Throughout the past few weeks, communities across the globe are lifting COVID-19 restrictions as governments strive to reopen the economy and test the waters of how likely it is that individuals can return to normalcy. The risks of this novel coronavirus, however, continue to plague citizens and business owners as they recover from months of quarantine and social distancing.
The small, but unbreakable community of Western Kentucky is very familiar with these risks. But despite challenges to business and revenue, many individuals and business owners across the region have taken steps of immense courage and selflessness as they have dedicated themselves to helping others in either their line of work or in their town of business.
Last month, these kinds of individuals were recognized by VUE as hometown heroes, or those throughout the area dedicating their time to serving the community in unique ways under the circumstances of COVID-19. VUE wants to continue honoring and commemorating more hometown heroes in this issue of the magazine as well, in an effort to showcase the valiant efforts of members in the community. The following stories offer insight into the sheer dedication and kindness of everyday citizens.
The local charity leaders of Paducah’s charitable organizations grace the lines of the first story. From the efforts of Sally Michelson leading the Community Kitchen, Candace Melloy directing Family Service Society and Mary Foley conducting the Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center, these dynamic women have only increased their amount of support for those in need amidst the global pandemic.
In the second story, read all about how local business owner James Burns of Minuteman Press in Paducah is teaming up with local non-profit makerspace Sprocket ensuring that personal protective equipment is made and manufactured to the workers on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. Although his business has slowed as a result of quarantine measures, he continues to work everyday to service his community and ensure that everyone has all their print needs taken care of.
Learn about how two practical nurses at Benton’s Mercy-Health Lourdes hospital volunteered to work a high-risk flu clinic in the third story. The nurses Wendy Luebker and Donna Jones demonstrate pure bravery as they volunteered to work the flu clinic so that their coworkers weren’t obligated to work the clinic and potentially bring any viral remnants home to their families.
The fourth story exhibits the kind and heroic efforts of Paducah salon owner Gayle Kaler. After the temporary closing of her salon in March due to COVID-19, Kaler worried how she was going to stay afloat and maintain her business. Her main concern, however, was the well-being of an elderly client and friend who was unable to see her husband and family due to the restrictions of quarantine. Kaler proceeded to then dedicate her time to offering aid and companionship to her client in the sweetest ways.
Hannah Hoover distinguishes the fifth story as she oversaw and cared for a patient at Mercy-Health Lourdes in Paducah with the utmost compassion. When this nurse realized that one of her patients suffering from the effects of COVID-19 was unable to see her family, she facilitated a Zoom video meeting between the patient and their family members so they could pass peacefully having been given a proper goodbye, while nurses Ali Lampert and Katelyn Wuchte used technology as well to play the patient “Amazing Grace” as she passed.
While these are just a few of the amazing hometown heroes in Western Kentucky, these individuals and business owners prove that contributions of light and love can be produced, even in times of fear and suffering. VUE hopes that the recognition of these hometown heroes fosters a deeper sense of appreciation for the community as it comes together to provide aid amidst COVID-19.
Mary Foley, Sally Michelson & Candace Melloy
Click Here to Read Story
__________________________
Ali Lampert, Katelyn Wuchte & Hannah Hoover
Click Here to Read Story
___________________________
James Burns
Click Here to Read Story
_________________________
Wendy Luebker & Donna Jones
Click Here to Read Story
_____________________
Gayle Kaler
