What is your profession/involvement in the community?
Owner of Bump ‘n Grind, Vice President of South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association, Dad.

How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
I still wake up, go to the bathroom, make, and eat breakfast. The rest of it is completely up in the air and pretty different. Kids home, wife home, business shuttered, routines altered…

Are you working more or less?
During those first couple weeks, things were really hectic as we pivoted the business from retail to online/delivery... I can’t believe I just used that word, but that’s the best descriptor of what happened. We’ve gotten into a bit of a daily rhythm which has helped create some routine to the day, but there are always things that need tending and doing, ideas that need fleshing out. That was the case pre-covid as well. It’s honestly tough to say if I’m working more or less. I work a lot, but always have. Thankfully my work inspires me and I like it.
 
What are you most afraid of?
Outside of losing a loved one, and watching people suffer, personally the main thing is my business's landlord being unreasonable and forcing me to make a really tough decision. 

What are you most hopeful for?
I have a ton of hope. I hope that a lot of people realize that getting back to “normal” might not be the best objective, that we can and should do better for our collective selves and each other. This is an amazing time. It’s exhausting and exhilarating, draining and invigorating to watch people and society ask core questions, and have the space and time to digest those questions and get deep. That’s wonderful to watch, experience, be a part of, and I think we’re only now starting to have the space to get really philosophical. Now that we’re getting comfortable with zoom classes, being in our underwear until 11 a.m., and forgetting what day of the week it is. Watching the planet breathe, seeing people walk with their heads up, smile. I know there’s a lot of anxiety out there, stress and fear but I feel that holding all of those emotions is a layer of “everything’s going to be all right. We’re going to get through this, grow up and evolve.” That’s my hope at least -- that we take a hard long look at the roots, what we’ve been up to recently, what’s important, and what we want to create. Hopefully we come out of this a more just, compassionate, and sustainable society. That’s what I’m going to be working towards. 
 
What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
1. HOMESHOOLING! Teachers are amazing. Schools are under appreciated. Having said that, I wish the schools interacted with my kids for more than an hour each day. It’s tough having to parent that much while trying to address the additional mayhem and responsibilities out there.
 
2. Frustrations with leadership and government
 
3. No hugs, high fives, gatherings :( 
 
Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
I like a lot of it, to be honest. Spending more time with the fam is cool, except when I want them to leave me alone :) I like watching the planet breathe deep and cleanse. The pollution and fog that is leaving the skies I feel is also leaving our brains. I’m having some great, unrushed conversations with people. I like spending more time with my books and records. I banged out a Corona Funk mix in conjunction with a new coffee we released: https://soundcloud.com/bump-n-grind-615929178/david-carona-funk-mix-017 

​I’m liking the lessons of letting go and slowing down. I’ve connected with a lot of old friends and everyone is much more appreciative of the little things that make life amazing and special. 
 
What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
I laid out my hope, above. It’s what I want and will work towards. The reality, in my opinion, is that there’s still a lot to unfold and I think we’re going to go through several additional societal shifts over the next year before a vaccine is made allowing us to settle into a new reality. It’s way too early to tell and there is definitely the potential for things to go to hell in a hand basket. I’m down with and enjoy a bit of mayhem and chaos, but hopefully science, sanity, and humanity prevail. 

How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
Eating, music, books, walks, exploring new areas of the neighborhood, riding my onewheel, and talking with friends and family.  Getting outside is crucial. Praise Jah that this is happening during spring!

When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
YOU SHOULDA BEEN THERE! IT WAS WILD, MAN! My friend wrote, “Amazing times: 7.6 billion people are locked inside because someone ate a bat. The person leading our nation through this crisis is a 5-year-old and you can get all the advice you need about the situation from the Twitter account of a company that sells frozen cheese steak meat.”

