Like the rest of the world, people who live and work in Plano have had almost every facet of their lives affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home order over the past several weeks. We asked for their thoughts, and got some very candid answers. In such a swiftly changing environment, it’s helpful to know these answers were received between April 15-27.
How has your work been affected?
Online learning has changed the personal connection we have with our students. It’s so important to see their faces, read their emotions, and give them a real pat on the back. That daily personal connection drives learning and motivation. On a positive note, I have learned several new learning tools that will benefit my teaching when we are back in the classroom.
– Debbie O’Reilly, English teacher
We are able to work remotely so we are able to take care of most client issues without any problems. Occasionally, we encounter a client need that requires an onsite visit. We limit that to one person from our company.
– Bob Kehr, chief technology officer, managed IT services
The negative side has been for the nonprofit I work for. Our kids can’t get together to do a lot of the planned community service work, and as an organization funding has become much more difficult to come by when you can’t hold outside meetings and events.
– Kathy Meadows, executive director, Mission Possible Kids
As we see the need for food assistance increase across North Texas, my work has taken on a new level of urgency. The days are longer and I am surrounded by more than 250 members of the Texas National Guard. I am also seeing how wonderfully generous this community is as they respond with financial contributions, nourishment for our staff and food from our Amazon wish list.
– Erica Yaeger, chief external affairs officer, North Texas Food Bank
The virus has affected my work life positively in the sense that I have had more time to spend with my family. A negative impact of the coronavirus is the loss of one-on-one personal connections with people each day.
– Harry LaRosiliere, mayor, City of Plano
Our board, volunteers, and donors made it possible for us to pivot within a few weeks and deliver school supplies to over 600 families in the district.
– Jamee Jamee, sr. executive director, nonprofit
I should be outside knocking on voter’s doors every day in order to win our primary runoff. I should be getting my candidate face time with voters at community events around our district.
– John M. Stafford, campaign manager, Tom Adair for Texas
It has drastically cut our income, not only in the present, but the ripple effects will last at least 18 months.
– Debbie Dusek Holman, small business owner
We were able to adapt quickly to an entirely new business plan in a matter of days. We’ve had a healthy business for the last 10 years, but each day our sales are down about 90% from before. So the longer this lasts, the more uncertain the future looks, not just for us, but all of the restaurants in our area.
– Christi Rudolph, restaurant owner
Our staff has bonded. Those with lighter bills gave up hours for those with heavier bills to pay. We’ve watched our customers show up for us, asking how they could help, sharing our message, emailing encouraging words. Our sales are down 50%, so our staff’s hours were cut drastically. We miss our regulars, and we are not able to get supplies like we used to.
– Kat Smith, owner, Mudleaf Coffee
I’m missing two major trade shows, so I’m not able to display my work directly to buyers. My home haunt, Dark Hour in Plano, canceled our March show. I am unable to travel to my primary work space to help produce items that have already been sold.
– Stacy Hawkins, costumer, haunted attraction industry
I just started a new job, but can’t go to training or meet the team.
– Karyn Smith, medical sales
Business is very busy but hectic due to a staff shortage.
– Gary Hirsch, owner, butcher shop
I’ve learned that being able to work from home is way different than working ONLY at home. I enjoy going to meet people and visit new places. Now my job is almost exclusively phone calls and Zoom meetings.
– Josh Baethge, freelance writer
COVID-19 has adversely affected my business beyond what we could have ever imagined. We closed on March 16 and quickly worked around the clock to pivot and offer digital services, like live streamed classes, for our community.
– Julie Godfrey, owner, fitness studio
We have our emergency shelters open with a skeleton staff. Counseling has moved to phone or remote access. We have an amazing staff who continue to care for those affected, now more than ever, by domestic abuse. Our resources are tight, funding is critical and the unknown future of when we can resume a new normal leads to more questions than answers.
– Beth Robinson, director of development, domestic violence agency
Halt. Pivot. Plan for … maybe later? On a positive note, it has allowed me time to tackle admin tasks that always get pushed off.
– Justine Sweeney, marketing and communications
I’m busy trying to track huge changes in what’s going on in the word of college admissions, helping students whose parents have lost income reassess their financial plans and do appeals, starting work with juniors earlier than usual because they have extra free time and want to use the time for college stuff so they can be “free” to break loose later this year.
– Mk Werner, owner, GradPath college consulting
We have had to adapt to working from home, but because we do wills, medical and financial powers of attorney, and probate, we have been quite busy with people motivated to get this vital planning in place. Many don’t take the time to work through these decisions, but may have more time on their hands right now.
– Lorie Burch, wills and probate attorney
We are an essential business and have remained open to serve our community. As people are driving less, our business has slowed down. The Auto Shop has kept all of the employees working their normal schedules.
– Jerry Kezhaya, owner, The Auto Shop
All the community events that we had planned April-May were cancelled or rescheduled. I am working from home, planning future events, but we are unsure if they will actually happen or to what degree they will happen. We are also coming up with creative ways to connect with the community virtually.
