This has been a difficult time for our community. Our facilities are closed, community, cultural and sporting events and activities are cancelled, and even the local playground is closed. While challenging, this is also a time that is bringing out the best in our community. Everything from shamrocks to hearts to teddy bears have appeared in windows to provide local children with something to look out for as they go for daily walks with their families. As the weather has improved, encouraging messages and pictures are set out in coloured chalk on the sidewalks. A group of neighbours repurposed red Christmas lights to create hearts on their lawns to thank front-line workers. Volunteers are getting groceries for elderly neighbours who can’t get out. And at 7:00 each night, many people are gathering on their porches to bang pots, ring bells, and make all kinds of noise for two minutes in another salute to the many front-line workers who are helping to get us through this crisis.
We encourage those in the community to join one of the social media groups that is focused on bringing neighbours together. “Friends of Briar Hill and Hounsfield Heights” is on Facebook (make sure you answer the question regarding how you are connected to the community). And of course, it is important to connect with neighbours and friends the old-fashioned way – just from a safe distance.
We also ask that if you can, please support the businesses in the community during this difficult time. We will get through this, and our neighborhood and as well as those around us will bounce back more quickly if the great restaurants and other businesses get through this. Many businesses have adjusted their operations to try to offer their products in a safe way – yoga and fitness studios are offering online classes, family-run restaurants are offering delivery via pre-payment and drop-off at the door, and groups of businesses are getting together to offer their wares in boxes for purchase.
Be safe everyone – again, we will get through this.