Amazing times! I’m truly thankful to be alive right now. It’s weird to say I’m enjoying it, but I find the unknown a bit exhilarating, I see a lot of opportunity and I believe in “us.” This is the biggest global event since WWII -- something that everyone on this planet can and will relate to. It is hopefully the galvanizing moment that connects us. Unfortunately we’ve got Trump instead of FDR but this will outlast him. Real leadership is emerging. Humanism is emerging. I hope it continues to grow and guide us through these times and into the future.  
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What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
You all are amazing. Keep crushing it! I started a neighborhood business, in my neighborhood, built on three pillars: Coffee . Music . Community. The community is and has really come through. Ordering beans, records, swag has helped keep the wheels turning. They also came strong in our effort to provide coffee to the frontline workers and staff at Holy Cross. We’re currently working on doing the same for Shepherd’s Table, who take care of some of our most vulnerable neighbors and could use your support.

We got this. We will get through this, but we need to do what we can, be smart, considerate, and take care of each other. Please don’t get overwhelmed, so much is simply out of your control. You can control your attitude, your breath, and how you treat others. Focus on that, and every now and then, turn the volume up and have a little dance :)

What is your profession?
I am a mental health therapist.

How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus? 
Life is very funny and unpredictable. During the corona virus pandemic, I was diagnosed with a serious illness that was totally unrelated to the virus. The illness had to be treated immediately with surgery. Because of this I had to stay home and heal for at least two weeks. Healing was made easier because there is nowhere that I can go because of the virus. 

Professionally, as a mental health therapist, I have not been seeing clients in my office. I have been seeing them virtually through a secure website or talking on the telephone. This is very different for me and not the method that I prefer to work in, but I am happy to still be able to provide counseling and assisting my clients. 

Are you working more or less?
I am working the same.

What are you most afraid of?
I am not really afraid. To be honest it is just an adjustment. I guess having the personal health crisis that I've had has been a distraction from the virus that I could possibly catch. However, I do not want to pass this virus on to anyone. That is scary.

What are you most hopeful for?
That we will continue to support each other. When I see people clapping for our health workers, or people giving away food in the parking lot of a community center, I know that the selfishness that is being portrayed in the media is just a media sensation. I am hopeful about hope. 

What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
Having a serious medical diagnosis during this time has been significantly challenging. I did not have access to some medical services that were deemed elective because of the COVID-19 virus. My health was prioritized and never compromised, but I think that people need to realize that there is more to life than lack of access to toilet paper, when you may not have access to medical services. 

Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
I get to spend a lot of time meditating and praying. It is very peaceful. 

What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
Instant gratification can always be taken away. And there are so many things in life that you cannot control. 

How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
Prayer and meditation are priceless. I also go for a walk once a day. I talk to my friends a lot. And Tiger King. Where would any of us be without Tiger King?

When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
That baby, there was a lot going on. But life is funny and unpredictable. And so is resilience. 
​
What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
That we have a beautiful, loving and giving community.  We are a diverse community with many different languages, cultures, gifts and talents. But we all communicate kindness the same way. 

What is your profession?
I am the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of the Association of Academic Health Centers. 
 
How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
I started working from home on March 13. I only go out to take walks and occasionally shopping and picking up food. I've been to the grocery store twice, the pizza shop twice, and the liquor store twice. I went to the bird seed store, but didn't get out of my car. I haven't seen my friends and family for over a month, except for one time when my daughter came to bring me oatmeal because I couldn't get it at the store. I'm getting to know my neighbors and their children and dogs. 
 
Are you working more or less?
About the same. Working from home isn't as easy because I don't have the proper tools, so things take longer. Getting responses and feedback from coworkers also takes longer because we aren't together in the office. 
 
What are you most afraid of?
Myself or someone I know getting sick because people aren't taking self-isolation seriously enough.
 
 
What are you most hopeful for?
Treatment, testing, and vaccines being developed quickly. 
 
What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
Staying motivated. I keep busy, but I'm sitting a lot, not getting enough exercise, and not eating very well. Sometimes a whole day goes by, and I think "What did I do today?" 
 
Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
I love working from home. I don't miss going into the office at all. I love not having a one hour commute twice a day. It will be hard to go back. 
 
What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
Probably nothing unfortunately. Our country's leadership doesn't lead well, isn't honest, and doesn't care about regular people. But many people in our country trust and admire our president. That tells me that no one is learning anything from this experience. 
 
