SPECIAL: Social distancing can feel lonely. Here are five ways to maintain community during COVID-19
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the U.S., thousands of in-person gatherings are being canceled, including sporting events, parades, concerts and church services. For many, the CDC recommendations on social distancing can start to feel isolating. People who have anxiety and depression can have their symptoms exacerbated, and people who are not normally depressed or anxious can start to feel disconnected and lonely.
However, there are ways to maintain community while still being responsible, according to Laura Schopp, professor and chair of the Department of Health Psychology in the School of Health Professions at the University of Missouri.
“We can mitigate the effects of social distancing by reaching out to others in different ways,” Schopp said. “It is very empowering when everyone feels like they have a place to make a contribution.”
Schopp can provide the following insight for maintaining community:
Call
or video chat with family and friends. Connecting with others virtually can
build a sense of community during a difficult time.
This
includes virtual gaming, checking in with people through text messaging and
hanging out in video group chats. People can consider using phone trees to
check in on family members and to keep everyone posted on how they are doing.
You can play board games using video chat or FaceTime, and you might want to
consider a brief daily group call with a small group of friends to plan what
you will do today in the event that you cannot get out. Just make sure that
your conversations include non-virus-related topics, since it can be easy to
focus on the virus and forget all the things that are going well.
If
it is safe to do so, spend time with one or two other people in-person.
Remember,
it’s okay for small groups of ten people or fewer to still spend time together.
The CDC defines “social distancing” as maintaining six feet of distance between
yourself and others, when possible. Make sure to wash your hands and wipe down
surfaces before and after spending time together. If weather permits, go
outside! Sitting around a fire pit can be a way to pass an enjoyable evening.
Walking outside is a great way to relieve stress, appreciate nature and enjoy
the outdoors. Consider walking on a local trail, or a trip to a local park now
that the weather is warming up. If your home is set up for it, a Netflix night
with a one or two people can allow you to enjoy each other’s company while
still sitting six feet apart.
Cook
a meal for a friend, family member or neighbor who doesn’t cook or deliver
groceries to someone who is housebound.
This is
a small way to make a big impact and will also brighten your day. Consider
leaving kind notes for others outside their houses or an occasional small
gesture of care, such as a small jar of cut flowers or a book you’ve recently
enjoyed. Make sure others who cannot leave their houses have your cell phone
number. Also, don’t forget to ask about their pets — do they have enough cat
litter or dog food? Additionally, consider sharing suggestions for funny videos
or classic movies you have enjoyed.
Greet
someone with warmth without shaking hands.
There’s
no need to avoid eye-contact and smiling at your neighbor. We’re all in this
together. A polite wave can make a great morale booster during these tough
times.
Share
resources, if you are able.
If you
have extra toilet paper or cleaning supplies available, consider sharing your
surplus to benefit others. Food banks, homeless shelters and other local
agencies need your donations. Many people struggle in the best of times to
ensure that their families have the resources they need, and the virus puts
even more pressure on individuals and organizations just when securing those
resources may be most challenging.
NEWS
SPECIAL: Benefits question an issue for county employees

By BARBARA PROFFITT Linn County News linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com A poll sent to Linn County employees mid-week asking which benefit they would prefer to lose has created a spark of animosity among those who received it. One person... [More]
Commissioners discuss various budgets

SEKMHC in mix At the end of a meeting attended by two of the three commissioners, a discussion was held regarding several of the proposed budgets for next year. Commissioners Alison Hamilton and Jim Johnson first discussed the proposed budget for Southeast Kansas Mental Health.... [More]
City learns of fire gear condition

Pleasanton Fire Department ISO inspection July 16 Following the appointment of new Fire Chief Jimmy Watts as Pleasanton Fire Chief, the Pleasanton Council heard of the condition of bunker gear Monday night at their bi-weekly meeting. Watts reported the truck ran with the... [More]
More News
- La Cygne leaders discuss food truck follow-up
- special: SCOTUS agrees to hear Women's Sports Case
- SPECIA;: Schmidt Votes to Cancel Massive Tax Hike, Secure Border, and Lower Federal Spending
- NOTICE:
- Pleasanton awarded $617,000 KDOT street grant
- Commissioners discuss development zoning appeals
- Questions on employee emails leads to lengthy discussion
- NOTICE:
SPORTS
Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament

The team called Nobodys wins the Blue Mound 4th of July co-ed softball tournament on July 5. This year the tournament consisted of eight teams. The Nobodys is Keith Morrell’s team and has been a part of the softball tournament since it started three years ago.
Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship

The Pleasanton 12-14 baseball team wins their league tournament on June 30 to July 1. Pleasanton hosted the tournament and won in the championship against La Cygne 11-7.
More Sports
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
COMMUNITY
Wade recounts WWII experience in South West Pacific theatre

Roy Wade sat at his son and daughter-in-law’s home with a stack of well-organized notes, maps and historic documents, notes that gave cliff notes of a life lived almost 82 years ago during WWII. Wade was drafted, like other men 18 years of age and older during the war,... [More]
Cultivating Kindness film crew win Telly Awards

On April 27, local filmmaker and producer, Sue Vicory held a premier for her newest film, Cultivating Kindness, at the Blue Moon Youth Center in Blue Mound. At that time, several community members involved in creating the film, along with all of the USD 346 students who were... [More]
Local roots bring couple back to familiar territory

Continuing non-profit to aid handicapped children Coal mining has a long, rich history in Linn County; and with it, the families that forged lives and made the county what it is. Jefferson Davis (JD) Robinson is one of those coal mining names of past as he was instrumental... [More]
More Community
- Remembering those who gave all
- Prairie View FFA captures State Ag Mechanics Championship
- Free summer meals for kids age 1 to 18 in Pleasanton
- New rescue seeks donations to aid startup
- Cultivating Kindness film premiere held on April 27
- Jayhawk Linn to present ‘Maid to Order’ for spring play
- Students surprise teacher with bell ringing
- Shillito selected for Heartland Youth Tour