April 2020 begins with a different feel about it. Typically, our region would be excited about warm spring weather and all the activities that accompany it. However, this April is dampened by feelings of apprehension and uncertainty.
The COVID-19 virus has many in our area on edge. Many activities have been cancelled or postponed, including in-person classes and commencement at Penn State. While caution and preventative measures are a must, the suddenness and severity of these measures has added to the anxiety.
As a free society, we are simply not used to government-mandated work closures, entertainment restrictions, or supermarket shortages. Most of us have never had to deal with an extended crisis such as this, which on the surface has no estimated time of cessation. But like the many challenges our region and nation have faced in the past, this too will eventually pass.
As a media and newsgathering organization, Town&Gown, like The Centre County Gazette, has been deemed essential and is not subject to the restrictions placed on other businesses in our area. Our mission to provide the community with a source of news and information is one that we take very seriously. Our intention is to continue publishing Town&Gown each month and The Centre County Gazette each week throughout the duration of this crisis.
Our publication model is based on providing important community news with free distribution, supported exclusively by local advertising. At this time, many of our advertising partners have temporarily closed or have been restricted in how they conduct business. This has and will continue to have a direct effect on our publications, both financially and logistically.
With many of our countywide businesses closed, we have had to temporarily remap our distribution routes and pickup locations. We can’t deliver magazines and newspapers to businesses or locations that are closed or have restricted access. We will be placing more of our magazines and newspapers at those businesses that remain open, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and similar businesses. In this way, we will continue to cover all of Centre County.
While we are still open and publishing, we are very aware of the health and safety of our staff. Many of the good folks who work so hard to provide you with Town&Gown each month are now temporarily working from home. Most come into the office only when it is necessary.
We appreciate your continued readership and advertising support.
We are all in this together, and together we shall overcome this challenge.
Bernard A. Oravec
Publisher
boravec@barashmedia.com
