Elaine Shadid
Elaine Shadid, Co-manager of Great Falls Farmers Market: “When the news first broke about the pandemic, my sales plummeted. But when they announced the school closings, my business blew up. I went from being concerned I was going to have to close, to the highest volume I have ever had for one week. Many of my customers commented that they wanted to support all the local small businesses and wanted to make sure I survived. Their support and their words meant a lot to me. There’s still huge uncertainty, but I’m going to try to continue operating as long as permitted and/or safe.”
Meghan Bentz, Great Falls: “I served as a volunteer in Malawi, where I worked to improve English literacy, girls' empowerment and HIV prevention and education. I was 4 months shy of completing my 27 month service when we were evacuated. We had a short 24 hours to pack our bags and say goodbye to all of the students, neighbors and friends who had shaped our experiences there. I was upset about leaving Malawi while grateful that the Peace Corps decided to send us home when they did. It's lovely to be home, but I continue to worry about my friends in Malawi who live in close quarters and have limited access to proper sanitation and healthcare. The fears I have around finding a job and staying safe seem insignificant compared to what my friends in Malawi may be up against. As for now, I'm self-quarantining after traveling internationally. I can't wait to hug my parents when this is all over!”