If possible, support small businesses

What changes we’ve all endured recently! Hopefully the social distancing will keep the horrid statistics under control. Government loans will perhaps help our wonderful small businesses ... restaurants, hair salons, dress shops, shoe stores, book stores and others which have had to close or operate in a restricted manner. But we can help too — and personally it makes me feel good to help even in a small way. In the government’s efforts to send money to individuals in dire need of help they will of course be sending money to folks who are managing financially. Even though everyone with savings are surely taking a big hit with the stock market crash and basically receiving no interest on savings ... many of us can weather this unfortunate virus storm. Many of us aren’t worried about how to pay the rent, utilities and food for our families ... we aren’t facing the real threat of bankruptcy. Many of you are perhaps like me, wanting to save for a rainy day ... well the rainy day is here! I’ll be using some of my government money to help small businesses by buying gift certificates. Not to use now, but in the future. I hope to help the Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 707-7865483; Kalos Salon, 707-822-7756; Golden Harvest Cafe, 707-4421610; Café Nooner, 707-4434663; Gallagher’s, 707-442-1177; the Sea Grill, 707-443-7187; and my favorite bookstore — Blake’s Books, 707-839-8800. I’m looking forward to the future, when I can get my hair trimmed, buy some new shoes, treat a friend to dinner, go to the theater and then snuggle into bed with a new book — and know that in a little way I may have helped these businesses get through this difficult time. If possible, I hope you too will support your favorite small businesses. Stay well. Ellie Carr resides in McKinleyville.