– Haley Gatlin, event coordinator
A change in work wardrobe. In some ways, deeper connections with people. We always check and ask each other how we’re doing now. We’ve had a chance to be in each other’s homes, albeit virtually; that changes things a bit.
– Jeri Chambers, donor relations officer, nonprofit
While many were sheltering in place, we were ramping capacity and changing business models at North Texas Food Bank to meet the unprecedented surge of needs. Our team and our partner agencies in the community have shown their passion and dedication to our mission through the long hours, flexibility and innovative solutions – all while keeping everyone safe.
– Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO, North Texas Food Bank
There has been a sudden uptick of calls by women needing our services, especially counseling and legal.
– Mona Kafeel, CEO, domestic violence shelter
All of my spring art shows have been cancelled, and I’m nervous to sign up for summer shows because of the possibility of cancellation. However, this has forced me to up my online shop game, which has needed some spit polish, for sure.
– Olivia Snyder, artist
I have had to close my office for almost five weeks. I have been able to see my postoperative patients and those that need to be checked, but otherwise everything I do is not considered essential. This is first time in over 50 years I have not worked for an entire month.
– Elizabeth Kerner, plastic surgeon
I’m busier than ever. All of my clients need COVID-related content. I’ve even written an entire ebook on COVID-19 targeted for one client’s customer base. The COVID-19 crisis is a frightening and very sad story and I feel for the people who’ve suffered in this pandemic. But at some level, as a journalist, it’s fascinating to watch the story unfold.
– Mary Jacobs, freelance writer
My team and I are getting things done which get bumped from the to-do list from week to week. We are learning new skills and reaching out to possible synergy partners. While I am missing money coming in the door, I find this time to focus on my business quite refreshing.
– Misty, small business owner
I already work from home. However, because I work with cloud technologies, my workload has spiked significantly.
– Tommy Falgout, cloud solution architect
It has more or less taken it away; 95% of my job is not doable from home. I feel unnecessary compared to the teachers and higher-up administrators.
– Diane, Plano ISD elementary school secretary
I actually had two side gigs in addition to my musical career: face-painting and housekeeping. All three of my jobs are now on hold, and I am out of work and attempting unemployment.
– Meia Potter, musician
It has been extremely hectic and completely changed our day-to-day operations. We have had to stop or severely restrict non-emergency operations. On the positive side it has once again demonstrated what wonderful coworkers I am blessed to be on the team with. The men and women of Plano Fire-Rescue, civilian and uniformed alike, have risen to the occasion and lived our mission statement out: “Professional service with heart, integrity always.”
– Sam Greif, fire chief, Plano Fire-Rescue
I learned to run my business in a completely new way in a matter of days. Hopefully, the strengths I am building now (online and social media presence) will help me in the next few years. Being able to adapt and come up with new ways to help customers is what will set us apart.
– Meagan Wauters, owner, retail boutique
My work life increased dramatically. I’ve always been busy, but the nature of work changed: a lot of in-the-moment problem solving, information validating and writing, combined with long-term planning and scenario development. I found the days have flown by, but it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly I did each day.
– Shannah Hayley, director of communications and community outreach, City of Plano
All our festivals and catering jobs have been cancelled or moved. Catering and festivals is a huge part of our income.
– Joshua Sparks, manager, restaurant/butcher shop
I’ve been furloughed as a contractor. Even though I’m not being paid, I’m continuing to take care of my customers so I’ll still have them as customers when this is over, and to help ensure that the company I work for stays afloat.
– Julie, sales
Teaching from home is more demanding than traditional teaching. It’s a constant worry about whether students and parents are receiving correct information, and whether or not that information is clear. Learning a new platform has been a challenge for all of us, and we don’t have the chance to work with a kid in person to see if they’re truly understanding a concept or even if they’re able to log in. However, parents have been extremely patient and supportive, and I’ve communicated more with families than ever.
– anonymous teacher
I have had to work 17 days straight trying to feed the hungry in our community. The positive side is watching our community respond to the need and donate to help us feed their neighbors.
– Cheryl Jackson, founder, Minnie’s Food Pantry
There has been a huge increase in the adoption of telemedicine as a way to evaluate and treat a variety of ailments. Since mid-March, I have transitioned essentially all of my office visits to telemedicine, which I perform from home. In-person visits and surgeries are reserved for urgent and emergent conditions; and these have fortunately been few and far between.
– Peter Derman, minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgeon, Texas Back Institute
I have a professional firework display company, and we had about seven firework shows cancel due to the stay-at-home order and about 10 more that postponed, mainly weddings. Without an end date in sight, some of my 4th of July clients are also considering options for postponing their city-wide festivals.
– Paige Mejia, chief marketing officer, Pyrotex
We’ve had to adapt to virtual offerings. It’s been nice to collaborate and figure out how we can best serve the community at this time, but we miss seeing the families we serve in person on a regular basis.
– Catlin Hale, executive director, nonprofit
Events such as parties and weddings have been canceled. Those are a significant part of my income. Many people are afraid of headshot or portrait sessions.
