A rose to Caledonia native, C.T. Salazar, who continues to earn recognition as an important voice in the world of poetry. The Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters presented Salazar with its top prize in poetry in its 2020 MIAL Awards. Salazar’s work further burnishes our community’s reputation for distinguished writing. This honor isn’t likely to be his last, but it does remind that our rich literary history continues with the passing generations.
A thorn to Yokohama Tire, which has declined to offer all but the most basic information in announcing its decision to shut down production at its West Point facility for two weeks, beginning Saturday. Efforts to seek information on how the shut down will impact the plant’s roughly 700 workers were denied through the company’s corporate communications department. We have great sympathy for Yokohama and its workers. We understand how important the company is to our community. It’s unfortunate the Yokohama shows so little regard for the community’s legitimate interest in this situation.
A rose to those who are doing their part during this crisis by adhering the guidelines set forth by the CDC, especially the “shelter at home” recommendation. While some citizens seem to be out and about now as much as before the guidelines were announced, many are limiting their travels to essential tasks — grocery shopping and trips to the pharmacy, mainly. We remind everyone of the sacrifices of a previous generation, when citizens endured shortages, rationing and many other demands during World War II, real sacrifices that far exceed the inconveniences we have be asked to endure today. Millions of Americans considered those hardships a form of performing their patriotic duty. Those who violated those guidelines risked public shaming. So let’s recommit ourselves to following the guidelines, which are relatively painless when measured against those previous generations were asked to follow.
A rose to home-owners who are “bearing” up under one of the unique stresses created by COVID-19. With schools and daycare centers closing and families encouraged to “shelter in place,” a nation-wide trend to help relieve the tedium on isolation has been embraced in the Golden Triangle. The idea is simple. Based on the children’s book “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, home-owners are encouraged to place a stuffed bear inside a window for families to find on a walk or a drive as they leave the house while still adhering to the social distancing recommendations. It’s just one of many ways Americans are finding creative ways to cope with the crisis. We are happy to report that no bears have been injured in the making of this wonderful trend.
A rose to the Columbus Arts Council, which has found an innovative way to continue to enrich our lives through the arts. Since people cannot come to the show, the CAC is taking its show to the people as we self-quarantine through Facebook Live concerts every Friday evening, free virtual arts classes for kids and a “drive-by” mini art show. These efforts not only provide access to the arts for citizens but also a way to sustain artists, whose opportunities to connect with people have also been severely curtailed as we practice our social distancing. The CAC’s efforts provide a much-needed diversion as we cope with the hardships of COVID-19.
A rose to the seamstresses who have turned to their Singers to provide masks during a time when demand has exceeded supply. Although these home-made masks do not provide the filters needed to meet medical standards, they do provide an element of safety. For the past couple of weeks, people throughout the country and in the Golden Triangle have turned their sewing talents and time into providing their home-made masks free of charge to anyone who wants them. For the seamstresses, it’s an opportunity to feel empowered during a crisis that can seem overwhelming. It’s a victory of the human spirit and seeks to remind all of us that there are ways we, too, can help if we turn out minds and talents to the effort.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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