PEABODY — Moving to a new place usually involves a lot of heavy lifting, literally.
From packing boxes to changing over essential services such as cable, electrical and telephone; or to arranging for your mail to be forwarded to the new address, there are plenty of moving parts to coordinate. No doubt they elevate stress and anxiety. And that’s just in normal times.
But moving in a pandemic?
Julie Daigle, Director of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, said that other than having to sit through a month-long delay, the chamber’s recent move across town in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis wasn’t such a headache after all.
“We were scheduled to move the day after the governor’s announcement that shut down the state, so obviously that wasn’t happening,” she said. “But after four weeks, we were able to physically move our stuff and work in the new office. It was like any move, it’s the kind of thing you don’t want to spend any extra time or money or lost mail on, but we love the new space, I love our new neighbors. It has such a cool and different vibe.”
Daigle said the delay didn’t affect the chamber’s ability to support its members, many of whom were reeling from the financial impact of the shutdown, with staff members manning the computers and phones to offer assistance.
For Daigle, there is no such thing anymore as a daily routine.
“At first, I was trying to work on the Payroll Protection Program, things like getting the information out to our members, but we are all working on the fly with shifting priorities. Things are good, but every day is different. As an example, (last) week, whatever I came in on Monday to do, I don’t think I had started any of it as of Wednesday. I’ve been spending a lot of time on the phone talking to people about resources, and it’s just a million different things every day.”
Daigle said the chamber is picking up new members on a regular basis and that it has added some new opportunities.
New member Access, located on First Avenue in Centennial Park, offered a service Friday where area residents could have their sensitive documents shredded. In exchange, residents were asked to make a donation to Jasmine Grace Bags of Hope, an outreach program that reaches out to vulnerable women who have been victimized by porstitution, sex-trafficking or addiction.
“We’re hoping to do this every Friday,” said Daigle.
The next major chamber event is the Torigian Golf Classic Thursday, Aug. 20 at The Meadow at Peabody. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. and features numerous raffles and prizes along with lunch. A wide variety of sponsorships is still available. To register online or obtain additional information about playing or becoming a sponsor, visit www.peabodychamber.com. Sponsorships and entry fees can also be made by calling the chamber at 978-531-0384 or mailing a check payable to PACC, 58 Pulaski St., Building B, Floor Unit 7, Peabody, MA 01960.
Daigle said big things are happening at Mills 58, which has become a hot spot in the city.
“It’s incredible, it has grown to over 100 businesses with photographers, antique shops, a test kitchen for butcher block, just such a variety of businesses,” she said. “Our office space is on the smaller side than before, but we love it,” adding she is excited that a food court will be opening in August.
“When I heard that, I couldn’t believe it, they will have so many different foods, like pasta, sushi, grill and gelato. All in all, we just love everything about being here. It was well worth the wait.”