– Janelle Twyford, photographer
I started at a new company and was laid off on day two of training, due to poor sales projections from COVID-19.
– anonymous
We’ve lost the ability to meet face-to-face for our interviews. To get the story, guests need to feel welcome, safe and connected with us as people. I miss that. From an audio product standpoint, we’ve now had to revert to recorded phone. All our nice mics, studio and equipment are gathering dust at this point. It’s changed our content calendar, to be sure. On the bright side, our guests during the pandemic have been open and very willing to share their stories.
– Tammy Hooker, podcaster
I would like to recognize those in my industry – the School Nutrition professionals – and their work in feeding students during this time. The 8th annual School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated on May 1, is an opportunity to continue recognizing these amazing women and men.
– Dawnetta Miller, director of sales, student nutrition
There is a massive decrease in volume of total visits (in-person or televisit); decreased reimbursements from televisits as opposed to in-office; a decreased ability to care for our patients if they are too afraid or unable to come in; we are unable to get critical supplies like masks and gowns.
– Rosemary A. Bates, physician and owner, independent practice
Positives: no behavior issues, contact with parents I haven’t had previously, more communication with quiet students, no essay grading
Negatives: power, choice, and creativity have been taken away from us; had to say goodbye to the dream of discussing the finale of a book we were reading; saying goodbye to our favorite end-of-year units since our regular curriculum (that PISD teachers created) is no longer being used; pass/fail leaves students unmotivated to complete anything; majority of parents are not responding to our concerns; several students in the last week are severely struggling with mental health issues
– anonymous Plano ISD teacher
The coronavirus required the City to adapt in real time to a changed environment both as a service provider as well as an employer. Social distancing was a term that had to be operationalized while continuing to provide services such as public safety, solid waste, parks and libraries. We’ve seen adaptation of programs like our library story times moving online and our recreation center staff being deployed into parks to make sure we are doing all we can to social distance.
– Mark Israelson, city manager, City of Plano
While Plano Fire-Rescue is a very essential service, it is our field firefighters who are really impacted by this pandemic. I am an administrative staff employee and have been allowed to work from home some. My job is 95% interacting with the public so my phone isn’t ringing as much and the emails are not coming in to set up outreach at this time. Our social media presence, however, is more vital now.
– Peggy Harrell, captain, Plano Fire-Rescue
We have lost 75% of our business. But it has brought out the best of our community. The amount of support we have seen from our loyal customers have been overwhelming.
– Olivia and J.W. Mulkin, owners, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café
We have been closed since March 16th. We are unable to do house calls, which leaves us with zero income. I’m afraid we will be one of the last businesses to open up because there is no way to distance while doing hair. On a positive note, I have been able to work on putting out more social media content and building my online presence.
– Jacki Maher, salon owner and hairstylist
How has your home life been affected?
I did have to make my elderly mother go out for one large shopping trip, since I am fresh off of chemotherapy and couldn’t do it. It’s a crappy choice to make, but she was the lesser immunocompromised of the two of us, and I wasn’t ready to potentially die over some milk and staple foods.
– anonymous
I had to quarantine for 14 days so my wife handled our twin boys in my absence. Very difficult.
– Michael Waterstradt, lieutenant, Plano Fire-Rescue
It’s difficult to work from home, because at the end of a stressful day, you’re still at work. It’s also difficult to keep track of my students, parent emails, and my own child all at once. Giving every kid, including my own children, 100% of myself is a challenge.
– anonymous teacher
It has realigned my universe and reintroduced me to what is truly important.
– Isador Lieberman, president, Texas Back Institute
My wife enjoyed having me around the house more, which was nice, but I think everyone in the house got cabin fever, being quarantined for two weeks. Trying to keep distance wasn’t too difficult [David tested positive for COVID-19], but we weren’t able to eat as a family like we had before.
– David Tilley, Plano police officer
It’s a monumental challenge to keep my three kids focused on virtual schooling each day while my business is on life support. It’s almost like fighting a fire and writing a thesis at the same time. At the very least, I take comfort in the fact that most parents are struggling with this unique kind of multi-tasking as well.
– Christi Rudolph, restaurant owner
My husband is a Dallas firefighter so my parents took our three children to protect them, just in case, since both of us have to go out to work during this. We haven’t physically seen them in two weeks; so thankful for FaceTime.
– Kat Smith, owner, Mudleaf Coffee
I’ve shifted to producing masks for civilians and medical staff. I have a son who is a senior at Plano
Senior, and it’s looking unlikely that a graduation ceremony will be held. He and our daughters are adapting to online school.
– Stacy Hawkins, costumer, haunted attraction industry
I am exhausted when I get home and I worry that I may be putting my family in harm’s way by being around so many people. However, they understand that this is my calling and my passion, so they pray for me and all those who serve with me.
