Wrapping up 2020

This year began with great anticipation: theaters had ambitious seasons scheduled; festivals were geared up for big summer events; the film festival an amazing list of international films; trains, dogs, and other events were on the calendar. There were a few national news stories about a novel corona virus erupting in China with no serious concerns here – yet.

Our last “normal” media interviews pre-COVID-19 promoted Union Depot’s signature Doggie Depot event. We had rescue dogs featured on TV in advance, newspaper stories and live shots from Union Depot the morning of the event. Thousands of people – many with their dogs – filled the waiting room. Doga (yoga with dogs) was held in the Head House. The best part: many people expressed interest in adopting a dog and started the process that day. Pogo, one of the dogs featured in a morning show segment, found his forever home after 360 days in a foster home.

   

By early March, COVID-19 was a household word as Americans were stricken with the virus. At a film festival media event on March 9, there was concern about holding the event in April but still hope. That was my last in-person business gathering. By Friday, March 13, meetings were canceled and organizations started serious discussions about summer events. Beginning March 26, Zoom calls filled our calendars. Soon, everyone was working from home, everyday. Parents were juggling their work hours with their kids’ distance learning schedules.

As reality hit, events were canceled or optimistically “postponed until fall.” My calendar opened up. I had time enjoy the outdoors, garden, cook from scratch, bake bread – if we could find yeast. We work with performing artists – actors, dancers, musicians, filmmakers, artistic directors — and they were seriously impacted financially and emotionally. Many of my clients turned to technology — Zoom, Crowdcast, other platforms – to bring performances to people in their homes. Masks were worn. Talent and technicians were paid! Park Square, Jazz Fest, Blues Fest and Union Depot became especially proficient in this virtual world. All television interviews were now scheduled on SKYPE or as Zoom calls.

As we entered the summer season, masks were now standard wear. It was clear that there would be no indoor events until an undetermined time in 2021. With no need to be in the Twin Cities, weekends at the lake became days at the lake filled with lake time, encounters with wildlife and outdoor gatherings with friends. I adopted a stray cat at who showed up at the lake. We tightened our bubble and stretched our lake days into November.

   

Now it is December with vaccines in the pipeline. More than 300,000 Americans have died of COVID-19. The virus is raging in Minnesota. Our bubble is small now with just two little ones and their mom. For the first time in ten years, we put up a Christmas tree and will celebrate at home. There is no way we will be able to go to Canada.

2020 is now a four-letter word.

2021 will arrive with hope and uncertainties. I am grateful for good health, and that friends/colleagues who were stricken with the virus survived. I morn the loss of friends’ elderly family members and the hundreds of thousands lost around the world.  It his heartbreaking to hear stories of those who have died alone in hospital rooms. I respect the tough decisions our leaders have had to make and hold those on the front lines — especially nurses and technicians — in highest esteem.

May this holiday season bring you all peace and joy. And as we turn the calendar to 2021, a year filled with an abundance of good things.