“OUR CREW HAS been absolutely amazing. No days off, they’re all working overtime. Last week was crazy but we’re hoping we’ll be able to recover in the next week.”
The words of Mike Lavigne, the store manager at Super One in Marquette Township. And he says, yes, they will be looking to hire some new employees in the weeks ahead.
He says they’re running low on some products but every other day, they’re getting new loads in, and he’s confident they’ll be able to continue taking care of their customers.
Super One is running low on some products but supplies continue to come in.
Same story at Econo Foods. “There are limitations on some products,” says store manager Zach Quinnell, “not across the board, but on many products. We still have everything we need, and I’m spending most of my time trying to secure product.”
New hires there? Yep, likely.
Something new at Target. A special time for seniors and others who might have underlying health problems. Every Wednesday from now on, from 8-9 am will be reserved for them so that they can minimize their health risk.
Restaurants, of course, are closed down for dine-in service but takeout is widely available. Travel Marquette has made a list of takeout restaurants available. At last count, more than sixty businesses in Marquette County were offering takeout.
Outlanders in Marquette is one. Big business on Tuesday (St. Patricks Day), but much slower on Wednesday.
Take out is available at Outlanders but there is concern about the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re going to stay open for now,” says owner Anne Klingler, “but if this virus continues to get worse, we may have to reconsider. I don’t want my employees to get sick.”
Vango’s also had a big day Tuesday, followed by a drop-off Wednesday afternoon. Most of the front of the house has been laid off since they have no dine-in service. Some in the back, as well.
“Time will tell how long we can stay open,” says co-owner Michele Butler. “We are trying.”
The kids? No school, no YMCA, no library, no large gatherings, and a hope that somehow, they’ll be able to continue their schooling at home.
Ishpeming teachers are offering their counseling online for any parents who are having difficulty helping their children learn remotely or digitally.
Anne Asplund is retired but she’s offering her services. “Teachers are truly a close network, and if we can’t help you, I guarantee we’ll find someone who can. We want to be a supportive community.”
More…and different…support from something called Virtual Marquette. Brand new, the brainchild of Amber Johnston. A way for businesses to host an event online while we’re all locked down.
Could be a wine class, a concert, professional advice, a cooking class, a yoga session…just about anything that connects businesses to their clients.
The GoFundMe site is helping laid-off restaurant and tavern workers.
And finally support for those who suddenly lost their restaurant and bar jobs earlier this week. We wrote about the brand new GoFundMe site yesterday (Tuesday). In the last 24 hours, donors have contributed nearly $8000 dollars to the cause. Donations are still coming in. That money will be distributed Friday to all laid-off restaurant, bar and, coffee shop workers who sign up online.
Tough times, challenging us to be generous, creative, and resilient. It seems we’re up to the task.
Keep calm and Yooper on. (The sign was designed by Loyal Tees years ago but seems very applicable now.)