– Cheryl Jackson, founder, Minnie’s Food Pantry
Relationship with my wife has been great, as I think she has less stress without her commute or late nights at the office. It’s seldom all of us sit down for a meal due to her work schedule, late nights and kids’ sports. Now we are eating together every night, and that relieves some of her working mom guilt, I think.
– Daniel LaBroad, CEO
Our dog loves it! We are home most days with him from morning to night. We go on walks, watch TV, don’t rush to run out the door each morning – all things that were not part of our normal life before COVID-19. It has really caused our once hectic and over-programmed life to slow down. There were days where I felt extremely productive and positive, and then there were days where it was a struggle to fight off the sadness and the feeling of being overwhelmed with it all. As someone who is normally glued to the news, I found that I had to disconnect and block it out.
– Jamee Jamee, sr. executive director, nonprofit
Gaining weight, spending too much time on internet “time sponges,” experimental cooking more, marking things off my very long to-do list.
– Jack Grimm, graphic design and illustration teacher
One issue we have had is keeping the 13 year-old-son and my 77-year-old dad from leaving. Dad seems to think he needs to visit the local coffee or donut shop or they will go out of business.
– Karyn Smith, medical sales
Unfortunately, I am home less, at the same time that my two teens are home more. They sleep when I am awake and at work, and they are awake when I sleep. We are operating in a new, surreal environment where there appears to be no delineation of days or time. To minimize exposure from me, my husband (who is high risk) has been spending most of his time at our property in East Texas.
– Erica Yaeger, chief external affairs officer, North Texas Food Bank
Positives: More time with my wife and dog, more consciously connecting with family and friends, more time cooking and eating healthily, more time walking, a slower pace of life. Negatives: Far less community involvement, anxiety about being around others, anxiety about the future, daily monotony, lack the simple pleasure of enjoying a date night at a restaurant.
– Hayden Padgett, product manager
My husband works in the healthcare industry, so he has been away from home working regular shifts and sometimes extra hours. We take extra steps for him to sanitize before he enters our home following shifts.
– Amy Crawford, marketing and communications
I have never loaded and unloaded the dishwasher this much in my life!
– Jeri Chambers, donor relations officer, nonprofit
My husband is a mailman. I feel anxious when he goes to work because the post office provides no PPE or facility cleaning.
– Olivia Snyder, artist
Positives: A little more time for exercise, no driving, no meetings. Negatives: Mild cabin fever. New nickname for my husband: “Mr. Annoying Man.” All in good fun.
– Mary Jacobs, freelance writer
It’s affected my home life in a positive way. Riding my bike, playing board games and fishing with my family became cool again. It has forced the world slow down and think about the basic needs of life, LOVE.
– Lawrence Mann, at-risk specialist, Plano ISD
It was the first time we had a virtual Passover Seder. At first, I wasn’t excited, but then it turned out great because of my daughter being there and the hilarious automatic captions [Meryl is deaf] from Skype. And I didn’t have to dress up!
– Meryl Evans, digital marketing consultant
My ten-year-old daughter really misses her friends and is craving a connection with her friends.
– Tommy Falgout, cloud solution architect
Homeschooling kids is REALLY hard, especially while also working from home. Otherwise, I have kind of enjoyed some quiet time at home. I’m saving a fortune on gas, hair and nail appointments, and probably makeup and hair products as well! My husband has perfected making sourdough, and I’m appreciating that I have a husband who is an excellent chef!
– Julie, sales
Sadly, I lost my father-in-law to COVID-19. As an empty nester, my husband and sole “hunker-down partner” had to leave to be with his mother in NY. Now I am staying at home alone, and it is terrifying as he is visiting an area considered to be a hotbed.
– Janet Sherlip, nonprofit consultant and event planner
I guess my husband thinks of me as a work associate now. He sends me a calendar invite for dinner, online grocery shopping, drinks in the backyard.
– Misty, small business owner
For someone that’s been married for over 50 years, we have acclimated to the new normal. We typically eat out a lot. I’ve probably cooked more in the past six weeks than in the past 10 years!
– Jo Via, executive director, Central Market Plano Balloon Festival
My second child was born on March 13, 2020. Nothing like being born on Friday the 13th, on the first day of a national state of emergency, in a global pandemic. The silver lining of this coronavirus situation is that it has allowed me additional time to spend with my newly expanded family. Once this is all over, I think we will look back fondly at the time we were able to spend with one another.
– Peter Derman, minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgeon, Texas Back Institute
Both my house and my office are much cleaner and more organized than usual! My dog is happy that I’m around the house more. My husband is a Battalion Chief with Plano Fire-Rescue and is working his normal 24-on/48-off shift at the station. I’m trying not to watch a lot of TV, and we have started playing Scrabble a lot. I’m also writing a lot of letters to friends and family. Thank goodness for Plano Public Library and their electronic lending of ebooks!
– Peggy Harrell, lieutenant, Plano Fire-Rescue
Getting to see my girls grow and spending quality time with them is great, but I have no down time or personal time to myself. When they were in daycare, I could get that five-minute break. Thankfully, my husband and I help each other out.
