Ashland Rocks!

Years ago, our boys invited three of their friends (brothers) for an overnight visit. We stocked up on video tapes and microwave popcorn, ready for a fun time (what was I thinking?). And then the power went out. We played outside until it got dark, but after that? Let’s watch a movie . . . well, then let’s watch TV . . . can we have some popcorn? 

While not quite déjà vu, these days have a similar feel to that long-ago sleep-over. At first, it was inconvenient, with no March Madness, no NBA finals, no opening day for baseball, and no national championship run for the AU women’s basketball team. We weren’t sure what the talking heads on ESPN would do, but we could adjust. Then our entertainment options began to fall like dominoes. Movie theaters, Broadway, museums, the zoo, the library, and even the gym are on lockdown (not that I had plans to hit the gym this week). 

While many churches in America have faced declining numbers for years, we didn’t think Jesus was speaking literally when he said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Mt. 18:20). The governor originally made exceptions for religious services, but so many preachers were on Facebook Live on Sunday morning that I thought the Internet might be raptured.

Bizarre. Surreal. And potentially terrifying. At least we still have electricity. It may be quite some time before we hear the strains of “Cleveland Rocks” filling “the Jake,” but a similar refrain is swelling across social media in the form of “Community Rocks,” or, in the 44805, “Ashland Rocks!” 

The Times-Gazette is working tirelessly to stay abreast of the needs of our community, and United Way’s 211 line is available for information and referral. Now, a new Facebook group, Ashland Ohio Community Support for COVID-19 is in operation, with valuable posts about jobs, unemployment benefits, resources, Wi-Fi hotspots (thank you Armstrong) and toilet paper sightings.

As a kid, we seldom ate out, except for the Marble Bar fish fry wrapped in grease-soaked newspapers, or getting a char-broiled hot dog from Helf’s each summer. Now, Americans spend more each year at restaurants than at grocery stores. Let that sink in for a moment. With restaurant closures, the scramble is on to arrange for carry-out and delivery as we abide by the direction of Governor DeWine and his medical consultants. Taco Tuesday is becoming Take-out Tuesday, encouraging support of local restaurants and their employees. Belly Busters, the Lyn-Way, O’Bryans, and other favorite haunts will do their best to offer carry-out, and the drive-through line at A&W will be a popular destination too. Ashland’s own Spire Advertising has helped set up a website where locals can stay up to date at AshlandDining.com. I counted sixty-two establishments on that website – didn’t know there were that many restaurants in Ashland.

With schools switching to distance learning, the Ashland City Schools delivered 534 sets of meals on Tuesday, and an additional 75 were picked up, while other local school systems kept their kitchens open too. Associated Charities has food available through its pantry, and the Salvation Army Kroc Center is offering to-go lunches daily, as well as pantry services for those who face food insecurity. The Kroc Center’s social media message does my heart good: “We will continue to focus our energy and resources on helping the vulnerable and serving our community in this time of need . . . We have an extraordinary opportunity to be a small community of love and care for our neighbors during this time.” Yes, we do.

We’ve heard the African saying for years, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We’re seeing firsthand how it will take a village to walk through these days of uncertainty and fear, as neighbors and strangers alike reach out to each other, stepping up to teach children, share TP, check on the elderly, and trade books, all while perfecting the art of social distancing and hand-washing. 

What else can we do, precious villagers? Brené Brown provides good counsel: “Stay awkward, brave, and kind. Love one another. Spread calm.” And WASH YOUR HANDS!