As I try to work out the bugs of getting these stories out to you I will try different approaches seeking a better format. I have three small stories to share with you below of different ways communities are dealing with the Covid 19 virus and the nation's governors pleading with people to stay home and stay safe. Please take a few moments to see what these folks are doing to help out us all.

Ever look forward to something on Facebook?
For awhile now, photographer Bryan Moss of Corydon, Indiana has been posting some of his archives under the heading "Warm Human Moment of the Day," Leading us to remember the goodness of being human, Moss began these posts amid all the online bickering centered around the election cycle. Now with the worry of the COVID-19 virus, he has continues with his posts.

Moss is a retired photojournalist who now runs a website, http://www.lifeincorydon.com/ ,dedicated to showcasing the events and moments that make up life in his small town, and focusing on the goodness of life.

There isn't much going on in the country in the way of events these days, so Moss's archives and pleasant reminders are still a way he can share his gifts with the rest of us who look forward to them.
We all could use some "warm happy moments" in our day.

Moss isn’t alone in his efforts to spread some good vibes around. Artists, photographers, singers, thespians and more are sharing their talents online to connect with others in meaningful ways as we practice social distancing.

Gallery owner Jennifer Gillooly Cahoon posts drawing tutorials and other items to share her love of the arts. Her HeARTspot Art Center in East Providence, Rhode Island is usually buzzing with activity as she conducts classes and hosts events. This virus has the kibosh on that leaving her trying to reach her students and others via social media. The stress that some are feeling with social distancing has compelled her to take that step.
"I love the fact that creating art puts people into a meditative state that can really help calm the nerves. It’s a valuable skill to have right now and to be able to pass on to others." she said.

Cahoon recently took viewers through a tutorial on the basics of drawing the human face. "I knew it was an accessible kind of a lesson that anybody could do, and it would really help them get their mind off of things for at least 45 minutes to an hour. I also like the fact that kids and adults could participate so it wasn’t excluding anybody. I’m really missing teaching and bummed about closing my business, so it gave me a way to reach out to people that I’m not able to see right now."

More locally, Venango Countians have been missing their local theater, the Barrow-Civic, which announced it will remain closed until April 30. In the meantime, theater leadership decided give performers a platform to share their gifts with others. The theater started posting videos provided by local thespians. In a statement on their website they ask local people to record their favorite monologues or songs.

"Theatre can be a huge beacon of light during seemingly dark times, and this is one way we can shine a little bit brighter. So whether you're a seasoned actor, or just want to give acting a shot, we're hoping that you help us spread some theater magic!" the group said in a statement on their website.

Local theater enthusiasts might recognize the name Ian Best, who has been a regular on local stages for years. He recently teamed up with another well known local performer Ashliegh Bennett to share a song on Facebook. Though they both miss performing live they are happy that they got to share a little something with their friends and families.

"I posted in on Facebook and the comments have been nothing but great." Best said. He said it has over 150 likes and was viewed more than 300 times. "That was the first one we've done, but we both had so much fun, we decided we'll do another one soon. Not performing in front of people has been tough for both of us. I think that's a big reason why we had so much fun with this."

Local school teacher and clay artist Angela Bowersox Wyant at OC Earthworks says her efforts to do short clay tutorials has expanded her reach to South Carolina and Texas. She has recently posted Facebook live sessions showing anyone who tuned in how to make a gargoyle and a fantasy bear creature. "It makes me feel like I’m doing something “normal” under abnormal circumstances," she said

She said on March 13, after the governor shut down schools across the state that she would also have to close down the Earthworks studio. "I came home very anxious that day. Shortly after the schools closing I had to make the decision to limit interactions at the pottery studio because most of the classes are for children. I felt like I needed to reach out more and find a way to still be creative in our community so that children had something fun to do while being confined to their home. It is also a way for me to interact with people while also working from home," she said.

Well-known regional blues guitarist Max Schang wasn't new to posting his playing songs to social media, but since the stay-at-home edict, he has been using his time to post a little more often. "I posted two just a little while ago," Schang said Saturday.

"There's really been no rehearsal for this," he said about living with this Coronavirus shutdown and fear. He said that he doesn't have to go to a job like younger folks so he feels a little lucky that staying home isn't as worrisome for him. For him being alone is something he learned to deal with pretty well. "When I was a 12 year old and my friends were outside playing, I was sitting on my couch learning my chords to Beatles songs," he said.