How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
Keeping busy with crafts, cooking, and new projects like learning to play the guitar. Sleeping is difficult sometimes, I have dreams about the virus, and sometimes I get very anxious. But most of the time I feel ok. 
 
When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
That despite the difficulties, my friends and family worked hard to protect themselves and others. I've never experienced anything like this, and I feel lucky that I have my job and continue to get paid, but many people are not lucky and are suffering, either from the virus or from economic consequences. 
 
What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
Everyone in my neighborhood is doing well with social distancing, and I want them to keep it up! I appreciate the neighborhood rallying together with activities such as the bear hunt, and the chalk drawings. 

What is your job/title/relation to the community?
I’m Vice President of the Parkside Plaza Condominium Homeowners Association (PPCA), a “vertical village” of over 200 households on 18 floors. Since the first of March I’ve also been the Covid19 lead / point of contact for residents and staff.

How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
I used to travel away from home nearly 50% of the time and am now grounded.  When at home, I was out in the community (by car) on a daily basis. Am now in my car once a week if that often. I’m sleeping more, reading more, and happily eating more healthfully. I’m also walking extensively on a daily basis.

Are you working more or less?
Definitely more. I’m retired and my “work” responsibilities are voluntary service positions. PPCA responsibilities pre-Covid were quite secondary to my service as chair of the international Board of Trustees for a UK-based charity with operations in 37 countries. Both time commitments have increased since Covid19, and PPCA is now roughly equal to the charity.

What are you most afraid of?
Forgetting to place as much priority on my own physical, emotional and spiritual health as I do on the health of others here and around the world. My community of friends and family is global and I have friends who have been ill and thankfully recovered in Sweden, Kenya, the UK, New York. Sadly, a NYC friend’s grandfather died last Thursday and the husband of my recovered friend in Sweden is gravely ill and unlikely to survive. Another friend helpfully – and forcefully! – reminded me that it’s important to put on my own oxygen mask before helping others.

I’m also afraid that self-interest and the American “up by your bootstraps” fable (that is really just a cover story for, “I’ve got mine; you get yours”) will win out over empathy and mutual responsibility as we define whatever emerges as the new normal.

Growing income inequality has proven that unbridled capitalism more realistically defines the “American dream” than any notion of equal opportunity to succeed in life. Covid19 is a stress test on steroids for how we treat those on the margins and those with less access – to health care, good jobs with adequate benefits, safe housing, you name it. We’re not looking too good so far.

On a very concrete level, I’m fearful that the science- and fact-denying people on the political fringes of American life will literally blow up any meaningful attempt to flatten the curve in a lasting way.

What are you most hopeful for?
That the earth is getting a chance to rest and that many aspects of life – commerce, personal satisfaction, adventure – which we thought required getting on airplanes, really doesn’t.

That people are discovering how deeply we need one another and are actively deepening relationships despite physical distancing.

What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
I’m an introvert to a fault and disciplined myself before Covid to get out and engage – at church, in community meetings, connecting with friends – and now that is all much more difficult. Despite my introversion I’m also a hugger and I deeply miss direct human contact.

 Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
It has felt good to be more consciously self-reliant. I have never been much of a cook (successive boyfriends who were gourmet cooks), but I’ve enjoyed dusting off my limited repertoire and learning how to cook new things. It’s also been good to realize how many things that I once considered essential were in fact easily done without or just consciously rationed.

What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
In other parts of the world (Germany, a prime example) we’ve quickly learned that facts, science, and preparation matter. The U.S. is tragically behind the learning curve of developed nations. I hope (as noted above) that as the human family we learn that empathy is a higher calling than individual success.

How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
Long walks have become treasured parts of my day. I am consciously connecting with friends and family members on a daily basis. I take the opportunity once a week to enjoy a safely physically and socially distanced dinner with a treasured friend. Online worship on Sundays (both my local Episcopal Church and from Washington National Cathedral) is deeply meaningful.  

