Zelma Fuller has a request for all downtown Bradford businesses, storeowners and residents: please decorate storefronts and windows for Easter.
“We are, most of us, feeling down,” Fuller said. “I know it is in advance of Easter, but because of the downtrodden world we are all in, we must do something.”
Decorating with images of spring flowers, Easter eggs, bunnies and ribbons would create a sense of cheer at a dark time, she suggested – and would provide a great activity for kids at home from school.
Fuller herself has two granddaughters, out of school for at least three weeks as a result of the provincial state of emergency, that she plans to engage in making crafts. She scoured local Dollar stores for simple, inexpensive craft ideas and materials.
Fuller purchased several large plastic eggs, covered them with papier maché and painted them white.
“I can’t remember the last time I did crafts,” she said. “Now I can’t wait to get busy and paint them with beautiful spring flowers.”
She has plenty of other suggestions for decorating, from braids of ribbons in spring colours to use as garlands, to large bows, old-fashioned paper flowers, or just filling the windows with kids’ artwork.
“That will brighten up the town,” she said. “We’re all down, as it is.”
She also had a suggestion for anyone in need of a boost to their spirits: “Get a bouquet of spring flowers!” It doesn’t have to be expensive (a simple bouquet of tulips can cost $10 or less) but it can do a lot to provide cheer.
Other groups and individuals are also taking steps to raise the cheer factor, despite the self-isolating and social distancing that have become the new normal.
Beloved children’s entertainer Russ Clayton had to cancel his planned March 20 concert at the BWG Public Library. Instead, the concert went ahead in his basement, and was broadcast live on his facebook page, Russ-The-Childrens-Singer.
The page also provides links to YouTube videos, Sing and Play with Russ, featuring performances of favourite songs – like Sleeping Bunnies – and a great opportunity to sing and dance along.
Bradford Community Church has closed its doors, but will be streaming its Sunday service live at 10 a.m. on Facebook , complete with music.
“We will also post some children’s programming for families through the week, and are looking at other options to stay connected to one another,” say Pastors Shane and Becky. “We just want to be responsible citizens as regards COVID-19.”
Liz Gorzo-Toffelmire reminds residents that her Ontario Eats food boxes – filled with Ontario-grown produce - are available for purchase, and will be delivered direct to the doorstep, weekly from March 27 to April 30.
The boxes include a selection of stored root vegetables from the Holland Marsh – carrots, onions, beets, potatoes, parsnips, turnip, garlic, shallots – plus greenhouse crops that include mixed greens, lettuce and radishes. For information, click here or call 416-577-1241.
And a reminder that many local Bradford businesses are struggling to remain open, while following protocols for social distancing, sanitizing surfaces and hand-sanitization. Restaurants - while no longer accepting dine-in customers - are providing take-out and delivery.
As a baseball association has been advising its members, 'Remember that local restaurant or company that sponsored your child's baseball team? Now they need your help. Shop local."
