Due largely to President Donald Trump’s mishandling and exacerbating the COVID crisis, many businesses across America are on life-support — if they can find it. Small, locally owned operations, such as gyms and restaurants that serve customers indoors, have been particularly hard hit.
There’s bitter irony in the realization that, say, dropping our membership in the gym we go to to stay fit, because of fear of infection, may lead to the demise of the business and in turn a decline in our own fitness and health. It doesn’t have to be this way. As one example, my gym, In Shape on Willamette, has taken extraordinary precautions with disinfectants, spacing and mandatory masking, and as a result may be freer of any potential transmission than it was pre-COVIOD.
Locally owned gyms, restaurants and shops are the foundation of an ecologically sound economy and sustainable — when we don’t abandon them. If you have a gym membership consider continuing your monthly or yearly payment and increasing it if you’re able, even if you’ve decided to take a hiatus during the pandemic.
Better, come back and work out with your fellow members in conditions likely safer than shopping at your favorite grocery. After you’re done, reward yourself with a bite to eat at a restaurant, cafe or food cart. You’ll not only feel healthier, you’ll feel good about the contribution you’ve made to your community.
Robert Emmons
Fall Creek
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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