Richland Chronicle April 14th, 2020

CHRONICLE Richland

Vol. XLVI Issue 25 April 14, 2020

A weekly student publication

Spending the holidays in quarantine Pg. 3

• ‘Onward’ • ‘Onward’ moves to home theaters

Pg. 4

• COVID-19 • COVID-19 seizes the Disney College program

Pg. 6

• Sports • Sports seasons on hold during the pandemic

Pg. 7

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2 COVID-19

April 14, 2020

Staff Photo Jonathan Lin

American flag in front of the Forest Lane Home Depot damaged by the Oct.2019 tornado.

Tornado relief delayed

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Alex Ortuno

Assistant Editor While the City of Dallas battles containment and eradication of COVID-19, the citizens of North and Northeast Dallas are searching for relief from another disaster: The aftermath of the North Dallas tornado.

An outbreak of tornadoes happened on the evening of Oct. 20 across North Central Texas with an EF-3 tornado in the northern parts of the City of Dallas. Property damage across the region was reported to be $2 billion, according to the Insurance Council of Texas.

There were no deaths or injuries from the EF-3 tornado, but many buildings were damaged or destroyed.

A delegation of lawmakers and politicians, including Gov. Greg Abbott, appealed for national aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including requesting a disaster declaration from the White House. On April 7, the request for FEMA was denied. Politicians and delegates from state and local levels are looking at another attempt of an appeal of disaster aid to FEMA. “So that in my district, we lost a fire station.

We had some damage to a rec center, library, several traffic signals were taken out which were all City of Dallas property,” said Dallas City Council Rep. Jennifer Gates, d. Several schools in Districts 13 and 11 were also damaged or destroyed by the tornado.

District 13 of Dallas encompasses of the Loryland and Preston Hollow neighborhoods but was also, one of the districts affected by the North Dallas tornado.

“We were in the mix of rebuilding related to the tornado and a lot of outside of the public structures that were impacted,” she said.

Months after the event, many buildings remain in ruins. Gates says the outbreak of COVID-19 has changed the city’s priorities.

According to Gates, many business owners in the districts that sustained damage had plans for their properties. That was before the outbreak of the virus.

“You know, having two major disasters hitting their retail back to back, it’s going to be extremely challenging,” Gates said.

Rebuilding in the in the heart of North Dallas will now be delayed.

“In Preston Royal, a lot of the retails were planning on reopening into the springsummer-fall timeline, and now, definitely this is going to impact the progress. Going forward and then not being able to reopen, I’m certain it will have big ramifications,” es said.

Members of the community and businesses have distributed relief aid in the area. Among them, Home Depot and several churches.

Gates said the aid from FEMA would have gone to restore government buildings that were damaged from the tornado.

While the virus outbreak is complicating the distribution of aid, requests to the federal government for are ongoing. Gates says Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson assigned District 11 City Councilman Lee Kleinman to coordinate the local effort with national leaders.

“He also has also been the past legislative chairman so he has relationships in our North Texas delegation but more importantly, it’s our U.S. delegation at this point, the federal delegation,” she said. A revised request for federal funding is in the works.

“We’ve all been in correspondence with them, be it our U.S. Reps. or our Senators and then he [Kleinman] is taking the lead to actually work on the appeal that’s been filed by the governor,” Gates said.

Rep. Colin Allred, Distict 32, said on Twitter that he strongly disagreed with FEMA’s decision to reject aid for the tornado recovery and said he will lead a bipartisan effort to support an appeal.

Although the virus outbreak has complicated the disaster aid request, Gates says these difficult times have brought out the good in many citizens.

“These are challenging times and it is reassuring to see the Dallas community now, even though we are all separated, still we’re coming together to address these big issues that we are facing ahead of us,” she said.

Gates acknowledges that government may not have all the answers. She insists that leaders from around the area should come together to help those in need.

“Governments can’t meet all the needs and we’re going to need cooperation from lots of leaders to be able to address the challenges that we face ahead,” she said.

April 14, 2020

COVID-19 3

Staying connected during a holiday in quarantine Adrienne Aguilar

Photo Tom Fox/DMN via The Associated Press

Rev. Clayton Elder rehearses his Holy Thursday service before going live on YouTube at St. Philip Episcopal Church in Frisco, Texas.

First Baptist Dallas, the stay-home-friendly policy wasn’t immune to error. Watermark encouraged their members to gather when appropriate to keep the sense of community.

Walking the dog and checking up on neighbors through phone calls are among the ways churches are encouraging members to connect with members who are now living the “new normal.” Yet, those participating in outdoor activities also needed to comply with the county’s call for social distancing.

“Certainly, we want you to stay reasonably safe during this time, but that doesn’t mean, for instance, you can’t take a walk or go for a run. It’s good for your health, but it will also remind you of your neighbors (and remind them of you),” read the Watermark statement on their website.

Praying while walking and keeping in touch via Facebook and NextDoor.com were also recommended as ways of keeping churchgoers connected.

Filing deadline extended amid coronavirus concerns Joyce Jackson Copy Editor

Those who wait until the last minute to file their yearly tax returns can breathe a sigh of relief – at least for three more months.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced in March that the federal income tax filing due date has been extended from April 15 to July 15. The extension also applies to those who may owe the IRS. Those tax payments now are due July 15 and won’t begin accruing penalties or interest on unpaid balances until July 16, according to the IRS. “As a rule of thumb, taxpayers due for a refund can expect to receive a check within 10 to 14 days after they file their 2019 returns,” said Richard Rodriguez, a certified public accountant (CPA) in Mesquite.

