Area businesses remain open, revise service

Spring has sprung in Linden and while the world continues to slowly shut down businesses due to the Covid-19 virus, it is almost business as usual in Linden.

The eateries have closed to dine-in customers, but are still providing to-go and curbside pick-up.

The County Seat Café is one such example of the tenacity and adaptability during these uncertain times. Owner Reeda Rhyne is committed to continuing to serve the community, offering take out and curbside pick-up with family-sized specials as well as their normal menu.

Some small business owners have had to adapt differently. Olde 1852 Market owner Jo Anna Duncan has changed her business hours and is now only allowing a limited amount of customers in at a time. Duncan has also begun accepting cards and postcards from those in the community who want to send greetings to the residents of Focused Care.

Another example of the adaptability is Crump’s Food Center. While their hours have changed, now 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and they have imposed limits on certain items, not much else has changed. Manager Chris Spencer is committed to continuing to serve the people of Linden, in the same manner, Crump’s has for twenty years.

Indeed, during this time it is the small business owners who are hit hardest. Christophe Trahan of the LEDC says that this is a time for owners to “think about how they can make their business adapt to the needs of the current social climate.” To the community he advises that social distancing and limiting exposure to public places is important while still maintaining contact with loved ones to ensure they are safe and well supplied. Trahan also advised that his office will still be open for any business owners who may need to meet with him.

This is a scary time for the people of the world, however, Robert H Schuller once said, “tough times never last, but tough people do.” This quote sums up the residents of Linden. These are indeed tough times, and yet, the residents of Linden continue to lift one another up, continue to support their locally-owned shops, and continue to be strong in the face of adversity.