The Spy is to be congratulated for its new feature, “The Great Slow Down List.” I will read the recommendations and act on them. I thought I might share a few other ideas for weathering the crisis.
Our Eastern Shore restaurants are already suffering a decline in diners. In the short term, this means hardship for the staff, especially the waiters, chef, and kitchen crew. In the long run, we risk losing some excellent establishments that could be lost forever. To address this, consider calling the restaurant, asking for home delivery or a pick-up, and indicate that you will leave a generous tip in support of the staff.
For many of us, much of the Eastern Shore remains “undiscovered country.” This is certainly true for me. Consider getting in your car on a nice day and simply walking around some of the towns. There is a lot to see, even if some of the better-known attractions are closed. I live in Oxford. Our small town offers at least two or three hours or interesting walks up and down Morris Street and down to the end of the strand. Take a camera. It’s quite picturesque. A few birds may even offer you poses to capture.
Consider taking an online course on Coursera, EduX, or another online course provider. Some offerings are free, assuming you are not seeking academic credit or a credential. If you haven’t done an online course, you will be amazed by the audio and video quality. Also, many offer complete course materials online for free. I recently took a classical music course taught by a Yale professor. These courses are true treasures waiting to be discovered.
If the crisis continues, tourism to the Eastern Shore most likely will decline sharply this spring and summer. If this happens, the economic impact could be severe. To counteract such a decline, all of us should invite friends and families to visit us in our homes. If anyone is hesitant to eat out, bring the crabs home.
Find you own new adventures. I welcome the Spy’s suggestions but there are many other journeys to begin or continue. One friend of mine who recently retired resumed his “guitar career” and is now playing regularly. He gets better every day. Watch out Eric Clapton. Among my own adventures is working on a dog book tentatively titled, “The Book of Hans.” Its about my first dog, a dachshund named Hans, as well as my second, a Westie with the same name. My current dog, a gifted goldendoodle, also features prominently.
Don’t forget that we’re in the middle of a national election. With every rule in the campaigning book now eclipsed with the crisis, citizen engagement in the campaign is more important than ever. We all need to find new ways to learn what the candidates are proposing, how to evaluate their suitability for office, and how to evidence our support for them. We also need to adjust to possible changes in how polls will operate in November.
Some of these ideas, and, I am sure, other more creative ones that others will have, could help you cope with the disruption of the current crisis. I will continue to read the Spy for news about how our community is coping and for ideas on what I can or should be doing. In some ways, the next few weeks could be a slowdown, but, if you think about it, it could be a speed up as well.
J.E. Dean of Oxford is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant. He is a former counsel to the House Committee on Education and Labor. For more than 30 years, he advised clients on federal education and social service policy.
Fred W. J. Kirchner says
Your article is a refreshing suggestion, compared to all the media hype of trying to “bleed to lead” more than their competition. Naturally all negative.. I am only one month older than the President, and I was born and brought up in NYC. Trump was never one to take personal credit for anything his has done over many years. Now it is the same.. The media does not mention the fact the The Trump Family, for many years has build an international empire in the “hospitality and resort” industry. This industry, above many others, is well experienced with dealing with many contagious diseases etc. introduced by many who enter their facilities. very similar to the Cruse ship industry.. As much as you and others insist on bashing the President, maybe, with this crisis, you may recognize that you probably have one of the most qualified individuals to oversee such a situation. One bedbug can notoriously put a hotel or motel out of business.
Still, besides the Coronavirus, there has been many other contagious virus’ and diseases that invaded America in the past years due to the lack of any immigration policies etc. This coronavirus issue was not born in the US. Maybe when it is over we can spend equal effort to eliminate alcohol and drug abuses, including distracted driving, that has been killing more people than coronavirus ever will… Again, thank you for a positive spin on the issue.
Long ago, under the old “Civil Defense” programs of threatening nuclear warfare I taught “what to do in case” seminars. I always started them with the suggestion; upon seeing the bright flash, got to the center of the room, take a chair and sit in the chair and place your head between your knees and kiss you butt goodbye. In fact it was the truth then, as people never paid any attention to the drills. Coronavirus is really no different. Listen to the CDC and follow the rules, there is really nothing else to do.. Who knows, maybe this event will create another “baby boom” !! :oD
John Dean says
Fred: Thank you for reading my piece and for your kind and civil comments. I welcome your hope that what currently appears to be a history-changing crisis will end up being less severe than widely feared. I also appreciate your comment that alcohol and drug abuse, as well as distracted driving, are killing a lot of people. More needs to be done to address that carnage.
Perhaps a bit surprising to you, let me thank you for your comment on President Trump. You’re right that I have worried about his leadership. Your comment on the President’s experience in the hospitality industry being an asset is a perspective that I frankly have not considered. I’m not convinced yet that we’re seeing the right leadership, but would welcome being proved wrong. I will give your perspective some thought. I remain hopeful, as I’m sure you are, that the country will find a response to the virus that limits casualties.
Again, thanks for your comments.