By Lezley Brown, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
Several of you who know me know I do not have Facebook on my phone. I check it at the Chamber as it is an important tool for us to share happiness and positivity. I took it off my phone after finally realizing it causes me some anxiety and overall disgust. I’m appalled at how people will say anything … absolutely anything, because there is no accountability for the words written. And, typically I sit silent regarding posts made. After reading something this morning, though, I want to take an opportunity to point out something.
Our leaders of this community are working so very hard to make the best decisions for us. All of them are. They aren’t sleeping. They aren’t being present with their families. They are constantly processing information in a world extremely foreign to us. They are making difficult decisions KNOWING it is an impossible outcome and there is no right way or wrong way. They must make the best decision they can with the information they are given.
This is hard. They are not taking it lightly. So, when I read a comment that began with, “Rumor has it,” I just about came unglued. Let me please urge you … if you have not spoken with a community leader firsthand, then
don’t share the information. This is no time for rumors. This is a time for truth. This is a time to build up, promote, help, encourage, and be brave. This is our time to shine light. Do not tear down … build up. Leave your rumored information silent.
Call your neighbor and check on them. Call your community leader and support them. Send them a Dr. Pepper. Do something kind, because kindness is what we need. And, we don’t need a little bit of it … we need all of it. Be the best part of someone’s day. Because I’m going to tell you, firsthand, a little bit of kindness goes a long, long way. We want to look back at this period of time and think to ourselves, “I don’t know if we did the right thing or the wrong thing in regard to this virus, but I know that I was kind.” And that, my friends, is what matters.
Here is an update to life as we know it right now, and it is changing quickly!
Chamber of Commerce
We are postponing our Chamber Golf Tournament to Friday, June 19 . Our lobby is closed to visitors at this time. We are at the office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily to answer questions by phone.
Restaurants
All restaurant sit-down dining has been halted until April 30. Most have moved to curbside service and some are even offering home delivery. Just call ahead and visit with your favorite restaurant, and they will bring your food out to you. You can also visit “Takeout Together” on Facebook and Instagram. This is a place where restaurants are publishing current information and items they are offering.
Banking
Most financial institutions have closed their lobbies are banking by appointment. Most transactions can be handled online, and they are also available by phone.
Shopping
Most clothing stores are offering online shopping, curbside pickup, and even doorstep delivery. Please, please don’t forget about your favorite place to shop during this time. They are all fearful and need your help!
Groceries
Our grocery stores have changed their hours of operation. They are closing at nigh to disinfect and re-stock shelves. They are also limiting quantities of items that you can purchase. Hopefully, this will help distribute goods in a more effective manner.
Pharmacies
Our pharmacies are open. Some have closed their lobbies but can be reached through the drive through or curbside service.
Museums
All museums are closed to the public. Most of them still have staffers and can be reached by phone.Main St. Theatre is also closed.
Library, Senior Citizen Center
Closed indefinitely. Meal-A-Day is still making daily deliveries.
Hotels
All of our hotels are open for business and have increased their cleaning protocols.
Energy Companies
Our energy companies have closed their lobbies to visitors but can be reached by phone if needed.
Hospital
For the safety and health of the community and our ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to our hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among our patients, associates, and guests.
- (1) Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- (1) Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change)
School Districts in Hopkins County
All school districts in Hopkins County have moved to online learning.
SSISD: Free Meals for Children
SSISD Food Services is providing FREE meals for ALL SSISD students
AND any community children who are between the ages of 1-18. Meals will be available for pick-up each Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m. until further notices. Students will be able to pick up one breakfast and one lunch meal at this time. Students do not have to attend any one of these campuses to participate. Pick-up areas will be curbside grab-and-go and will be held at the following locations across Sulphur Springs:
- SSES (Lee Street bus lane)
- Bowie (Mockingbird Lane student drop off/pick up lane)
- Bush (South bus lane circle to awning), and
- Douglass (Calvert Street awning).
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Civic Center
Both are open at this time, with limited staff
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week.
Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for April 2, Slaughters BBQ Oasis.