When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
That I was strangely grateful that I had 30 years of experience working nationally and internationally on the HIV pandemic and did my best to apply everything I had learned to help my community – my friends and neighbors – cope with this more recent pandemic.
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What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
That we have incredible capacity to care for one another and to keep one another safe by making simple changes in our behavior. And if we are privileged to have secure income, we have an obligation to be as generous as possible to those who don’t.

What is your profession/involvement in community?
Author, Just up the Pike, and transportation planner at Toole Design Group.
 
How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
Growing up I spent a lot of time watching TV and in the summers I didn’t have places to go – I was stuck in the house all day. So some days I joke that I’ve been training for this all my life.

I’m working from home and I’m still getting paid. I have an office here at home and I’m able to shut the door, which in some ways is better than a cube at work.

We’ve been getting a lot of exercise – going on a lot of walks. And I’ve been reflecting on the things I miss. I realize the things I miss are simple: like I miss going to a restaurant and just sitting in that restaurant. I miss hugs. I miss the routine of seeing people after work. There were a couple of concerts I had planned to go in March that got cancelled and that’s a bummer.

I had planned to speak at a conference in Portland, which also got cancelled. The irony was that was on my birthday – so I spent my birthday at home, which created a new problem. I spent several weeks fretting over where I was going to get a cake. My favorite bakery closed. William and our friend May surprised me with a big chocolate cake the night of my birthday. We did give a couple slices away, discreetly dropping them on people’s porches. I look forward to celebrating my birthday some way when this all over.

Are you working more or less?
I changed my schedule. I used to work 4 days a week. I’ve found it’s hard to sit at my desk for 8 hours a day. I now do 5 6-hour days. I get a later start on the day, which is nice. Some days are harder than others. Mondays are still hard.

What are you most afraid of?
I worry about money. We have plenty of savings. But I sometimes wonder how long we’ll be able to last if things get really bad.

I also hope that people don’t use social distancing as an excuse to indulge their own nastiness. I’ve seen the way people behave in public, like when I go out and see people who just look scared of other people. I really hope people are able to bounce back from that.

The other thing that scares me are those who feel that they should dictate how other people should live at this time. Like, posting a photo on social media of children playing basketball and saying that’s not okay. It’s a privilege to have a big house and a yard and be able to quarantine yourself comfortably. A lot of people in our community may not have that, and being at home isn’t a great experience for everyone, especially if your home is crowded or if you just don’t have a good home life. I feel bad for folks who are in bad domestic situations at this time. Or I think about when my mom and other members of my family moved here in the 70s. They lived in a crowded apartment and my uncle said if you wanted alone time, you had to go to a park. Folks who want to post on Facebook about kids playing outside should butt out and focus on their own stuff.

What are you most hopeful for?
It makes me hopeful to see people who are stepping up to help those in need. Also, our neighbors on the block have a drum jam and people come out and bang on an instrument of their choice. It’s fun and we’ve met a lot of neighbors that way.

I don’t know that I want to live the rest of my life on zoom, but it is cool to see how people are taking advantage of the technology that is available today. I’m also curious to see how this will change everything. This is one of those moments like 9/11, where there was life before and life was after. It will be interesting to see how life will change for the better and for the worse.
 
What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
It’s hard always knowing what you’re supposed to do. The uncertainty of the situation has been challenging. Here’s a simple example of what I mean: I had planned to buy myself a bike for my birthday. At first, the stay-at-home order was voluntary. It was unclear if bike stores would be declared essential, so I rushed to the bike store to get a bike. That kind of uncertainty has been challenging.
 
Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
We moved into our house in November and before the shelter in place order we were both working so much that we didn’t get much time to actually be at home. Over the last few weeks we’ve really gotten to know every part of the house. I’ve gotten to start house projects, too. It’s been nice watching the seasons change. We have a lot of trees that I can see from our window, and watching buds bloom to flowers and give way to leaves has given me a new appreciation for the passage of time. Spring is always busy for me, so during this is the time of year I’m always wishing I could slow down and take stock of things and I’ve gotten that a little bit.
 
What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
I hope all those people who don’t normally wash their hands will start washing their hands. I already felt the world was kinda gross before this. This has only confirmed my suspicions.
 
