Things That Should Still Be Things Post-Pandemic

0
348

By Eric Valentine

What follows is an excerpt from the latest issue of Wood River Weekly’s “The 101” wherein all the wonderful things to do in this Valley are listed and described. We added a section to it this year that listed a number of things we did during the once-in-a-century pandemic that shouldn’t have to be put on hold for the next 100 years.

Get Involved in the Discussion

There used to be an excuse to not speak up at city council meetings or school board sessions—very few had the time to show up. But with pandemic protocol keeping people out of public meetings, those in charge had to upgrade—and in some cases create—a live, online way to view and comment on agenda items. It’s a small step toward a more transparent and democratic process, so long as we the community use it.

Visit the Capitol

Not all the reasons for heading to Boise and making the power of the people known were the same, and that’s OK, because it’s democracy. And not all behavior there was civil, or legal. But most of it was, from George Floyd vigils to visits by Valley mayors trying to solve the affordable housing crisis. Peaceful assembly still makes a difference. It’s also a good excuse to visit the Boise Basque block while there. Get some sheepherding history and croquettes all at the same time.

Appreciate the Working Class

Not everybody did their part, but enough about them. Instead, focus on all the folks at the beginning of the pandemic who stepped out to their front porches at 7 p.m.—when healthcare workers change shifts—to howl at the sky. It was a sign of respect a lot of folks needed. How many times did you hear yourself or someone close to you say, “I could never be a teacher now that I’m sort of a teacher,” referring to the full-time, in-home learning that had to take place? Remember when you didn’t think you depended on truckers and grocery store stockers? And then you couldn’t find toilet paper.

Going forward, keep these folks in mind when you’re deciding who to support for leadership positions around the Valley. Your dollars and your votes have a wolf-like bite.

Turn Japanese, At Least a Bit So

In Tokyo, tens of thousands of commuters pack trains and office workers work elbow to elbow, daily. That’s why there are some commonplace hygiene practices there nobody finds controversial. Yes, mask wearing. Not every day, but when you are symptomatic with any sort of cold. At restaurants, served along with your food, is at almost every restaurant a hot washcloth at best or a handi-wipe at least.

In Japan, there’s also a lot less high-fives, hugs and smooches in common situations. They bow instead. It feels so formal to us, but having lived there, this writer can say you get used to it fast. And it makes the high-fives, hugs and smooches that much more special.

Celebrate Virtually

Now that you can bring numerous friends and family over to your home to celebrate benchmark accomplishments, holidays, and other joys in life, don’t forget about Aunt Bertha in Topeka. She should be part of the celebration, too. A simple Internet connection and working camera on your phone, tablet or computer is all it takes to keep that lady sending you her special fruitcake come Christmas time.

Read Wood River Weekly

We don’t claim to be the paper of record for the Valley or Pulitzer-winning journalists headed toward “Grey Lady” status. We do claim to be a paper that gets this Valley, and that there’s a north part, a middle part, and a south part to it all. And after all the dust settles, every one of us wants to remember why we love living here and what’s involved in keeping it that way. We try to do stories that accomplish both.