– Meagan Wauters, owner, retail boutique
The “honey-do” list is getting shorter every weekend!
– Joshua Sparks, manager, restaurant/butcher shop
My musical duet, The Potters, is me and my husband, Dillan, so we’ve been live streaming on Facebook and other platforms from home.
– Meia Potter, musician
My husband lost his job due to economic impact of the quarantine, and with most companies either closed or heavily impacted, it is hard for him to find work right now.
– Paige Mejia, chief marketing officer, Pyrotex
I have to care for grandchildren so their single mom can work. I have not seen my 99-year-old aunt in six weeks because she is in a nursing home. She fell and had to go to the hospital, but I could not be with her. On a positive note, my neighbors have introduced themselves.
– Janelle Twyford, photographer
We’ve spent long amounts of time on the front porch enjoying the weather, gardening and taking pictures of our pets. We’ve been able to volunteer at our church by filming the services which has given us something positive to do during the week. We’ve had time to prepare all of our paperwork to become adoptive parents!
– Xavier and Hilary Cinque, owners, The Lumen Room
Since we are home, we are able to join Meals on Wheels Collin County’s staff and other volunteers on specific days in delivering food to Plano/Collin County’s seniors. Seeing their smiling faces and hearing their voices when they open their door makes us realize that when serving others, you really do receive more than you give.
– Dawnetta Miller, director of sales, student nutrition
I believe my husband always thought grocery planning, shopping, bringing in, prepping and putting away or organizing food was easy.
– Susan Bernard, chief creative officer, Susan Bernard Voiceovers
My wife and I both tested positive and we had a two-month-old at home. Quarantined for over two weeks and we are still not clear for anyone to be around our son. Getting groceries, baby items has been difficult. We have had to rely on neighbors.
– Nathan Fisk, engineer, Plano Fire-Rescue
I love spending quality time with my senior daughter before she goes to college and my son who has returned from Texas Tech. We enjoy long, leisurely dinners, watch more movies, and spend more time just enjoying each other’s company.
– Debbie O’Reilly, English teacher
How has your relationship with friends and family changed?
We lost a family friend and had to pay our respects via Facebook Live. That’s right, a Facebook Live funeral. Weird times, but people seem to always find a way, which I find to be oddly comforting.
– anonymous
We had a great-niece born during this time and we can’t hold her! We could not be at the hospital with my family. The day will come that we can embrace each other again, and it won’t be too soon.
– Michael Hamilton, small business owner
I’m having a weekly happy hour with first cousins. We haven’t been together as a group in years, so it’s very nice to reconnect.
– Jeri Chambers, donor relations officer, nonprofit
I miss personal interaction and enjoying other people’s wines.
– Gary Hirsch, owner, butcher shop
I get my life’s juice from other people, so it has been a little lonely. However I’ve had lengthier phone conversations, more text messages and Facebook chats with long lost friends.
– Misty, small business owner
I have a weekly online meeting with friends. We play Jackbox games or chat about what we’re up to. I also go on “walk and talks” with friends, and get some exercise in while connecting with friends.
– Tommy Falgout, cloud solutions architect
All my family is in Louisiana. This is the longest we haven’t seen them. My parents want to see their grandbabies.
– Meagan Wauters, owner, retail boutique
It’s been uncomfortable with my parents, who are oddly not seeming to get how serious this is. I had to send them real news reports, statistics, outbreak numbers – and the local news article showing them there was a case in their town. For the first time, I’ve felt like the parent of my parents.
– Tammy Hooker, podcaster
My close friends and I still walk together in the neighborhood. We use our earbuds to talk and walk on opposite sides of the street. It has been especially difficult caring for my 80-year-old mom who lives alone. We want to be with her but have to settle for phone calls and the occasional drive-by.
– Janet Vermillion Moos, CEO, Texas Pool Foundation
I have not held my grandbabies in a month, have not had visitors to my home. We have enjoyed some quality time in the yard visiting with neighbors and trying to stay connected.
– Sam Greif, fire chief, Plano Fire-Rescue
A LOT more phone calls, FaceTime and Zoom. We’re in touch more often, but still missing the face-to-face interactions with family and friends.
– Kathy Meadows, executive director, Mission Possible Kids
We will welcome our first grandchild in July so we had a baby shower via Facebook Live. I miss hugging my friends and family.
– Jamee Jolly, sr. executive director, nonprofit
I find myself smiling and waving more to strangers (from 6 ft. away), excited to see others and knowing we are all going through the same thing. We call, text and FaceTime family and friends, when before we “didn’t have time.”
– Kat Smith, owner, Mudleaf Coffee
Conversations are hard. There isn’t much to talk about other than COVID-19.
– Karyn Smith, medical sales
I text with friends and family way more than before. My kids love using FaceTime and Skype to chat with their grandparents and aunts. I’ve also had a few virtual happy hours with friends, an idea that never crossed my mind before this.
