For the better part of the last decade, Lisa Schlichtman has been the editor of the Steamboat Pilot and Today, a publication that has chronicled the history of Routt County since 1885. Despite her own lengthy career in journalism, she says nothing compares to the coronavirus pandemic.
Her team is serving on the frontlines. They walk a fine line between reporting the serious reality of the situation, while dousing the fear factor for the community. The paper is a lifeline for residents to stay in touch. Online readership has quadrupled and Schlichtman is now not only a reporter, but a counselor, a sounding board and a cheerleader. She took time out of her day to share her experiences and observations from a front row seat in a COVID-19 world.
CGR: What has struck you about the community during this crisis?
“People in Steamboat rise up to help one another during times of trouble and COVID-19 has amplified this spirit of generosity. Needs are being met in creative ways and strong leaders have emerged to guide us through this crisis. I am impressed with how people have dropped their differences to come together to fight COVID-19. We truly have proven we’re stronger together, even while being apart.”
CGR: What are your biggest concerns for the community right now?
“Of course public safety is paramount, but I’m also concerned about small businesses during the economic shutdown and the number of people who have lost their jobs. We are a mountain resort community and have a lot of unknowns. I think there is a lot of fear about opening up our town to visitors again but at the same time there is an equally strong desire to return to normal. It’s a dilemma we have to figure out together.”
CGR: What are the three most uplifting stories you’ve heard about during the crisis?
“That’s hard. Snow Bowl’s family meal program that is providing meals for locals; to date, they’ve provided over 10,000 meals. I am inspired by people’s desire to connect through nightly quarantine sing-a-longs, howling and Thursday Clap for our Carers. Also, the tiny random acts of kindness that happen throughout the community as reflected in our daily Silver Linings feature.”