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Some COVID-19 changes could stay as we figure out 'our new normal'

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In Other Words
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By
Jason Berghorst, reporter

Staying positive was one of my main goals as the pandemic began to impact us in mid-March.
As the weeks – and  now months – have gone on, it’s gotten somewhat harder to stay positive for me, and maybe for you, too. 
In order to focus on the positive, I’ve been making a mental list of the changes COVID-19 has brought that I hope remain long term. 
Or, to use popular pandemic phrases, these are the parts of “our new normal” that I hope will last even “when this is all over.” 
As I make my list, I also keep in mind the value of moderation. 
Obviously, we’ve had too much of some of these good things lately. But keeping some degree of them in the future would be good, in my opinion. 
First on my list is the time at home together with family, especially for those with teenage kids. 
I think lots of people can appreciate the less hectic schedules and more family meals.  
Next is an appreciation for milestone events and rites of passage. We’ve heard a lot about missing graduation ceremonies, proms, weddings and spring concerts.  
I hope in the future we all appreciate more the importance of these and many other events. 
Third on my list is our focus on small and local businesses. I not only hope that most local businesses survive, but that they thrive due to our continued support long into the future. 
The dramatic increase in online availability of various events is next on my list. 
When church services, awards programs, graduations and other happenings move to a virtual format, many more people see them than would normally attend in person. 
Speaking of graduation, I hope the increased recognition of graduates continues past the Class of 2020.
From the beautiful Main Street banners to the fun parade through town on Sunday, this amazing group of graduates has really felt the love and support this year.
And speaking of parades, birthday and retirement drive-bys are kind of fun and seem to get more participation than many traditional parties. It might be fun if they keep happening.
Online meetings are also something I want to see continue, to some degree. While it can be nice to meet in person, we’ve learned that many meetings can be done virtually to save time and travel in the future.
Last on my list is the most important to me: appreciating school. I think students, teachers and parents all learned that school is much more than classes and grades.
We know more than ever now that school is also about relationships and routines. School is about community and caring for others.
I, for one, will never take walking into school, greeting kids in the hall, or teaching in person for granted again.
Making my list of what’s good and hoping to bring them into the future, whenever and whatever that will be, helps me stay positive. Maybe it does for you, too.

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