Hope and Change

It has been one year since we first learned the true impact of coronavirus. It is hard to believe that we have been dealing with this since last March. While several vaccines are now in distribution, it may be a number of months before we feel that the threat has truly subsided. Until that time, we must all continue to do our part by taking all recommended safety precautions. 

Over the past year, we have experienced many changes in our lives. We at Town&Gown have also experienced change. Like so many local businesses, much of our staff has spent months working from home. In my capacity as publisher, I needed to be in the office. So, since March, I have been coming into the office every day. The empty parking lots and quiet workstations were a bit strange at first, but I got used to it.

The one thing that I will never get used to is video conferencing. I cannot express in words my dislike of this technology. Sitting in front of a screen that resembles the opening of The Brady Bunch, then enduring everyone talking over each other via delayed reactions and occasional poor connections, is just not for me. I would much prefer a good, old-fashioned conference call. It almost seems we are forcing ourselves to use this technology simply because we have it. The only good side is that I am now able to see everyone’s cats and dogs in the background.

But I am feeling optimistic about the future. I am feeling hopeful that by summer, we will all be in a better situation. 

A big change at Town&Gown is the announced retirement of our founder, Mimi Barash Coppersmith. Details about Mimi’s life and career can be found in this month’s feature story. I truly appreciate Mimi’s commitment to the community and to our university. I am also appreciative of her openness to share her cumulative local knowledge with me. The first time I met Mimi, as the new publisher, she remarked on how calm I was. Publishers and editors have a well-earned reputation for being high-strung. I found this comment interesting and thoughtful. Having served in the newspaper industry for nearly 30 years, I have just about seen and experienced it all. That calmness comes from knowing that every workplace crisis ends, and today’s major issue will be gone tomorrow. Her choice to compliment me on my demeanor demonstrates her true sense of connection to people. I respect her for that. 

Here’s to wishing Mimi a very happy and productive retirement!

Bernard A. Oravec

Publisher

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