Mt. Vernon, Ohio optometrist James Edick, along with his optician Jennifer Franz and her brother Bob Durbin, have been using the recent downtime in his practice to remodel the practice’s front area.

“This is something that’s been in the planning stage for a long time now, but we didn’t have the time to do it,” Dr. Edick says. “Now, there’s the time. So, why not?”

Specifically, the three have been doing demolition work, painting and design from about 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, since March 25, two days after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a statewide stay-at-home order. Dr. Edick estimates the remodeling project will be completed within about a month from the start date. “We’re making good progress,” he says.

So, far they’ve exposed a 1920s-era-looking tin ceiling, put down a hardwood floor for the reception area and more. Dr. Edick says much of their supplies have come from Amish neighbors. OM