I am eternally thankful for the staff at Sechelt Hospital – they are the best. The whole community is grateful for nurses, doctors, grocery store staff, paramedics, other essential service workers and our own neighbours. Many friends and neighbours have offered to help out these past two weeks and indeed are volunteering to help anyone in need – getting groceries for neighbours, sewing masks and posting encouraging messages and videos to others on Facebook.
An Elphinstone community champion is Michael Maser, who’s been shopping for others for several weeks. You might have seen him on Facebook posing with a face shield he makes and gives away (50 to 60 so far!) – he only asks people to make a donation to the food bank. Michael says, “At least one has been used successfully in dental surgery … and I’m delighted to know that my design – using duct tape and florist’s cellophane – has inspired others to successfully hack their own shields! I’m still concerned that people who really should be provided with facial protection (shield or mask) aren’t being provided this or lack the means to create one.” He can be contacted at: 604-886-8783.
The 7 p.m. cheer continues to resound through neighbourhoods with horns, bells, and creative sounds (we could lose the sirens and fireworks however), to celebrate frontline workers. In tough times, we realize the true value of community. Every night, a neighbour family walks by the end of my driveway to wave, blow their horn or in the case of their toddler, wave a toy. It’s become a highlight of my day.
Speaking of community, last week’s news about the passing of Joan Mahlman took me back to the 1980s when I first met her – such a community-spirited woman! I ran into her from time to time over the years – she was always friendly, warm and outgoing. On seeing the notice, I realized I had not seen her for years; she was 93 after all. I’m sure her family and others have many fond memories.
I’m grateful that in the midst of this pandemic, we are lucky enough to live in a beautiful place where most of us can experience nature without leaving our property. This crisis has given us pause to reflect and reconsider our priorities. When things get back to “normal,” let’s create a “new normal” and reset our values emphasizing the important things like our interconnectedness with each other and with nature. We’re all in this together; let’s work for the betterment of all.
Please pass along community news and let me know if you have a community champion at: elphin@coastreporter.net
