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Montevallo small businesses struggle as COVID-19 restrictions continue

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBMA) — This is Main Street in Montevallo, in Shelby County, Ala. It was booming not long ago. The mom and pop businesses here give this small city of 6,600 people its personality. But now, COVID-19 restrictions have forced businesses to temporarily close or operate on a much smaller scale. Phil and Suzanne Hurst own Falcon Art Supply. It’s closed for now. And the schools it supplies are closed, too.

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Music on social media: Artists share songs of hope, strength

DECATUR, Ala. (AP) — With bars, restaurants, performance spaces, concert halls and arenas shuttered due to the coronavirus, musicians, from up-and-coming artists to regional draws to international stars, turned to social media. Performing in front of cellphones and iPads, the artists share songs of hope, strength and encouragement. “Music is essential. Vital. I’m not sure I know of a time when music is as important as it is when there’s suffering and fear,” said Decatur singer-songwriter Tim Tucker.

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Are you ready for your close-up?

In the days before COVID-19 and social distancing dominated the headlines, Montevallo Main Street Design Committee volunteers Jan and John McKinnon designed and built an interactive photo spot downtown. “The Main Street Design Committee was looking for interactive activities that would engage the public and bring them to the downtown area,” Jan said. She and her husband created a free-standing frame that invites people to take a photo under Main Street’s tagline, “Make your mark on Montevallo!”

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#Sidewalkvibes art encourages community

A tight-knit community that is known for taking care of each other, Columbiana has managed to find ways to encourage its citizens while maintaining physical activity and safe distancing. Chosen as the county seat in 1826, Columbiana has an old-town charm that lends itself well to those who need to get outside and move during the quarantine.

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Downtown Opelika adapting, improving to survive COVID-19

So, what’s it like trying to keep a shop going in downtown Opelika during the COVID-19 outbreak? “Oh, well, we’re not making what we made before,” said Southern Crossing owner Valerie Smith, “but we have actually been slammed this week with Easter. We implemented free delivery — we’ve never delivered before. And we’re doing curbside from 1-4 p.m. every day.” There has been a big run on Easter baskets for the shop, which is on South Railroad Avenue next to Ma Fia’s Ristorante.

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