How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
We are always working on making sure we each have enough alone time. That can be challenging. I’m also trying not to indulge bad food habits. During this time last year when I was stressed out I would eat out more – I would go and get fast food. This year I’m trying to do that less. I still have all of my favorite sweets in the house, but I’m trying to portion control and eat sparingly.
 
When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
I’m probably going to say it was fine for us and awful for a lot of other people.
 
What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
Stop snitching on your neighbors for doing things you don’t personally approve of. 

What is your profession/involvement in the community?
Marine biologist at NOAA, and also a part-time musician. I play with the bands King Teddy, The Hula Monsters, and the Grandsons. I’ve lived in Silver Spring since 1997 and have been active in bringing Hawai’ian music to the community as well.

How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
The world has shrunk. None of us have the freedom to go where we want to, when we want to, anymore. I’m not commuting to work. I’m teleworking. We definitely aren’t going out as much anymore. Things that we did just two months ago – very normal things, like shopping – are now fraught with implications.
My girlfriend Karen's birthday was in the second week of March.  We went out to dinner that evening to celebrate. That entire weekend things were changing – shops were closing, events were being cancelled. We may have been the last sit down customers at a nice restaurant. We were in there and the floor was empty.

As for bands, I haven’t seen any of my band mates. My last gig was February 16. Usually I have a gig at least once a week. I’ve had several cancelled since then. Each of the bands I’m in have had events cancelled. There are gigs on the books coming up, but obviously none of us know if those things are coming back.

Are you working more or less?
I’m more or less working.

I am working. I have the same job and should be doing the exact same things, but I’m used to being in an office environment with people around and two large monitors in front of me. I’m working on learning how to do the same kind of work alone and from a laptop with a single screen.

As a musician I am working not at all, but I’ve found there is an upside to that. I play bass in the bands I mentioned earlier, and I’ve been playing the same songs on the same bass for 20 years. I don’t mean that in a cynical way -- these bands have a great repertoire. But during sequester, I’ve taken to getting out the guitar and playing Beatles songs. I find I’m a better guitar player now than I was 50 years ago. I also still play ukulele. I still love Hawai’ian music.

What are you most afraid of?
I think for a lot of us, the most immediate fear is the personal health and safety of us and our loved ones. I don’t harbor any illusions that this could not strike any one of us at any age. I’m worried for myself. I’m worried for Karen, my partner. I’m worried for my son. Mostly I’m worried for my 91 year old mother. She lives alone in Illinois and is able to function well. Her primary concern at this time is making  it to the store once a week to get cat food for her cat. I call her every day. She’s in the age group that this is known to be most dangerous for, but because of her living situation she is able to stay away from major hazards.

Second biggest fear: I’m afraid of how social things have been broken. Live music and dancing is a wonderful thing. That may not come back the same way. My band mates and I will play again, but part of our gigs are summer park concerts and swing dances. Whether those come back or not, I don’t know.

This is an unusual virus and I’m also afraid that we may have only seen the beginning of the epidemic. Some states want to try to reopen some businesses, but I see good reason to stay the hell away, stay home, stay safe, and to keep our hands washed for months to come. The only recent precedent for anything like this is over 100 years ago. Something like a third of the world caught the Spanish flu in 1918. The death rate was staggering. If what we experience in the coming months is anything like that, it will be truly horrific. My fear is that this will be like that – that it will be longer and worse than we really anticipate now.

What are you most hopeful for?
I mentioned earlier how this has made our world shrink. I think our world shrinking in this way has prompted us to focus on what’s important. Being with someone all the time makes you focus on that relationship. It makes you take care of each other and learn what the other person needs. We find out what we miss and what we won’t miss.

In that sense, I hope we can all use this to redesign our lives to focus on what’s important. My hope is that we’re able to use this to improve our lives by shedding things that are less important to us, and nurturing the things that are more important. I hope we learn to take of each other in a local way.

