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April 2, 2020
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
LENDING A HAND Distilleries are becoming an alternative source for highdemand product P10
Coping with COVID-19 around Elbert County Community entities take steps to help people get through pandemic BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
When Liz Alvarez, who lives in Meadow Station, first heard about the novel coronavirus coming to Colorado, she immediately went to Broomfield, where her mother, Nydia, was living in a retirement community, and brought her home to live with Alvarez and her family. Her son, a student at Colorado State University, came home as well, and they all hunkered down to stay safe. “My mom feels so wonderful here,” said Alvarez. “She’s happy to be here and feels relaxed and safe. Basically this has become the safe haven.” Alvarez, who also has a daughter who attends high school in Douglas County, and whose husband Miguel works from home, said she doesn’t mind having a full house, and is making the most of spending time with her family. “I’m a real estate agent, and for me the social aspect of my work is really what I enjoy,” said Alvarez. “Socially isolating can be depressing if you’re not careful. I’ve tried to manage being home by keeping a positive mindset, and mak-
The Alvarez family make the most of the state’s stay-at-home order, playing with Legos, distance learning and spending time together. From left, Nico, Nydia, Liz, Miguel and Bekah. COURTESY OF LIZ ALVAREZ ing sure I have things to do each day.” Alvarez deliberately schedules a conference call first thing each morning with her assistant to get her going every day. She takes care of personal chores like journaling and prayers after the call, then dives into work. She avoids reading the news until later in the day, and only skims the headlines unless she runs across something new. With two adults and two teenagers working and learning from home, Alvarez said it can be a little difficult
to stay focused. “One of the things I’ve noticed is that I’m not able to go at it as business as usual in terms of time I spend on the computer,” she said. “I’m not as effective. I feel like my span of attention has diminished.” Daughter Beka has started distance learning at home, but Alvarez said being isolated has been hard on her. “It’s her senior year, and there’s a chance she won’t have a prom, or walk at graduation. That has made her very
sad. She was state champion in DECA, and was looking forward to the international competition in Tennessee. That’s been canceled,” said Alvarez. To help her family cope with the isolation, Alvarez bought a big set of Legos that they work on together. “Right now everybody’s coping. We’re going to prepare for the long run, and if it’s over sooner we’ll all rejoice,” said Alvarez. “And tomorrow I’m going to put some music on the radio and hot dogs on the grill.” Social media has played a big role in helping community members stay united, and several Facebook pages have been created to provide resources and support for individuals and businesses. The Elizabeth Community Support Facebook page was created to “facilitate the needs of the Town of Elizabeth and Elbert County residents by linking those who wish to volunteer their time, services and compassion to our neighbors in need in uncertain times.” Members can post as a volunteer and offer assistance, or post a need and request for assistance. Elbert County Food and Drink is another community Facebook page, launched by Holly Haan to give residents a consolidated resource for local restaurants, bars and breweries. Businesses update daily specials and delivery hours. SEE COPING, P6
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
“You have the chance to be a hero and save thousands of lives by staying home.” Gov. Jared Polis | Page 2 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 9