– Josh Baethge, freelance writer
We’ve enjoyed ample phone calls, continuous texts, Zoom happy hours and from-the-curb visits from friends. We’ve worshipped with our church family via live stream and learned via Zoom Bible study.
– Amy Crawford, marketing and communications
We do a lot of FaceTime and Zoom. We even had a Zoom Seder with my wife’s family for Passover. I do miss seeing my family in person and being able to give them a hug and share a meal. They are also missing some of our 12-month-old’s milestones. We had to do a Facebook Live cake smash birthday party for her!
– Lorie Burch, wills and probate attorney
What do you miss from pre-coronavirus life?
America working and people not dying from this disease would be first and foremost. On a more personal level, attending church in person, social engagements, Rotary meetings, family get togethers, having all my workforce together, visiting my firefighters at the stations. And I admit it…I am hugger so this has been hard!
– Sam Greif, fire chief, Plano Fire-Rescue
Visiting our schools and hugging on the kids.
– Harry LaRosiliere, mayor, City of Plano
Having beers with my friends. Eating at restaurants. Talking to voters face to face.
– John M. Stafford, campaign manager, Tom Adair for Texas
Hugs and handshakes.
– Debbie Dusek Holman
Being able to get what I need at the grocery store when I need it. Also, having the funds available at that time. Big LOVE to Minnie’s Food Pantry and the work they’re doing! They’ve helped us so much!
– Meia Potter, musician
We miss movies, having an evening out with a group of friends, being able to travel for vacation, watching sports and being able to hug and shake hands with friends.
– Mark Israelson, city manager, City of Plano
I miss real-life human connection and interaction. I miss attending meetings, group luncheons, Plano Chamber events, community events. I definitely miss Saturday Game Nights, Saturday Brunch, random outings, happy hours, sporting events or weekend trips. I miss my Plano community!
– Dylan M. Rafaty, director of business development and partnerships
Mostly we miss seeing people. We miss our gym at Carpenter Rec Center. I miss meeting my clients in person. We miss supporting local charities through onsite volunteering, galas, etc.
– Bob Kehr, chief technology officer, managed IT services
Driving my car and listening to podcasts between destinations. Hugs. Sitting in a church pew.
– Jeri Chambers, donor relations officer, nonprofit
Connecting with my staff in person.
– Mona Kafeel, CEO, domestic violence shelter
Time off. With lower sales, I am back to working seven days a week.
– Lance, owner, food and beverage industry
People, money, Marshalls and my DQ Diet Vanilla Colas.
– Misty, small business owner
Fellowship, community and seeing my students on a daily basis.
– Lawrence Mann, at-risk specialist, Plano ISD
The ability to eat out at restaurants or go into businesses without all the restrictions. The ability to visit my dad anytime I wanted to. My son was hospitalized with a broken ankle that required surgery and I wasn’t able to be there for him in the hospital. That was pretty rough.
– David Tilley, Plano police officer
Community involvement, eating at local restaurants, dog parks, conversations with strangers.
– Hayden Padgett, project manager
Queso.
– Josh Sparks, manager, restaurant/butcher shop
Restaurants, tennis, friend get-togethers, kids being in school, kids’ sports, random shopping when I wanted to, travel, a schedule.
– Rosemary A. Bates, physician and owner, independent practice
I miss hugging. I miss going into a restaurant and sitting there with friends for hours laughing. I miss going to my mom’s house to bake and hang out. I miss Target, and the excessive spending there while sipping a Starbucks. I miss girls’ night out and dancing. I also desperately miss working.
– Jacki Maher, salon owner and hairstylist
Scouts, the Masonic Lodge and going camping.
– Joshua Clouse, community paramedicine coordinator, Plano Fire-Rescue
The freedom to travel. We travel usually once or twice a month and I don’t see us returning to that schedule anytime soon. I miss dining out. I do not like to cook, and I love the energy of sitting in a busy restaurant or on the patio, watching people interact, enjoying good food. I also miss my girlfriend lunches. They give me energy and help me face the challenges of work or life at home.
– Jamee Jolly, sr. executive director, nonprofit
Seeing people in person, going to dinner at restaurants, hugs from family and friends, alone time, listening to podcasts on my commute, date nights out of the house.
– Catlin Hale, executive director, nonprofit
What might be some lasting changes from this situation?
Virtual meetings are becoming more accepted. I think it will make our service and sales process even better and more efficient. I think this is the new norm, and the future will hold a version of this.
– Daniel LaBroad, CEO
I worry that this online program students are using will not go away once this is all over. How will the art of teaching be affected by this? Will there be “an art” anymore?
– anonymous Plano ISD teacher
Personal life: Slowing down, mindfulness. Career: Adding more intentional and self care for case managers, counselors and shelter staff.
– Mona Kafeel, CEO, domestic violence shelter
I feel coronavirus has shown that my job may not need to be a full time position or needed at all.
– Diane, Plano ISD elementary school secretary
I will hug harder and smile even bigger when we are able to remove our masks and be with our family and friends again. I won’t take a meal for granted after seeing thousands of people in their cars needing a meal for their families. I will be grateful for the time when I can take a nap on any given day.
