Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
There are many quotes that can pertain to our crisis today, for encouragement.
C.S. Lewis said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny” and James L. Allen said, “Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.”
When tough times hit it’s often noted that tough people rise. During the pandemic coronavirus Craig County is proving to be a tough community and rising above the many obstacles that have been ‘thrown’ in its paths.
Thus far, it is reported that 149 countries now have been plagued with the Coronavirus. This “Invisible Enemy”, as President Trump called it, is hitting our world with detrimental force.
Businesses are abiding by the Governor’s orders, while still working to diligently serve the citizens of the community while citizens are stepping up to make sure their elderly or disabled neighbor, has their needs met.
In Craig, many changes have taken place and some businesses had to close per the Governor’s orders, like the Pet care and local hair salons.
Amy Horton shared that she was sad she had to close and will miss her clients.
Still, businesses in Craig are creating ways to continue to serve citizens while adhering to the strictest of cautions to prevent any spreading of the virus.
All businesses ask customers to maintain the six foot between persons CDC Guidelines on Social Distancing. And, for the protection of their customers and associates, do not enter if one is feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, including shortness of breath, fever or cough.
Family Dollar opens at 9am (9am – 10am is dedicated for seniors and vulnerable customers to shop). They close at 8pm, to stock and conduct a thorough clean even though they also clean throughout the day. “We just want to do our part in trying to ensure that we stay healthy along with our customers and our community,” Caitlin Reynolds shared from the team.
Food Country have quick and easy chicken dinners with sides and rolls for $13.99, pre-made salads, meals and special order Hunts Brothers Pizza. Made to order items include; BLT, Grilled Cheese, Hot Ham or Turkey, Potato Wedges, Onion Rings and tenders. Hours: Monday – Saturday 7am – 10pm and Sunday 9am – 9pm. Special hours for seniors are, Sunday 9am -10am and 8am -9am the remainder of the week. Call (540) 864-6221.
The Emporium will continue to provide the community with needed health supplies including Elderberry gummies and Vitamin C as well as those who enjoy organic and other items. Hours: Monday closed, Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 7pm and Sunday noon -5pm. (540) 864-7060.
Pine Top Restaurant open for to-go orders. New family meals available to feed two to eight people. “We are planning to add family meals of a couple different entrée’s as well,” Carol Owens shared. Some choices; fried chicken, meatloaf and tenders, with choice of two sides and rolls (gallon of tea). Hours: 8am – 7pm. (540) 864-5864.
Lasterday’s Melissa Beaudoin shared, “We are blown away by the community’s support…people are intentionally choosing to buy local in order to help us stay open. We are so, so grateful.” They offer to-go meals. If they have staff, they will bring the food to your vehicle or possibly deliver in town.
Some choices; the Classic Biscuit (bacon, egg and cheese), The Lolligagger (bacon, blueberry and brie), The Farmhouse (chicken, pimento cheese and tomato) and The Spicy One (chicken, grits and tobasco with an over-easy egg on top).
Their “Give a Biscuit” campaign is: ‘Have a Biscuit, Give a Biscuit. Need a Biscuit, Take a Biscuit”. Customers purchase a post-it note for $2 each, then if anyone is in need of a biscuit, they use a post-it note like cash.
Hours:Tuesday – Friday 6:30am – 11am and Saturday 7:30am – 1pm. (540) 864-5037.
Subway is having to change its hours weekly to meet executive order guidelines. They offer take out only. Order by Subway App, Remote, online or call in. Specials are offered weekly. “Thank you for your continued support!” Robbie Carper shared.
Mike Carper, for The Gopher Market and IGA Express Citgo shared that they are keeping with the recommendations to keep Craig County safe and have temporarily suspended their roller grill foods. They still offer wrapped to go hot food items; hamburgers, chic sandwiches, sausage biscuits, etc.
Carper noted that they “ramped up cleaning/disinfecting all door handles and surfaces as well as pump handles”. They welcome citizens to call if they are not feeling well and they will pump the gas for them.
“Thank you for your business and understanding through these uncertain days ahead. Keep vigilant and together we can keep Craig County safe! Let’s keep Craig County virus free and safe; together we can!” Carper added.
IGA Express hours; Monday – Thursday 5am – 10pm, Friday 5am – 11pm, Saturday 6am – 11pm and Sunday 7am – 10pm (540) 864-7031.
Gopher Market hours; Sunday – Thursday 6am – 10pm and Friday/Saturday 6am – 11pm (540) 864-6062.
Carpers Quick Mart and Supply is open Monday – Thursday 5am – 10pm, Friday/Saturday 5am – 11pm and Sunday 7am – 9pm. Coke and Pepsi 2liters are BOGO. “Spring is here!” Robbie Carper shared. “WE have seeds, fertilizer and planting needs. Starter plants of veggies and flowers coming soon!” To see weekly deals, check facebook. (540) 864-8822.
Zimmerman’s Equipment, Inc. will be open as they are considered an essential business, being part of the supply chain providing critical services to primary producers, i.e. farmers, electrical co-op and communication providers. Their staff is available and welcome phone calls or email – (540) 864-5444 or [email protected].
Guthrie Insurance had to shut down to public access as they are not considered ‘essential’ by the Governor, however they are still in the office working normal business hours, 9am – 5pm. “If an insured person needs to make a payment or has other immediate issue, we will make arrangements to meet with them,” Angie Guthrie Ponton shared. We do not want anyone to feel inconvenienced from this shutdown. You can call 540-864-6688, text 540-486-2970, fax 540-864-6689 or email [email protected]. Their website is www.guthrieinsuranceva.com.
The Farm Bureau shared their website, stating they also are restricting access to their offices. Hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm to take calls at (540) 864-6428. Robin Garst shared that they still have their drop box attached to the front of the office for convenience as well. A claim can be filed at (800) 452-7714 and to make payments of change policies after hours (888)236-7716 or www.vafb.com.
The Medical facilities have regular hours and the banks have their regular drive up window hours.
Churches are streaming live on facebook, reaching many homes during this pandemic time.
As days and weeks continue, many believe, “so will the comm-UNITY of Craig County residents”.