What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
Not seeing my son, Sam, who is a senior in high school. I’m in the habit of going up to visit him every two or three weeks. I have not done that since his birthday in early March. Of course we talk on the phone, but that’s just not the same as being there in person. I’m sad I won’t get to be there for the end of his senior year.

Not playing music for live events is also difficult. 

Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
Yes, I’ve found things to like about the shrunken life, like home cooking, gardening, pets, and home music.

What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
I hope we learn something.

I think all of us are learning things, but I think we will bring our own baggage to what we will learn.

How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
Nature is my refuge. I don’t have a home gym, so I get out and hike in Rock Creek Park, in Sligo Creek Park, and other areas.

I also take charm in animals. I saw a story on my news feed about a fellow in Pennsylvania who builds picnic tables for squirrels because he enjoys watching the squirrels eat. I saw a picture of the tables and I thought, “I could do that.” So I’ve been building these little picnic tables and installing them around fences and railings.
 
When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
I don’t have the best answer because I feel like we’re still in it and its still playing out. I will say, I think this will be a cultural turning point. I think we’ll all have stories about how we survived it and how we all found out about what was important.  
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What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
To the ones I haven’t seen in person: I miss them. I think of people. I want them to stay safe and figure out what the important things are in their lives and to nurture those things.

What is your profession/involvement in the community?
Co-founder Source of the Spring.

How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
That’s the funny thing. I’ve been living like this for years. I have my office and that’s where I spend most of my time. It’s just not that much different. My day-to-day existence hasn’t really changed – except for the fact that my wife is home now and she’s working and I have to respect that she’s on video conference calls and do the minimum to try not to disrupt them in anyway. Fortunately we have a flexible floor plan. In terms of being around during the day, I mow the lawn, I do laundry, I weed the garden.

I’ve always been a voracious reader, and as long as I can remember I’ve always been perfectly happy to be home alone with a book. It does not bother me to be home alone with a book. My wife jokes that I never want to go anywhere.

Are you working more or less?
The news business has slowed down in terms of the variety of what I’ve been covering. Right now there are just no news stories that aren’t related to the virus. Even the county council and the state – they are very much focused on trying to deal with various aspects of the virus, helping small businesses, those sorts of things. Financially we’re in a rough spot, but we’re not the only ones.

What are you most afraid of?
My wife and I talked about this – you hear about people who are stressed out and they have anxiety, but that’s not really affecting us. If I was retired and dependent on my IRA it might be a different story.

What are you most hopeful for?
I’d like to see all this end, like anybody else. I’ve been joking that when we get out of this alive, I’m going to go around hugging everyone I see until the police arrest me. Obviously I’m not actually going to do that, but I could see that happening because people are so starved for human-to-human connection. We talk to our friends via Zoom almost weekly. We have a Friday virtual happy hour. We stay in touch that way. It’s not the same as sitting around in someone’s kitchen or going to a restaurant, but its something.

What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
I’ve never experienced anything like this. I don't think any of us have. It’s one thing to go through a recession, but this is not like that. You could argue that we are in a recession and we’re not going to pull out of it for awhile. But the whole stay-at-home thing puts a completely different spin on it.

I have this new granddaughter, Madelyn. She is two months old today (the day this interview was conducted). We had hoped to visit over Easter and spend time with her, but we’re under stay-at-home orders. Madelyn and her parents are in Pennsylvania and they’re under stay-at-home orders. We’re living vicariously through their Instagram and Facebook photos, or things my son texts me. That’s the one thing that I wish I could do that I’m not able to do. Theoretically, I could go up to Pennsylvania, but why risk it?

Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
Well, my dogs love it. When my wife previously worked from home, our dog Odin used to be clingy and demanded attention. Now that she’s been here for 5+ weeks, he has eased off that. Both of our dogs like to be where we are, and they like having people around the house all day.

One interesting observation: the first week or two of the stay-at-home order, there were so many people on the sidewalk walking around the neighborhood. I was seeing people I’d never seen before. But the novelty of that seems to have warn off. The volume is just not what it was for the first couple weeks.

What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
Probably nothing. I know it sounds cynical, but when you think about big events, what do we learn about anything? 9/11 happened and now we take our shoes off in the airports...

