Coronavirus Is a Crisis -- Rhode Islanders Consider the Silver Lining

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung

"I’d say that it’s been great to see so many kids & their parents reconnect with some quality time together. It’s also been interesting to see how many employers are experimenting with teleworking, & how this may provide opportunities for our workforce in the near future."

Tuni Schartner, Executive Director of Venture Café

"I'm no longer working long days separated from my kids and dog.  The days are still just as long but I'm home.  I consider myself a very grateful human that makes conscious mindful choices, but these days I am truly living moment to moment in immense gratitude.  

The sun is shining, I'm listening to my 'Yoga Station' on Pandora, I've finished the last of my video calls/meetings for the day/week and I'm looking out oversized windows at a historic waterfall.  It is time to close the laptop and go for a walk in the woods with Homer before checking in with the kids for an epic Scrabble party night.  

While I walk, I plan on reflecting on"

-the immense amount of great work my team accomplished these last few weeks... 
-how awesome they've been about pivoting into new roles with new responsibilities...
-all the partnerships that continue to come together, and all the fantastic new programming we're building with those partners...
-our calm and direct leadership (here in RI) during this unfathomable chaos...
-how lucky I am to have my children, parents, family and friends still safe and healthy."
 

Robert Whitcomb, Columnist

"I think that the crises have made many people think it's past time to start on personal projects (not job-related ones) that they have long delayed -- such as writing memoirs, if only for their family and friends. I think that it has also made some of us, in these eerily quiet times, pay more attention to nature than we might otherwise have done as spring comes on.

And call people on the phone you haven't talked to in years and clean out the basement."

Keith Oliveira, Executive Director, RI League of Charter Schools

"The silver lining of this COVID-19 crisis is it has completely shut down the rat-race. Society is in a collective time-out for the foreseeable future. It's something that many folks have desired to do but couldn't because the hamster wheel just kept spinning. Life has slowed to its most simplified form and should cause everyone to reflect upon what are our most valued essentials in life - our time, our loved ones, and the simple things. Let's all appreciate the timeout and do some spring cleaning of our lives....before the hamster wheel starts spinning again."           

President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio

"These are very challenging times, but Rhode Islanders are very resilient. Through all the difficulties, there have been some positive elements. Governor Raimondo and Health Director Alexander-Scott have been a source of pride for our state, demonstrating tremendous leadership, acting decisively, and communicating effectively. The Senate has been in daily conversations with the Governor throughout the crisis. Most of all, I am proud of my fellow Rhode Islanders. While there have been some examples of poor behavior, most have heeded the Governor’s guidance.

There also have been many truly uplifting moments, such as neighbors checking on an elder next door, businesses adapting to accommodate vulnerable populations with special hours or donating needed medical supplies, and non-profits joining forces to help our fellow Rhode Islanders.

Rhode Islanders are at their best when things are at their worst, and I know that if everyone observes the guidelines in place we will be able to deal with this crisis more effectively. I encourage everyone to observe the protocols put in place by the Department of Health and the Governor, to practice social distancing and stay home if possible. There is still a difficult road ahead, but working together we will get through this."
 

Raymond "Two Hawks" Watson, CEO/Founder at Providence Cultural Equity Initiative

"I think the situation has forced people to think more about how their own actions impact others. Too often people run through society only concerned about themselves and their personal networks. This current situation is forcing people to proactively think about how what they do can potentially impact others. I also think the situation has forced people to appreciate the liberties and freedoms that they enjoy on a daily basis.

Even something as simple as going to visit loved ones when we want -- I'm sure that most people took this liberty for granted, as well as a plethora of other liberties that people take for granted every day. I think people are appreciating what they have more now that it’s restricted because of this current situation."

Ed Brady, Founder of Thirsty Beaver

"Many friends from throughout the community have reached out to us to purchase take out food for others in need and gift cards during these difficult times from our restaurant group. These small gestures our truly appreciative and will not be forgotten. This epidemic certainly makes us all appreciate the small things we took for granted on a day by day basis.

No one ever could have projected this but we can certainly learn from it and help our community while we get through this together. Many of us are living day by day with advisories constantly changing. During these difficult times I appreciate my family and it reminds me what is truly most important in life and that is the safety of the people around us that we care about, health and love."