic may be over.
In March 2020, clouds of doubt started to cover our lives. Although spring was breaking out, fear of a virus was threatening everyday living. COVID-19 sent the world into isolation.
“Unnecessary projects”
On that sunny spring Friday in March 2020, Lawrence Fuccella of Urbanna said his business had slowed to the point he had to lay off employees. In three weeks time, the situation had weakened the economy and shocked society. Still, there was hope, Fuccella said. “When this is over, things will be even better. We’ll have a better handle on efficiency… this (pandemic) has shown us what is necessary.”
After two years of COVID-19 Fuccella said, “I did not expect the isolation to last as long as it did and although I did not catch COVID, the threat of it was a constant reminder of our fragility. House projects, boat projects, car projects and unnecessary projects filled the days. Two years later, there is good news. The large void of social interaction, health uncertainty and business interruption has been filled with a focus on family and a better appreciation of my surroundings. And, I have no more unnecessary projects!”
“Kindness and civility”
In March 2020, Alana Courtney of Urbanna was staying home and cleaning her laundry room — a long neglected chore — and something that was conducive to social distancing. “If there is any good news, I hope this situation brings back kindness and civility,” she said.
At that time, Courtney said she had seen examples on social media of people offering to help the elderly and those in need. “There’s so much good stuff, it’s heartwarming.”
Two years later
Recently Courtney said, “Hopefully, this pandemic is mostly behind us. During isolation, I learned that I’m far more of an introvert than I imagined I could be.
“I learned the pandemic was a killer for some businesses and for others it was an incredible boom. Thank goodness it was usually the latter for our area.
“I never caught COVID. My daughter and her 3 year old did, but fortunately their symptoms were those of a mild cold.
“The big take-away for me from the pandemic was that I knew there was joy and security in living in a small town. I didn’t think it possible I could love where I live anymore than I have, but this pandemic has taken that to another level.”
Courtney said the summer and part-time residents have been asking her for years, “What do you do here in the winter?”
“My answer has always been, ‘As much as you want!’ They don’t ask anymore, they just want to be here.”
“Get outside”
On that Friday in March 2020, Melinda Bishop of Urbanna had just given her dog Finn a bath and was riding him around on a golf cart to get him dry. Getting outdoors was her antidote then and through the isolation.
Recently Bishop commented, “Finn definitely came into our lives at the right time and provided such good motivation every day for me to just get outside for walks. That helped so much during the initial isolation and continues to this day.
“The pandemic was hard for everyone, but my family and I were very fortunate to come through it relatively unscathed. We took COVID seriously. Although we had friends who were not so lucky, so we feel very blessed. The support of family, and special friends in our ‘bubble’ helped smooth the transition to where we are now, hopefully on the other side of this.”
