A good start

Late-afternoon sun breaks through onto the Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Anyone who has read comment streams on any social media platform recently has seen diverse opinions on reopening the economy. Some say states should reopen more quickly, others say pull back. 

While Gov. Phil Scott has taken a gradual approach in Vermont, he has felt the push and pull of those diverging views. Still, the state has stuck with “opening the spigot a quarter turn at a time,” as the governor often says. 

Comparing what different governments are doing as far as reopening can descend into politics very quickly. Very local examples might be more useful, and, so far, local retail establishments have done well to follow safety precautions in Vermont. It’s true the stores are following state requirements when they reopen. But I think the spirit in which it’s done is important, and, visiting downtown Woodstock yesterday, stores who had reopened their doors clearly reflected a commitment to safety in their shops, and customers were very appreciative. Most people wore masks and used hand-sanitization areas where they were set up. Though the week is young, it seems we have the beginnings of a shopping environment where all can be comfortable during these times, and that’s the place to start.

As more stores seek to reopen, Vermont’s spirit of collaboration will almost certainly result in business owners sharing best practices with each other. People helping their neighbors through challenges has been a theme during quarantine, and it is not going away. Additionally, chambers of commerce and other local groups are providing useful information to businesses as they navigate these choppy waters.

That last sentence is important. There are still numerous challenges facing businesses, who are reeling from two months of no in-person commerce and a customer base crushed by unemployment pressures. However, we’re starting off on the right foot, by seeing our local shop owners and having the conversations we’ve missed so much. It reminds us about what is most important in life. Friendships and local connections are the bedrock of our community. If we keep in touch, stay helpful and kindly work together, that positive energy will demonstrate the strength we share as a community, and that gives us hope. 

— Gareth Henderson