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Self-proclaimed workaholic Bob Lissner was looking for a place to share his experience and abilities after retiring from his position as the founder of Lifestyle Homes. He found that and more at Northern Nevada HOPES, where he has been volunteering for many years.

“I believe in their mission,” he says. “They’re providing medical care for people who wouldn’t otherwise have access.”

I get it: Quarantine fatigue is a thing, and it’s REAL. 

If I'm being honest, I'm tired of it all, too. But considering I'm an editor for Just the Positive (emphasis on “Positive,”), I thought I'd dig deep and offer some much-needed happy talk about my favorite new fashion accessory: face masks!  

I know, I know: They’re uncomfortable. They’re hot. They make your glasses fog up. They ALWAYS need washing. They’re hard to find when you need them.

Editor's Note: Beginning the day after the riot in downtown Reno that destroyed property and rocked our community, Diaz Dixon, CEO of the Eddy House and community advocate, took to Facebook Live. 

And every morning since then, he has posted a Facebook Live video with powerful words about racism, the struggles faced daily by people of color and the power of positivity. 

If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, sad or even angry about coronavirus, you are not alone. We have all been affected in some way. Coronavirus is a global phenomenon, and Reno/Sparks, Nevada is not an exception. In a short span of time, our “normal” at home, school and in our community has changed.

Any change requires an adjustment. Abrupt change, like what we face with coronavirus, can lead to a rollercoaster of painful emotions. That is why we are sharing with you our top five things to do to stay positive during these trying times.

For many, the global pandemic has been a crisis “perfect storm” — economic struggles, fears about health and personal challenges all coming together at the same point in time, resulting in unmatched emotional and physical turbulence.

When someone shares their talents with the world in order to put a smile on people’s faces, we think that’s an action worth celebrating. That’s why we decided to reach out to photographer and UNR student Isaac Hoops, who has been documenting the Silver Legacy’s messages of community support. He shared his work with the world — and even allowed us to use his image as our cover photo on Facebook. Here’s our conversation with Isaac about his art, his background and how he stays positive in the face of a global pandemic. 

Think back to every wedding, prom or birthday party you’ve ever been to. What made it fun? Of course the people did, but what else? I’m guessing it had something to do with the fantastic, exactly-right-for-the-occasion tunes — the songs that required you to get up and dance, or at least tap your foot.

As our community continues to grapple with the ripple effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada continues on its mission to support all of those in need. For more than 70 years, we’ve been helping people of all cultures and beliefs rise out of poverty and overcome the barriers to self-sufficiency, while also protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and community. 

My mom has created the world’s most magical backyard. 

I honestly have no idea how she does it. Even during quarantine, she manages to have fairy lights twinkling, hanging baskets overflowing with cascading flowers and an emerald green lawn. My 7-year-old daughter is 100 percent convinced fairies make their home there, and her 46-year-old mom (yes, I’m talking about myself in the third person) just about believes it, too. 

It’s safe to say that none of us received training on how to parent during a global pandemic. And most of us have had limited experience, if any, at home schooling. Yet here we are. As much as we love our kids, it can be — um, challenging — to be cloistered in such close quarters with them 24/7. And we think we can all agree that most teachers should be paid much, much more than they are.

With all that in mind, here are some of the insights local parents have learned about their kids while they all #StayHomeForNevada.