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Divergent Thinking

As we enter May, the current pandemic that we are fighting has started to become even more bizarre and surreal. Colleges and universities are closed and conducting online classes, curfews and lockdowns have been put into place and our favorite restaurants and stores are no longer safe. While we sit comfortable and safe at home, healthcare workers are continuing to battle this invisible opponent every day, on the front lines of the medical field. Although, this time is marked by closures and isolation, many stores and restaurants in local communities are finding ways to scaffold support for our nation’s essential workers. Through the use of technology, creativity, and kindness these supports are thriving.

In my small town of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, folks in the community have been busy thinking outside the box on how we can be most helpful to essential workers. A local restaurant, "The Rising Sun Inn", has decided to give back to our essential workers and families in need, by establishing a weekly meal distribution. Families, health care workers, or anyone who is experiencing hardship during this time, can "drive through" the Rising Sun Inn and pick up hearty, hand packed meals. Last weeks meal distribution was a success, handing out every meal in less than one hour. That is over 400 meals! I feel grateful to be apart of a community that is so adamant and passionate about helping others during these uncertain times. Since the Rising Sun's meal distribution has been such a success, countless other local businesses and organizations in the community have joined the movement as sponsors. Bergey's Auto Group, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Clemens Food Group, along with a number if others who have provided financial assistance and time. Not only have small communities been working together during this pandemic, but celebrities and influencers have also been joining forces to find new and creative ways to support those in need. 

Celebrity couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have partnered with the Nocking Point wine company to create a special quarantine wine. The idea behind this special wine is that 100% of the profits will be donated to charities and organizations assisting in the fight of the COVID-19 pandemic. What makes this wine so different and special is that ALL of the profits are being used to make positive things happen. Mila designed the bottle to be more enticing by using an interactive label, in which you can write a message to a friend that you are sharing the bottle with, family members around the table, or even yourself on a night in. You can purchase Mila and Ashtons wine on the Nocking Points website, as well as explore the charities that they have partnered with. I don't know about you, but I think its time to order some Official Quarantine Wine 




















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