Some things change ... and others remain the same

Courtesy Elena Lacey; Getty Images

Even though it is Friday, I now have had some time to devote to this week's blog post.

I actually wrote up another post before this one. However, I scrapped it because I became weary of the direction it took. Frankly, this isn't the first time I've done this.

This week has been an interesting one for me, and it has been centered on Cloverdale, Putnam County's second-largest municipality. My coverage has been focused on the imbroglio the town finds itself in after terminating Town Manager Wayne Galloway.

I won't bog this post with the narrative up to this point. It is a developing controversy where it seems both sides - and the peanut gallery - are all pointing the finger. This is not anything new when it comes to Cloverdale politics and its varying personalities.

The clashes can make for a hectic council meeting on its own, and it can be exciting. Some things don't change this way. It's also part of why I'm thankful for whiskey ...

It isn't news that our social movements in general have changed. However, I continue to see those silver linings in schools and businesses doing the best they can to move forward, despite the travel and meeting restrictions which are officially still in place.

The Banner Graphic is trying to stand by our local businesses by highlighting how they are staying open. We are committed to telling the fun stories which may come around, and Jared, Eric and I are keeping to our beats - either in person or remotely.

I think it would be a fair statement to say that dealing with the COVID-19 spread has been a moving target for our leaders and entrepreneurs. However, I think you'd find that our communities in Putnam County have fared well in continuing to function.

If you ask me, this is because of the community leaders who've stepped up as they can.

I will certainly sing the praises of our school administrators and educators who have continued to provide meals for families. This is arguably just as important as keeping up with the e-learning, especially in serving those who truly rely on it week to week.

“Service with a smile” means something more during this time of hardship for many.

I think we have retained some sense of normalcy - internally, at least. It's just that our routines have had to be amended so we can keep ourselves and others safe. We are continuing to move through it, and that perhaps is what matters most on the whole.

Though my obligations as a reporter are considered essential, I appreciate the freedom to go out and continue to do my job. This sense of necessity has never shirked away.

When you're looking at the individual commitment, much hasn't changed that much.