I’d like to think that there would be a new appreciation for the workers who are getting this through this. Not just the healthcare workers like nurses and doctors, but the people in the grocery stores and pet stores. The guys out there picking up our trash. The restaurant workers who are still able to work and provide us with carry out or delivery.

The thing that would tell the difference is if we start paying these people a respectable wage. Some in Congress don’t want to give them anything. You compare what other wealthy nations are giving their people on a monthly basis – ensuring citizens have a steady basic income – and we’re sending out $1200 checks. It’s just laughable.

I don’t have a whole lot of hope for things like a $15 minimum wage, especially nationally. But if there was a real change, that’s where you would see it and that’s where it would make a real difference. We need to show these people that we appreciate them.

How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
The same way I always did, but with less exercise. That’s the one thing I miss – I played basketball every Sunday night at one of the high school gyms. The guys I play with and I are no longer able to do that. It was nice to see those guys every week. A couple of them would tell me that that pick-up game was the highlight of their week. They’d work long hours – some of them are gov’t attorneys, things like that - and that was their chance to get away and forget about things for a while.

When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
I would probably tell my granddaughter about how strange the whole experience has been, and about the different ways people reacted and coped – the different things people did either to keep themselves busy or feel some sort of human connection.
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What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
I’m still alive. Local news is still important. It has a role in building a community. It gives the community a common source of information, and I hope Source of the Spring creates a sense of community in Silver Spring and Takoma Park.

What is your profession/relation to the community?
I am co-owner of Kefa Cafe.
 
How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
For us, the biggest impact has been lack of contact with our community. The way we run our business isn’t just to grab lots of money. Our purpose is to have a space for people to share whatever is going on in their lives. People come and talk. Not having that is the hardest.
 
Are you working more or less?
Lots less. I only go to the store once a week, because it doesn’t make sense for the two of us -- my sister and I -- to stay there. My sister is at the shop four hours a day. I’m working more on applying for grants and things like that. That’s what I’ve been doing. This past Saturday we did make 60 sandwiches for the homeless shelter.
 
What are you most afraid of?
I’m worried that things like wearing masks will become the new normal. If we keep going the way we’re going, I’m worried that people could lose freedom and individual rights. And I think this poses a lot of questions about what we value in society. It makes you wonder: what are we really doing? How are we going to change this? And how will the lives of people who are just trying to live day to day change? When I think about the unknowns, that’s what scares me the most. 

What are you most hopeful for?
My hope out of this is that each one of us starts looking at our priorities and asks what is important in life. I hope we start caring for each other more. I’m not just talking about in your circle or among your family, but that we all starting caring for each other more as friends and neighbors.
 
What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
Trying to figure out the unknown. Are we going to be able to keep the shop? I don’t know. Are we going to be able to stay? What will we be doing six months or a year from now? I just don’t know. Thinking about the unknown is hard. How do we pay the rent? How will this affect our children?
 
Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
Being with people is my calling, and I’m so grateful I have a very understanding husband and daughter who have allowed me to do this. For such a long time we have not sat down and eaten a meal together as a family because I am always at the store. Now, my family and I eat together every day. We eat breakfast every day. We each lunch together. I think that is really cool.
 
What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
I think we will learn what is important in life. I think people will also focus on what they want to be remembered by, and ask themselves “what am I doing for the human race?” What will you do before you leave this earth to make it a better place? I think people will learn about what love really is and what caring really is, and not to be so self-centered. I hope that’s what we learn, anyway.
 
How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
I try to listen to a lot of motivational speakers. I try to do some yoga and meditation. I listen to positive things at least once a day.  

When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
It was a time to really reflect and see what is important in life. It was also a very scary time. There were a lot of unknowns.
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What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
My sister and I are so grateful to have a business in Silver Spring. Opening our store in here is the best decision we ever made. I don’t have words to say how grateful we are. People have been coming to buy gift cards, so that whenever we reopen they can use them. People just stop by to say hello, or they email to say how are you doing? It’s a beautiful thing. We feel like the community is our extended family and we are so grateful to live where people care and show love. 

