by 
The COVID-19 virus is turning out to be a nightmare. The danger of the disease is real and we must all do our part to keep it from spreading. Our way of life has been disrupted and the impact on our everyday lives from the economy to how we shop or entertain ourselves has changed dramatically. During this crisis, communities need to come together and help find solutions to the problems we are facing.
The people and businesses of the town of Oracle are beginning to unite in an effort to combat the virus and help sustain the economy. The post office has set up a protective plastic barrier at their service counter and employees are wearing gloves and masks. Circle K has plexi-glass barriers at their counters. More people are wearing face masks at the stores and out in public. Dollar General is limiting amounts of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bleach, Lysol, etc. to help prevent hoarding.
Arizona Zipline Adventures is closed but still operating their online general store. They have created a “Support Local” t-shirt to promote shopping locally and help their employees. The shirt comes in green or blue colors and sizes small to XXL. Cost is $20 with half of the total going into their employee fund to help support their staff while they are closed. The shirt is printed in Oracle by Arizona Zipline Adventures staff.
Oracle restaurants are cooperating and doing “take out” and curb service. Those restaurants with liquor licenses serve beer, wine and mixed drinks to go with food orders if requested. The Oracle Inn Steakhouse will be selling repacked groceries including meat and produce.
The Ore House Hilltop Tavern even sells their delicious smoked meats (pulled pork & prime angus brisket) by the pound. They are now selling select grocery items including flour, sugar, eggs, burger patties, hot dogs, buns and produce. The Oracle Patio Café & Market offers outside dining as well as take out. They are considering home delivery in Oracle of meals and groceries and this may happen soon. They have expanded their grocery section. They are giving away face masks made by one of their employees, Toni, who owns Bad Toni Designs. They accept donations for the masks. The money is evenly divided among Gather the Pieces, Oracle Learning Garden and Oracle Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation. They also have the Arizona Zipline Adventures support local t-shirts for sale.
Other people are making masks and giving them away as well as selling some at nominal cost. The Oracle Community Learning Garden at Wood Field volunteers distributed free boxes of produce, thanks to a donation from the SaddleBrooke Rotary Club, to people of the Tri-Community at the Oracle Community Center on Saturday. The produce is part of the Produce on Wheels program.
The Oracle Community Center is providing COVID-19 updates on their Facebook page in Spanish and English. Other individuals are sharing updates and information with friends. Many positive things are happening in Oracle. A community coming together realizing that we are all in this together.
Support Local T-shirts being sold to help local businesses. 
Oracle postal workers are behind a plastic barrier for protection.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
by by