April 14, 2020 Moonshine Minutes
Transcript
Part #1:
Good morning Tahoe/Truckee. My name is Alex Hoeft, and I’m the news reporter for Moonshine Ink here to deliver today’s Moonshine Minutes
We wanted to give out some positive vibes today by talking about what’s happening on the hopeful local front of the coronavirus pandemic. Our Think Local section comes out every three months, highlighting the importance and impact of being a localist, and not just when it comes to shopping — it’s about services, restaurants, medical care, nonprofits, businesses, and even media.
In our latest print edition — which is on stands now — we first looked locally to Jaclyn Woznicki, Trunk Show owner who’s been in quarantine since January. She had recently undergone an intense medical procedure for her multiple sclerosis, including chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. So she was recovering from that, and then the coronavirus rose in its worldwide tenacity.
Woznicki wrote in an essay for Moonshine that the pandemic came at a time when her business had already exhausted its savings, so she, like many other businesses, is continuing to work from home: creating jewelry while her husband screen-prints t-shirts, and then selling products through social media.
In her essay, she suggests everyone keep tabs on their favorite local businesses through Facebook and Instagram to see what online options are still available.
“Many of us are creating products and shipping from home. Purchasing gift certificates puts money in our businesses’ bank accounts, allowing us to pay our employees, rent, and utilities, ensuring that we will be able to reopen when the world has recovered.”
Overall, despite her multiple sclerosis and her fourth month of quarantine, Woznicki’s attitude is a positive one, and she thanked her Tahoe Truckee Tribe from the bottom of her heart:
“You all have taught me what it means to be part of a community and I am so lucky to be a part of yours. If you are starting to get cabin fever, we know how you feel. Take it from us … meditate, exercise, eat healthy, get crafty, read, take a bath, go outside (away from other people!), clean your house, listen to music, learn something new, shop local, and above all, be kind to each other.”
Part #2:
That community kindness has extended to other local businesses. I’m Mayumi Elegado, publisher and editor-in-chief for Moonshine.
Alpenglow Sports owner Brendan Madigan told us that he saw the writing on the wall for what this pandemic would mean for local businesses, and sought out support from those who’ve frequented his shop over the years.
He posted on the store’s Facebook page that only phone-in orders would now be taken, and wrote, “it is our hope that we can now rely on 41-years of goodwill and expert service and ask that you support Alpenglow, in any way, where possible.”
People certainly lent a hand. Alpenglow has received well over $90,000 in gift cards at this point just since the closure of nonessential businesses.
Madigan said, “For me, the outpouring of support for Alpenglow is one of probably the most beautiful acts of humanity I’ll get to experience in my life.”
For those still unsure of the legality of phone-in orders and curbside pickups from nonessential businesses, Truckee police chief Robert Leftwich said social distancing is the key takeaway from local, state, and national orders. Nothing has specifically prohibited responsibly managed curbside pickup, delivery, or online commerce.
Leftwich wrote in an email: “Is it reasonable to allow a business to operate in a manner that maintains social distancing and does not force employees to violate the order, while also not encouraging the public to violate social distancing? I would say yes. I think you have to strike a balance between compliance and economics.”
Part #3:
Thanks, Mayumi.
You can read these two stories — Our Community Survives Together and Truckee Love in the Time of Corona — and more in our latest print newspaper: the quarantine edition. There are lots of articles and pictures to enjoy during your plentiful downtime, as well as some classic Sudoku and crossword puzzles. Make sure you swing by one of our Moon boxes around the area and grab a newspaper today! Locations that are currently closed will not have any copies, so keep that in mind.
Until tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, stay sane.