– Cheryl Jackson, founder, Minnie’s Food Pantry
From the restaurant perspective, it has been and will continue to be a requirement to take sanitation and social distancing measures seriously.
– Elia Medina, restaurant general manager
We believe that this pandemic has allowed people to see what’s truly vital for existence. We feel that without the ability to celebrate birthdays, weddings, babies and other life altering moments, we lose a sense of our humanity in a way. The ability to gather is something so essential to human life.
– Xavier and Hilary Cinque, owners, The Lumen Room
I feel like after this, I can handle just about any challenge I am faced with in my business. I also will not take for granted the time I get to spend with my family outside of my home.
– Julie Godfrey, owner, fitness studio
There has been much heartache and loss associated with this pandemic, but there are wonderful lessons, too. May we never forget to appreciate our loved ones and to enjoy the little things in life.
– Amy Crawford, marketing and communications
Why are we all still using the same credit card keypads without disinfecting? Or using a shared pen? How can we ensure that retail will continue a heightened level of cleanliness? The wiping down of carts now just seems logical.
– Justine Sweeney, marketing and communications
It is definitely eye-opening on how we can work virtually. It is something we may very well integrate into our firm.
– Lorie Burch, wills and probate attorney
I am a Registered Nurse. My two youngest daughters at home are lifeguards, and one is in nursing school. I have another daughter who is a paramedic on the front line. Moving forward, healthcare will be forever changed. I hope we learn from what we are experiencing today, to come back stronger, more prepared for the future. Although medicine can be heroic, no one in healthcare ever expected to be called upon to be a hero.
– Janet Vermillion Moos, CEO, Texas Pool Foundation
My managed IT business may need to change to focus more on remote workers. For us, I think there is a lot of opportunity to address those needs as long as the economy supports our clients’ businesses.
– Bob Kehr, chief technology officer, managed IT services
From a family standpoint, I think we are making memories that we will look back at fondly one day.
– Josh Baethge, freelance writer
Honestly, I can see a lot more office personnel getting to work from home to reduce leasing costs for companies.
– Lance, owner, food and beverage industry
It makes me more cognizant of how fragile life is and that I work with the finest firefighters in the greatest city in the state and probably the nation.
– Sam Greif, fire chief, Plano Fire-Rescue
Unknown, which is frustrating. Will people still crowd to art shows and craft fairs? Or will they be afraid to?
– Olivia Snyder, artist
My business will be drastically changed from this: face masks, hand sanitizer, no double booking, spaced out stations, no snack station or coffee station, less hugging and handshaking, and no extra people in the salon. That truly makes me sad.
– Jacki Maher, salon owner and hairstylist
My family has learned that it’s not just the time; it’s the time we spent and took for granted that you don’t get back.
– Michael Hamilton, small business owner
I worry about my kids who work in the hospitality business, who are on furlough. I don’t see how that business can rebound until there’s a vaccine or a really aggressive program of testing.
– Mary Jacobs, freelance writer
A complete reboot of priorities. The current pandemic has enlightened us on just how little we really need to thrive.
– Isador Lieberman, president, Texas Back Institute
We shall see. I am hoping this is the wake-up call we needed. Our children, especially our teenagers, are under way too much pressure. I am truly hoping we strike a balance after all of this.
– Misty, small business owner
I think this situation has exposed everyone to the public health risks that exist and how this can impact a community. We’ve learned a lot in how this situation differs from other emergencies, and I think we will be more effective and efficient in our responses in the future.
– Mark Israelson, city manager, City of Plano
All our firefighters are cross-trained as firefighters and either EMTs or Paramedics. The way they approach and treat patients has changed drastically, and I just wonder if there is a way to go back now. The survival rate for people who have cardiac arrests outside of the hospital relies so much on bystander CPR and use of an AED. I worry that strangers won’t step up to help someone who has collapsed now, and that we’ll see fewer people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
– Peggy Harrell, captain, Plano Fire-Rescue
I think it causes all of us to reset our priorities. It is obvious that some of the things in life that seemed so important really aren’t. We will all have take-aways from this time, and how we deal with these changes will be the measure of who we now become.
– Jo Via, executive director, Central Market Plano Balloon Festival
I think I can take my business 100% online if I need or want to. It would actually expand my business since I could take on more clients from outside the North Texas area.
– MK Werner, owner, GradPath college consulting
I am hopeful that expanded access to telemedicine will remain after coronavirus. While it has its limitations, telemedicine is more than sufficient in many situations and can be particularly convenient for patients who have to travel long distances for care, people with busy schedules and those with disabilities for whom travel is difficult.
– Peter Derman, minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgeon, Texas Back Institute
I have learned to enjoy slowing down. I will find ways to maintain calm and peace in daily life, such as through prayer and meditation, focusing on my health through physical activity and diet, and treasuring every moment of my relationships. I have changed profoundly.
