By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
Last week was an all-new adventure for many. As schools were postponed and jobs placed in a holding pattern, families have been looking for ways to stay busy at home. Yes, there is always laundry, chores and school reading that need attention. But this new degree of self-isolation was unprecedented.
Many families have turned to social media for interaction. In doing this a new Facebook group “MV Quarantine Events & Games” was created. Within hours the group expanded to more than 200 followers. The group consists of parents, grandparents and neighborhood members ready and willing to support each other during this time.
What has been going on in the Valley during these days of social distancing? Many have been hunting for shamrocks, looking for bears and searching for rainbows. Several families have taken to walking or riding around neighborhood streets in search of these magical items.
As pre-arranged by the group, a lot of families created brightly colored shamrocks which they placed in windows, posted on cars and even colored on sidewalks to help create the adventure for others. Kids had a good time keeping an eye out for these fun displays.
Another fun quest that sent families out again was searching for rainbows. Quite a few local residents painted rainbows on their windows. They colored rainbows in chalk on their sidewalks and garage doors.
The latest adventure is the chalk walk. Everyone was encouraged to leave a positive message or picture in sidewalk chalk for others to find on their adventures.
There are also some educational activities for younger kids. Grant Bowler kindergarten teacher Stephaine Viers is uploading a fun new story on YouTube every day. Go to https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cBAaMFmPb-g.
Of course, it is not all fun and games. There are frustrations as well. Children are social by nature and it is difficult for them to understand why they cannot go out and play together. For those that are struggling at home with school-age children who want to have sleep-overs and play dates, just know you are not alone. Frustration is a human response, its how you react that will make all the difference.
One of the most magical happenings to come out of all of this is that families are spending more quality time unplugged and enjoying the company of one another. Neighborhoods are returning to the good old days. Neighbors are sitting outside more. Many conversations between neighbors are being held over fences and from those walking by. Social distancing does not mean complete and utter darkness and isolation. It just means you have to be more creative with how to handle the situation.
So next time you see a family out for a walk, bike ride or just sitting in their yard, pass them a friendly glance, a wave and wish them a happy day.
2 thoughts on “Community Spirit Despite ‘Distancing’”
Sounds like fun! It’s snowing today so no outside adventures for us today. Lol Our school is doing online school work and I’m amazed how it works. My grandson gets to speak to his teacher and friends and the teacher reviews the days lessons and students can see and interact with her. Amazing how far we’ve come.
My grand daughter has an almost 2 yr old & she’s expecting her sister to be born any day now. She joined a web site that gave a theme of the day for a week. They shared ideas of what to do. It was a success. One day was “day at the beach” compete with kiddy pool, bathing suit, bucket of rice or, sun hat & sun glasses. Don’t forget the tanning cream. Another day was Dinosaurs. Hidden in pudding & cleaned in soapy water, hidden in oatmeal & brushed clean with makeup brush, hiking ware for the day with boots. & of course a dinosaur book. Another day, Disney day: Mickey ears, disney book, dress as a Disney character, do a dance etc. I’m sure you get the idea & with a group for ideas & encouragement there’s no end to the fun. Compare pictures with your dress up. Grocery store, school, church, no end to ideas. Just look at some of your favorite stories & be creative. Can work for any age.