20 Images Of 2020 Documenting the Pandemic

Taken April 17, 2020- not the toilet paper section of the store, but the pasta shelves.

In the spring, teddy bears appear in windows and all kinds of different places. Children and adults can go around spotting them as something to do during the pandemic.

The computer is essential for spending time with family and friends in April.

"Social distancing" is a readily understood and frequently used phrase. My neighbors took to the streets with their daily version. At least most of us got outside a lot more than before. Outdoor parks and trails became overcrowded with people wanting to do some type of activity they could do Safely. Speaking of which, "Stay safe" was another phrase people used on a regular basis instead of goodbye.

Masks are essential and can be a fashion accessory or make a statement.

Sharon PD does their part in helping kids cope with anxiety by offering bicycle safety programs.

Bar Mitzvahs and other family celebrations are very small and like this one, are held outdoors with most guests attending via Zoom.

Haircuts are not available until later in the year. Everyone gets a little shaggy or they learn how to do it themselves.

My church, Hope Church, moves its services outside to a member's home, when we are able to meet in person again.

We move back inside in the fall but also stream online. Attendance is sparse in person. We go back to online streaming again at the end of the year due to a spike in Covd cases.

Restaurants have to adapt and many are open only for takeout and delivery. Sadly, many close down completely.

"Car parades" become a way to celebrate people and events.

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Sharon High School's graduation is very different. Cars line up at the train station in a "car parade" to drive to the high school to graduate one at a time and then drive on.

Marlene Chused is celebrated in the new way after she retires from her position as town clerk after many faithful years of service to Sharon.

School is online and my son-in-law and grandson are guest speakers for an online  session with an elementary class.

The train station is empty. On this evening, the train stopped and no one got on or off.

The streets were so empty in May, it was so easy to experiment with long exposure night shots, in places that wouldn't have been safe to do so before.

This is my neighborhood after a fall wind storm.  We live very close to the train station. Normally with the high level of traffic coming to and from the train station, these leaves would have been blown aside, but they blanked the road all day until the wind started up again.

There was no trick-or- treating on Halloween, but there was a very imaginative and well done "trunk-or treat" event organized by the town Rec. Department. Families stayed in their cars and drove though the displays made by various groups or individuals. They collected a bag of treats at the end.

I know you we are all still experiencing the pandemic, but I felt compelled to do this blog post to be able to look back at it in the future. Photography is so important for documenting life.