What’s in a Name(tag)?

I hope I’m not just another exhausted, hopeful Californian who feels that we, especially in Los Angeles County, are turning a corner in the COVID-19 fight and that the signs I think I see are real. Vaccinations are becoming more available – members of my own family, some over 85, others in the medical and first responder categories, have already received their dose – indicating that we as a population are moving forward toward a life … like before?

Getting our kids back into school seems to me tantamount to resuming a more normal life. Many parents – not all, but many – agree and are desperate to see their children return to in-person learning. Kids are as frustrated as the rest of us to resume playing sports, volunteering, learning and just hanging out with friends in person. I am disturbed to consider that it is the might of the teachers’ union that is keeping kids and teachers out of the classroom, confining both to ongoing stress and limited learning for our students. I know that the California Teachers Assn. told Gov. Newsom to have schools in counties with high COVID-19 infection rates, which includes LA County, remain in distance learning for 100 days so the state can develop a more aggressive plan to slow the spread of the virus and have all school staff vaccinated.

That seems reasonable but doesn’t address the social retardation of our students who have been confined to remote learning for nearly a year. Are we going to end up just kissing off the rest of the school year 2020 and all of 2021?

I don’t think there’s a simple answer or one that addresses all concerns.

Take a minute and read Mary O’Keefe’s story to learn what our local district is planning.

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I was on the phone – a Zoom call, not surprising – with Joy McCreary, the new Prom Plus president, and several of the organization’s volunteers. Joy asked us what we were most looking forward to after the pandemic is over. Many expressed the desire to be with others, to laugh, to hug in person. A year ago who would have thought this would be a big deal?

For me – I’d like to pin on my nametag again.

When I pinned on my Robin Goldsworthy nametag it typically was because I was attending some type of engagement, business-related no doubt but social nonetheless. It meant I would be with other business people, learning what they and their businesses were up to, or a civic club that was highlighting the work of local volunteers, or an awards ceremony that showcased our local students. It was at these types of events that I saw the movers and shakers in our community who focus on making it a better community.

I miss those chances to see these amazing people. I will share with you that just because I don’t see them in person it doesn’t mean their influence (and generosity) isn’t felt.

On the next to the last page of this newspaper – the inside back cover – you will routinely see a large ad that promotes our local restaurants or fundraising events or something similar paid for by J’s Maids and Maintenance and Chris Waldheim. Chris is someone people come to rely on to lend a hand whether for Oktoberfest, Relay for Life or the local chambers of commerce. He loves this community and is eager to help make it the best possible.

As does Steve Pierce who can be found the second Saturday of the month cleaning the on- and off-ramps of the 210 Freeway at La Crescenta Avenue.

And Harry Leon, president of the CV Town Council who actively works with our county supervisor to make sure that unincorporated La Crescenta-Montrose is not overlooked.

These are some of the people I miss seeing when I don’t have the chance to pin on my nametag. I look forward to when it’s time to pin it on again.