This past weekend I took my camera out to Sligo Creek to document my home in the time of Coronavirus. My intention was to focus on place. I wanted to capture natural and environmental elements, like water, leaves, rocks, and bridges.

Yet, as I walked around, I was acutely aware that I was also surrounded by other people. People who, like me, find themselves living in an extraordinarily complex, complicated, and scary time.

​I began wondering: How have the lives of my friends and neighbors changed since the shelter in place order? What are their biggest fears and biggest hopes? What do they think we will collectively learn from this experience? 

When I got home, I couldn’t shake these questions.

So, I asked.

I reached out to friends and neighbors to see if I could interview them. So far, the responses have been remarkable.

Over the last few days, I’ve documented the lives of people I know, and some I don’t, here in Silver Spring and Takoma Park. I’ve spoken with personal friends, local business owners, political leaders, cancer survivors, people who are still working, and those who have been laid off.

I’ve heard stories from people who are struggling to adjust to a new life full of monotony. Of those who are immunocompromised and worry about going outside. Of challenges accessing unemployment benefits. Of new projects started and philosophical meditations on what the future may hold. Mostly, I’ve gotten a glimpse into how people in our community are living — and coping — in one of the most extraordinary times in American and world history.
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Stating this weekend, I’ll begin publishing these accounts on my blog so others can see them, too. Each interview will be presented in a Q and A format and be accompanied by at least one image of the person or people I’ve spoken to (taken from a safe distance of 6 feet or more away). 

For now, I wanted to offer a glimpse of what friends and neighbors have to say about life in the time of Coronavirus.

​Here are just some of the people I’ve spoken to, and a sampling of the questions I've asked:

Q: What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?

"Staying motivated. I keep busy, but I'm sitting a lot, not getting enough exercise, and not eating very well. Sometimes a whole day goes by, and I think 'What did I do today?'"  -- Linda Perlman Tabach, Silver Spring

Q: Who or what do you worry about?
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"It’s a privilege to have a big house and a yard and be able to quarantine yourself comfortably. A lot of people in our community may not have that, and being at home isn’t a great experience for everyone, especially if your home is crowded or if you just don’t have a good home life. I feel bad for folks who are in bad domestic situations at this time."  -- Dan Reed, Silver Spring

Q: What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
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"I’d like to think that there will be a new appreciation for the workers who are getting us through this. Not just the healthcare workers like nurses and doctors, but the people in the grocery stores and pet stores. The guys out there picking up our trash. The restaurant workers who are still able to work and provide us with carry out or delivery."  -- Mike Diegel, Silver Spring

Q: How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?

​"Prayer and meditation are priceless. I also go for a walk once a day. I talk to my friends a lot. And Tiger King. Where would any of us be without Tiger King?"  -- Dr. Lilly Walker Shelton, Silver Spring

Over the course of the coming days and weeks, I hope to document the lives of dozens of members of the Silver Spring and Takoma Park community. My goal is to talk to teachers and students, religious leaders, small business owners, frontline workers, parents, and private citizens. I want to learn about our collective hopes and dreams, our biggest challenges, and our greatest triumphs. Mostly, I want to build connection and create community at a time when we need it the most.

If you live or work in Silver Spring or Takoma Park and are interested in having your life documented at this time -- or know someone who has a unique experience and is willing to share -- please contact me.
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To all those who have made this project possible, I thank you for your time and generosity.

To the neighbors who will respond on the future, I look forward to getting to know you.

​And to everyone reading -- stay healthy and safe. We will make it through.

Just over a week ago, Montgomery County officials closed three miles of Sligo Creek Parkway to traffic so area residents could safely exercise as we all work to socially distance to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Cliff and I have taken the shelter-in-place order seriously. We've done our best to not venture out during the coronavirus pandemic, which means I haven't taken advantage of the street closures.

That changed today. After five weeks of doing my best to stay indoors, I realized not getting out wasn't healthy. I also realized I was missing an opportunity to document a historic moment in time. So, late yesterday, just as the sun was setting, I grabbed my camera and took these photos of Sligo Creek.