– Debbie O’Reilly, English teacher
This spring/summer is the first time my daughter will be looking for a full-fledged job. Considering the massive layoffs and furloughs, it’s worrisome.
– Meryl Evans, digital marketing consultant
I think it’s emphasized the need to save for a rainy day over immediate creature comforts, to be open to trying new things or doing old things differently and to be thankful for the day.
– Kathy Meadows, executive director, Mission Possible Kids
What has this situation taught you?
This situation has reaffirmed my belief in people. I’ve witnessed how people can move mountains if petty distractions are put aside while working towards a common goal. Everyone can contribute – through work, financial support, government support, storytelling, advocacy, creative ideas and encouragement. I will remember these lessons.
– Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO, North Texas Food Bank
There has to be a better balance than shutting down basically the entire economy. Social distancing will be with us for a long time to come, but we will have to adapt our ways so that the economy can come back and people’s lives won’t be destroyed because of economic or personal situations.
– Debbie Dusek Holman, small business owner
Bleach is not a Tyler candle scent.
– Justine Sweeney, marketing and communications
In order to effectively rid ourselves of this virus, we as a city have to come together and take care of each other. We need to consistently practice social distancing and safe and clean health habits.
– Harry LaRosiliere, mayor, City of Plano
Once again, those who serve others is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Much like 9/11, this too will pass. But these folks are there every day around the clock. Let’s never forget and take care of those who serve. This includes healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, service workers, our supply system workers and politicians. We are stronger together.
– Joshua Clouse, community paramedicine coordinator, Plano Fire-Rescue
Some see tragedy all around them; some are blessed with a more positive environment. No matter where you are on the scale right now, I ensure you there’s an artist online somewhere that can provide you some catharsis for your emotional energy. Reach out to your local online musical community!
– Meia Potter, musician
Stay strong and be kind.
– Kat Smith, owner, Mudleaf Coffee
I believe how you respond to living through hard times is a character-defining choice. I look at my grandparents. They survived the Great Depression, WWII and much more. We called them the Greatest Generation. We collectively, worldwide, have the opportunity to be the New Greatest Generation. The question is, are we willing to make the choices required to earn this moniker?
– Shannah Hayley, director of communications and community outreach, City of Plano
This is a good reminder of our fragility on this planet. We are not in control, although we like to think so.
– Elizabeth Kerner, plastic surgeon
So many milestones have been lost for us all. Funerals unattended. Graduations vacated. Weddings lost. Experiences lost. Family members lost. I grieve for something almost daily. We’re all going through some of the phases of the five steps of grief.
– Tammy Hooker, podcaster
All the creative ways our city has come together to support one another, from teddy bears and Christmas lights to take-out, delivery services and Little Free Pantries, really show how strong we are and what community means to each of us.
– Janet Vermillion Moos, CEO, Texas Pool Foundation
Mixed messages in the media is such a drain.
– Jack Grimm, graphic design and illustration teacher
I’m continually amazed at the wonderful community spirit in our community. Whether it’s the short note to hang in there, the friendly smile while taking a walk or the neighbors helping out neighbors. Plano is a large city, but in many ways feels like a small town where people look out for and support each other.
– Mark Israelson, city manager, City of Plano
No matter how bad your situation may be, there’s always someone out there having a worse time. And if you’re doing well, please realize that if everyone around you isn’t doing well, we will all suffer. So help if you can, and do your part.
– anonymous
Wear masks, Plano! They’re to protect everyone, not just yourself.
– Stacy Hawkins, costumer, haunted attraction industry
I hope we are better for this Great Pause. If there ever were a time to be generous, this is it! Financial donations to a variety of nonprofits are more important than ever. May we continue to utilize technology creatively and may it cause us to have better connections with people. Most importantly, may we never lose sight of how precious a hug can be.
– Jeri Chambers, donor relations officer, nonprofit
It’s amazing to see how much everyone has adapted and has come up with creative solutions to the problems the virus and the shutdown caused. I hope at the end of the day these hardships will make everyone stronger.
– Haley Gatlin, event coordinator
I have seen the impact from the front lines of this virus on the community. I’ve watched the food bank run out of food with two miles worth of cars still in line. It has been hard for me to express empathy at home as my 8th grader struggles with online learning and my high school senior grieves over missed experiences. I don’t discount their frustrations, but it also helps keep things in perspective.
– Erica Yaeger, chief external affairs officer, North Texas Food Bank
The divide in our country is stronger than ever. I pray daily that politicians and media stop seeing us as a political party and realize the small businesses need help.
– Meagan Wauters, owner, retail boutique
The citizens, businesses, churches and organizations in Plano have been overwhelmingly generous with their love, comments, prayers and donations to our firefighters.
– Peggy Harrell, captain, Plano Fire-Rescue
Interesting how differently people react to the same situation. It brings out the best and worst, showing one’s real traits.
– Gary Hirsch, owner, butcher shop
It has taught me to live every day like it’s my last day! And to focus on the basic needs in life.
– Lawrence Mann, at-risk specialist, Plano ISD