Creative people are known to be able to stay busy and keep their minds occupied during slow times. And many are out their trying to help out by sharing their talents with everyone. What talents do you have to share?

Displaced from their classrooms and offices, Valley Grove School District staff and teachers have joined other school districts in making sure young people are getting fed. Many have expressed how much they miss their students during this COVID-19 shutdown and were grateful to volunteer as part of the lunchtime distributions.
The program is serving its purpose. On its first day they distributed around 240 meals. By the end of the week it reached over 400.
The program, which is run from the Sugarcreek Elementary and the Rocky Grove High schools in Venango County, runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon each weekday. The distribution includes breakfast and lunch for anyone under age 18, whether they are a VGSD student or not. Children must be present in the car to receive the meals. VGSD students who are over 18 are also eligible. They also will deliver if families cannot pick up.
Many other schools in the area are also distributing meals to ensure young ones are getting something to eat..

"Hello Church!"
Pastor Jeff Bobin oversees three United Methodist churches in Crawford County; Little's Corners, in Hayfield Township, Hamlin Chapel on Moisertown Road and Bethany in Meadille's fifth ward.
He starts his sermons with this simple greeting each week. He explains that the church is the people and not the building. The building is just where they usually meet to worship. But the last few weeks have been anything but routine for religious leaders like Bobin.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in Pennsylvania and Gov. Tom Wolf’s daily pleading that residents to stay home and avoid crowds, Bobin's description of the word church has never been more apropos.

Last Sunday Bobin brought his message to his flock using technology. He pre-taped his sermon and uploaded to YouTube and shared it via social media so he and his parishioners could uphold the social distancing the governor is mandating.

It is a process he decided to repeat for today’s sermon.
Bobin, who is blessed to be tech savvy, set up his camera on a tripod at the front of the chapel Saturday and spoke to his church as if the people were in the pews. For Sunday, he downloaded the video to YouTube and made it available through Facebook.
He admits not all of his parishioners are as tech friendly as he is and some don't have internet, but he is focused on reaching out to as many as he can with his weekly messages. He also said prayer chains and call networking are being implemented on a greater scale to keep a sense of church community alive during this rough time.
And an interesting development might be coming out of this.
"Last week’s video had 156 views," Bobin said. The members of his three churches combined reach only around the 100 mark.

While admitting the numbers might reflect one person viewing it more than once or twice, he also noted receiving an email this week from someone he knew years ago, who thanked him for his video from last Sunday. The women, who isn’t a member of his churches or a local resident, told him the message really helped her while working with a client, Bobin said. 
Bobin’s efforts with technology have shined a light on his notion of the true meaning of church being about its people, in some ways he actually is bringing more people together by expanding the walls into the internet. During this time social distancing - in some ways the distances are even narrowing as a result.

Jeff Bobin caries more than just books with him now to and from church, part of his usual arsenal of tools he uses to preach now included his video equipment.

To view Bobin's sermon today and see how else he is reaching out to his congregation visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTkOSQT_5bX_GjEECEcGXww

Last week a post was going around about wishing this Arby's sign could be saved. Several pleas on social media and even a suggesting that one local man be employed to make the necessary part to repair the sign so it can be saved during the Meadville Arby's planned tear down and rebuild of the store at their Park Ave. location. Anyone with any information about any planned effort to save this sign please contact me at [email protected]

All photographs by Richard Sayer except where noted.

Laura Jones has a moment of levity as she and her husband, Dennis, pack up her car with 26 years worth of supplies from her GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) program. Dennis joked that when they bought the house in Franklin that it was a four bedroom house, but he has only been able to locate two of them. With Laura giving a new home to the majority of her GEMS materials for the next generation, the rooms will again become available. He said they won't become a man-cave. The two are very active in the next chapter of  "life thinking," so they might be filled again.

Jones heads out on her "tour de Venango County," to drop off her supplies to the next generation of GEMS leaders.

Jones first stop was to Valley Grove Elementary School Friday. She had a stop in several schools throughout the day to give away her years of supplies.

Photographs by Richard Sayer