Finding Our Way to the New Normal

Finding Our Way to the New Normal

This has been quite an unusual year so far with COVID-19 changing the way we do everything in order to stay safe and healthy. We’ve gone from shortage of supplies in supermarkets to schools and businesses closing followed by trying to  gure out what exactly constitutes “safe behavior” and then reopening in stages.

Our community festivals and car show have been cancelled this year and limitations have been placed on how we vacation, socialize, celebrate and worship. 

The new normal is wearing a masks and keeping social distance. It feels a little like a scene from out of a science fiction move. But, instead of getting down, people have gotten creative using a variety of masks ranging from surgical, N95 respirator, homemade and fashion styles. And business owners use their entrepreneurial spirit to find new ways to conduct business safely in a COVID environment. 

That’s the American way! We Americans don’t give up, we get creative and find ways to make the best of a situation and figure out new ways to communicate, share, experience, shop and grow. Zoom and other social media formats have kept us connected and will likely be incorporated into the new way of doing things way beyond our recovery from this crazy virus.

Both Bellmore and Merrick Fire Departments held 9-11 memorial ceremonies as a reminder and tribute to those whose lives were lost in the 9-11 terrorist attack.  The names of our community members whose lives were cut short on that day of infamy are listed inside.

Schools in our area are now open with classes being held from remote to in- person and hybrid experiences. It’s certainly a challenge to function between plexiglass and follow the protocols while still creating a memorable and engaging learning experience.

When the schools shifted to remote BMB Broadcasting out of Mepham High School sent their reporters on Zoom interviews and kept the cameras rolling throughout the summer. Now, back in school they continue to use technology presenting the illusion of being in the same room so they can report without wearing a mask. Watch BMB Broadcasting’s back to school special that highlights the changes made in the schools for keeping it safe.

Although things are a bit different this year student success continues. Bellmore-Merrick All-State Musicians will be participating in a virtual performance. And Calhoun senior, Jamie Cabán was named Distinguished Your Woman of Merrick. Six students from Bellmore/Merrick have been named National Merit Semifnalists.

LIIFE goes on with two ways to see movies.  The  film festival is usually held at the Bellmore Movies on Pettit Avenue in Bellmore. Since movie theaters are still closed the Long Island International Film Expo team put on their thinking caps and came up with a virtual and drive-in way to celebrate independent  film makers from across the globe. Now you can buy tickets to virtual or drive-in movie blocks. See the full schedule and ticket information inside.

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