Now is not the time to panic about the Coronavirus: Businesses offer encouragement
Although the Coronavirus has reached the U.S., now is not the time to panic. We must choose to make the best of the situation at hand. Many of the Olney businesses are encouraging us to move forward with leading normal lives during this chaotic time.
After talking to Stewart’s Food Store Manager Jason Pack, Stewart’s asks for patience as they work hard to keep the shelves filled while doing their best to implement a system that is fair to all of their customers.
Dairy Queen employees state that customers are disappointed that they are not able to eat inside for the time being. But the good news is that Dairy Queen remains open through the drive-thru. Dairy Queen employee Anita Rodriguez says that it is still businesses as usual.
“We’re just taking it day by day,” said Rodriguez.
Hometown Coffee is also encouraging its customers to return to their normal routines. “Obviously, business has been down but we are very blessed to have customers still calling in,” owner Holly Bailey said. Hometown Coffee has temporarily closed the inside, but allow customers to pick up their food at the registers after calling in their orders.
Despite the chaos centered around the virus, new business is on the horizon in Olney. Cubs Chicken and Fish, owned by Greg Cotter has opened. More information will be included in the next issue of Olney Enterprise. Library Director Lori Cox released a statement that the library will not be completely closed. “Beginning March 23, Olney Library will be offering internet/computer services to Olney ISD students who need Wi-Fi during this time away from school. Limited hours are from 9 to 11 am Monday through Friday. There will be no public access of any kind during this time. Certain restrictions will be enforced for the two hour time. 1. No more than 9 students may be in the library at one time. If we are full, students will be asked to come back at a later time. 2. The internet will be used for school assignments only, no gaming will be allowed and students will be monitored. 3. No book checkouts will be available.”
Olney Sr. Cub Center plans to continue providing meals to seniors and other local residents. However, their hours are now 9 until 3, but in-house dining is closed. People may pick up meals or have them delivered. The staff is asking that you call by 10 a.m. to get the curbside service. If you’d like to volunteer, call the Sr. Cub Center.
Olney Chamber of Commerce Director Stacey Wade expressed her disappointment about the banquet cancellation. However, she encourages residents to look forward to future events that may be on scheduled. More importantly, the silent auction is still scheduled. The auction raises funds for the Chamber David H. Penn Memorial Scholarship Fund. You may view the full interview at www.Facebook.com/OlneyEnterprise or refer to the next issue.
It is important to remember that we must continue to trust in the Lord throughout this crisis. Proverbs 3: 4, 5 is a scripture that offers an immense amount of peace, and it may be one that you can mediate on.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.”