Remembering our Example, our Community and our Home
The last few weeks have been challenging to say the least. As the Covid-19 outbreak began impacting our families, the news stories and warnings in circulation suddenly became real—this pandemic was real.
In a short order, our quiet slice of middle America was dragged into world news. Suddenly, “social distancing,” wasn’t an abstract term it was a way of life and schools and businesses were closing. Now we find ourselves “sheltering in place” for the next several weeks. What a crazy time.
I began working as a freelance event cinematographer and photographer, full time, a little over 2 months ago and while it was difficult, I felt like it was gaining traction. However, with all events cancelled for the foreseeable future, this was a step backwards. It was such a small loss though, compared to the many established, local businesses in the area that are affected. Restaurants, mechanics, services providers, realtors, architects, everyone is forced into a tough time ahead.
While the circumstances may seem completely out of our control, is this true?
Consider our first thoughts getting into business initially. Did we open a business because it was the easy, safe path? Or did we pursue a borderline insane dream with persistence and tenacity? Probably the latter and even though the sleepless nights and additional work probably got us in hot water with our spouse, kids or family at some point, we made it happen. Through a mixture of luck, effort, prayer and coffee, we created something out of nothing. That path, that example matters. Not only to us, but to everyone around us who experienced that struggle. So, when we look back on our current circumstances years from now, let’s remember that example.
The situation with Covid-19 is worldwide and by now, there is no escaping it. So, perhaps a little perspective on this outbreak could help.
The City of Wadsworth traces its lineage back to 1814, with 2 families starting it in a homestead consisting of a small log cabin and farm. They had to build opportunities back then. They used determination and wisdom to build a thriving community, despite the hostile environment. Through the years, Wadsworth has undergone trials and hardships, but has remained. Just think, the Declaration of Independence was ratified in 1774, so our country is 244 years old. Wadsworth is 206; only 38 years younger than the United States. We have seen a lot of history.
Next think about the scarlett fever that swept through the city in 1910. Similar to Covid-19, this lethal bacteria is also spread by sneezing and coughing. Preventative measures include frequent hand washing and staying away from others when sick. The same things we are doing now, were practiced 110 years ago, when our community faced this sickness.
Jump forward to 1918, the height of the Spanish Flu. This virus swept through Ohio including Wadsworth, wreaking havoc on the local population. Residents from Chillocothe to Dayton were severely impacted, along with military camps and the major metropolitan areas. Quarantines were instituted to prevent the spread of the flu. In addition, schools and colleges closed, people were sent home from work and a social distancing program was put in place. School campuses and other public spaces were used as makeshift hospitals for those infected. That was only 100 years ago. We have already been through outbreaks in our city. Unfortunately, in the next 100 years, we probably will have to rise to the challenge again. These difficulties will pass.
The city slogan is “A Community Unmatched,” and since 2007, when I moved to Wadsworth, I can attest to the slogans accuracy. In terms of economic growth, many new businesses moved in, bringing a variety of products and services. Other developments included road, utility and telecommunications construction and most recently the “Downtown Infrastructure Project,” with many citizens voicing their support through the various town hall meetings. The First Friday events and other social activities brought people together, to foster a tighter-knit community, giving families an opportunity to mix and enjoy time together. These, along with many others are just a few ways in which Wadsworth strives to bring people together. It is these people that make the fabric of our community.
We simply can’t have an “Unmatched Community” without “Unmatched Individuals.”
Consider a small vignette of this. Recently, I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with WCTV Studio Manager, John Madden. He recounted the meteoric growth of the programming at WCTV during his tenure. He has seen programming spike from low double digits to well over 200 programs and when asked how this happened, he is quick to credit “the community.” People wanted to be involved in the station and “only through their direct involvement could WCTV put so much content on the air.” It just took a small bit of encouragement and it took off. As the video industry changes around us, this part of the city is positioned to move powerfully into the future.
Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest once commented, "You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things—to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals." We are those ordinary chaps and are being challenged to rise above our current circumstances, to make the best of our challenges and thrive.
In order to maintain our “Unmatched Community,” we need to be “Unmatched Individuals.”
During this outbreak, there are so many ways we can be “Unmatched Individuals” and good examples for others.
Let’s ensure we are doing everything to support our elected officials, and heeding advice by health professionals. In an age of information and influence, we can get the best advice from those working for decades in the health field. Just like we trust professionals with accounting, architecture, and engineering, doctors and health officials have developed impressive skills in virology, sickness and disease prevention. It is worth heeding them. Doing so, ensures our families are protected and we move forward together as a community. There is a tremendous amount of information on the CDC’s website, along with updates from the City of Wadsworth regarding current circumstances. As difficult as social distancing is, it is for our safety and our neighbors.
Connecting with others in online neighborhood communities is a great way to see the good happening everyday all around us. This also helps us combat the continual negative news and our natural bias towards that. It’s amazing how many groups on social media there are. Circulating on them are a range of fun and educational activities for kids such as chalking sidewalks with drawings and messages for neighbors, drawing rainbows and putting them in your windows, reading challenges and even networking to sew face masks for medical workers serving the sick. People are closer knit than you may assume and the good being done in the community isn’t always reported.
Many businesses are suffering now as a result of the state-wide shutdown. After the pandemic, let’s ensure they have our support. Our thriving downtown is a big part of our community, let’s pull together to support business owners there and elsewhere. Purchase their wares, order food, attend events, leave online reviews, help them build their profiles as they get back to business. Newton’s first law applies here. Help break the inertia.
When it comes to news and social media, while helpful to receive updates and stay informed, try not to get sucked into a vortex of negativity. Recognize there are many groups who prey on the fears of their audience. This keeps the audience engaged and coming back to hear more. Simply consider the source of information to gauge whether it’s credible. Does the outlet or group have an “angle,” political leaning or benefit from the fear mongering? If so, avoid it. It is easy to point to all the negativity in the world, but much harder to inspire, encourage and uplift. We could all strive to do the latter.
This pandemic must be combated on a variety of fronts and each of us has a part to play. In such difficult times, we have a unique opportunity to help, whether through the physical needs of our neighbors, sending messages to far flung relatives or simply supporting our family.
It is easy to be fearful in the face of Covid-19 and the myriad of challenges it poses. However, our community has faced challenges before and by the efforts of unmatched individuals, we are stronger as a result. Let’s lay plans now to revitalize our businesses and community. They will need our help.
Consider that example we present to our children, our family and our neighbors. They will remember our efforts to bring about a better community, when they face their own challenges in the years ahead.
Let’s ensure we truly are “A Community Unmatched.”
To see this community in action check out my galleries below. As things settle out, I would love to help you tell your own story through visuals and multimedia.
