Winter 2020 - Covid Issue
This issue Funded in part by a Utah Commission on Service and Volunteerism
Community Engagement Grant
English
These are very difficult times.
At the time of this writing in mid-December, I am thinking about all those who are struggling to make it through this pandemic: our elders, students, parents, teachers, healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers. I am thinking about our unsheltered community members, government and nonprofit workers, political and religious leaders, and our business owners. I am thinking of people who have lost their jobs, who are isolated or suffering from mental illness, and families who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus.
It seems that no one is unaffected by this virus.
The other day I stepped outside to take a break from editing and to catch the last few minutes of sunlight, a cup of steaming Earl Grey tea in my hand. As I felt the warmth of the sun on my face, I felt love for my community. I love the natural beauty of the Jordan River, which runs near my home. It is comforting to see the steeple of the nearby LDS church against the western skyline, and to hear the church bells ring from St. Patrick’s Catholic church one and a half blocks away, even though I, personally, do not subscribe to any organized religion.
I nodded a friendly hello to a couple who were biking past on the Jordan River Trail, and stopped to talk with Rosa who was walking home from her day of work at Neighborhood House, where the voices of young children ring out as their parents pick them up from daycare each afternoon.
I am grateful for our first responders – our fire department, dispatch and police officers, who, I believe, do their best under great stress to keep us safe. (Full disclosure: my husband has served as a firefighter in the Salt Lake City Fire Dept. for almost 25 years, so I am a bit biased.)
I hope that we can all hang in there, and take time to check in on one another during this winter. Let’s not forget about our neighbors who are shut in or who might be struggling. And don’t forget to notice the beauty that is all around. Here’s hoping the new year will bring better days ahead.
P.S. I know that so many people are experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic. I know that many families are stretched thin and that’s why we continue to publish The West View free of charge and in print. Our whole team wants everyone on the West Side to have access to quality community journalism.
During this season of giving, if you are able, will you donate to our end of year fundraising campaign? This year The West View is participating in NewsMatch and every donation could be matched. You can donate online at westviewmedia.org or by mail at P.O. Box 271516 Salt Lake City, UT 84127.
Thank you,
Charlotte Fife-Jepperson
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