Obviously, at Webb Weekly, we depend on local business. We have hundreds of local businesses that run with us each week.

Boroughs, townships, cities, municipalities all depend on local business.

Right now, however, your local businesses are depending on YOU.

Things are weird right now to say the least. Businesses are closed, you can’t sit down and have a meal in a restaurant, grocery stores are a bit insane — though admittedly, my personal experiences so far haven’t been bad. *knock on wood* It’s a lot to take in.

But instead of focusing on all the things that are no good, awful and terrible right now, let’s talk about what we can all do to help.

First and foremost, keep supporting local businesses however you can. Maybe you can’t go shopping at local retailers, but maybe you can go online, or call and purchase a gift certificate. That helps keep the cashflow coming in for them now, and you get to treat yo self after all the craziness passes — and it will pass.

If you generally stop at your favorite local restaurants or eateries a couple of times a week, keep doing that! Just get it to-go. Not only does this keep income flowing into that business and our local economy, but it also gets you out of the house a bit — and in a safe manner — if you have been cooped up and are getting a bit stir crazy.

If you don’t want to go out, again, look at purchasing a gift card to use at a later time.

The coming weeks are inevitably going to be different than what we are used to or have experienced before. Please be patient and be kind. Remember, that teenager working the check-out line at the grocery store is a child. They don’t have any control over what is and isn’t in stock, or when things will be available again. There is no reason to be anything but kind to them.

If your food delivery is taking longer than usual, be kind to your driver. A lot of places that have never offered delivery before are starting now and there is going to be a learning curve for them. Also, again, please utilize these services that restaurants are offering. Starting delivery service is a way for these places to keep people employed when they would normally be laid off. So, take advantage of what they are offering and tip them! A little louder for those in the back — TIP THEM!

But above and beyond most things, please use commonsense caution. Wash your hand frequently. Disinfect high-touch areas often. Stay home when you can. Keep your distance from others when you are out and about. Stay home if you are sick.

One last thing on the subject of local restaurants. Can we talk about what absolute ROCKSTARS a bunch of local restaurants have been in helping to make sure that local kiddos have places to eat lunch while schools are closed? I know that the schools have implemented plans to have lunches for kids, but I also know that for some kids, getting to these restaurants is easier than getting to the schools that are supplying lunch. So, THANK YOU to all the businesses that have opened their doors to our little ones. And if you are feeling extra generous consider stopping and making a donation to these folks to go towards keeping our kiddos fed! And when things start to normalize again, please remember who helped out in a time of crisis and give them your business!

Oh! And for the LOVE — stop hoarding things. Once again for the people in the back — STOP HOARDING THINGS! I can’t be more blunt about it. Stop it. It’s not helpful, nor sensible. There is absolutely NOTHING to indicate that we are going to have a shortage of supplies, food, utilities, etc. Go to the grocery store, by all means, but there is no reason to be over stocking and running stores out of basics, leaving none for people who need them.

Editor’s Note: You’ll notice that this week we don’t have a Community or Arts & Entertainment Calendar. Due to a plethora of cancellations and closings, we decided to eliminate the calendars until everyone is able to get out and about as usual. We’ll be back up and running soon! In the meantime, stay home, play a board game, or a group phone game (I suggest Head’s Up or Jackbox Games). Take a walk with the family or make Andrea’s cookie recipe on page 24. Whatever you choose to do, remember your social distancing, don’t shake hands, and be safe and healthy!