Of course, most working college students probably won’t owe the IRS anything,

Rodriguez said, but this still buys them three extra months to file.

Still, that may not be enough time for procrastinators or for those whose lives have been complicated by the pandemic.

“Some taxpayers may need more time to file their returns past the July 15 deadline,” Rodriguez said.

Individual taxpayers who need to file beyond the extended July 15 deadline “can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004,” according to the IRS. With the onset of the COVID-19 virus, taxpayers may be hesitant to seek help with a CPA or with other tax consultants such as H&R Block, but Rodriguez said that people can call for help instead of going in person.

There are a lot of frequently answered questions that people can access on several websites, including H&R Block. Rodriguez said most college students should have a fairly

The Cathedral of Hope and Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe also embraced the exodus of sermons from the pulpit to online platforms. Resources are posted on their respective websites.

Bishop Edward J. Burns of Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe said in a March 27 announcement, “While this is not our preferred way of celebrating our sacred liturgies with you, we are grateful that we still have a way to join together in worship and continue to support each other as members of the Body of Christ.”

Burns encouraged families to gather for prayer, scripture reading and gave words of encouragement to those who are worshiping during the pandemic. The cathedral has also issued support for medical workers in the form of publishing links to guidelines and prayer.

At Temple Emanu-El, Passover services were hosted from a virtual sanctuary via

ZOOM and Facebook Live. Special prayers for the conclusion of the Passover holiday will be offered online, April 15.

“At this season we offer special reflective prayers in memory of loved ones no longer with us in life,” read the temple statement.

Other events, including a radio sermon series hosted by Rabbi Olan, and yoga classes are also offered through the website. The temple posted the message, “We are here for you,” on their portal as they work to meet the needs of their congregants in unprecedented times. “Our clergy, staff and lay leadership are here for you, and we will get through this together in solidarity and in strength.”

On a Facebook response thread, the “IANT has been releasing several educational videos to keep the community engaged and informed.”

Read the rest of the article on www.richlanstudentmedia.com

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Emeritus Editor-In-Chief With public gatherings cancelled and a shelter-in-place order in effect through April 30, many places of worship are finding new ways to stay connected with their communities.

Several major religions celebrate holidays during the month of April. Easter, Passover, Ramadan, Hanuman Jayanti, Vaisakhi and even Buddha’s birthday all take place in the spring. This year, religious festivals and community events won’t go beyond the living room.

In an order issued by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins on April 8, religious activities were marked as “essential activities,” but with limitations.

“Religious and worship services may only be provided by audio, video and teleconference.

Religious institutions must limit in-person staff to 10 people or less at one time, and 25 people total per day, when preparing for or conducting video or teleconference services, and all individuals must follow the Social Distancing Rules including the six feet social distancing.”

Churches large and small have had to roll with the punches. Even the “mega-churches” had to make changes. Watermark Community Church in Dallas issued a statement that was posted on their website.

“We will also temporarily suspend all ministry events, irrespective of size, through the end of April across all of our campuses.” They are among the many chapels within the Metroplex that are adapting to the electronic-only format.

While the online streaming of Easter services was the outreach method used by the likes of Fellowship Church, The Potter’s House and

Photo The Associated Press

Richard Pruitt tries to attract tax preparation customers at a strip mall in Dallas on April 6.

easy tax return, though.

“I would recommend filing electronically in practically all cases,” he said.

What taxpayers of all ages need to know is that they should “stay tuned,” Rodriguez said.

“If they’re working for an employer and they were laid off, they might be eligible for some type of employment benefits or they

could certainly apply for unemployment if they were a full-time employee,” he said.

“There are certain rules that are required that they have to meet first to be eligible for unemployment benefits.”

In addition to the www.irs.gov. website, taxpayers can contact their local IRS office or a CPA by phone.

4 MOVIES

April 14, 2020

‘Onward’ gives a magical journey to remember (2015), “Monsters University” (2013), “Coco” (2017) and “Incredibles 2” (2018). He brings forth a lightwhearted and easy-going tone I saw “Onward” originally in the theater at throughout the entire running time. the Dallas Angelika before the coronavirus I have a feeling, however, that all will change pandemic turned the world upside down and soon. This COVID-19 epidemic has changed movie theaters were shuttered. everything.

This is a strange and peculiar animated conThe predicament is that studios have decoction from Pixar and Walt Disney Studios. cided to make titles more available to the It is a rarity these days, since it’s an original general public through streaming and digital idea. downloads. Because of this shift, it seems like “Onward” deals with dragons, oddities and studios will use this as a way of banking on a pair of brothers voiced by Tom Holland (Ian near-misses and busts.

Lightfoot) and Chris Pratt (Barley Lightfoot).

Like I have said in the past, the Liam NeeThey go to high school in their small magical son-led “Taken” did not really need a pair of world that really does not contain any magic sequels. When it comes down to the almighty in their midst. When Ian receives a magic dollar, however, the greenbacks always seem wand for his 16th birthday, Tom has the idea to win in the end. of bringing their deceased father back to life.

Personally, I think this COVID-19 outbreak Providing some humorous anecdotes is the will make audiences reluctant to return to the voice of Julia Louis-Dreyfus as mom, Laurel movie theaters. It is scary to see what has beLightfoot. She is looking for her sons who come of our great country since there is not have mysteriously vanished somewhere in a cure yet. I don’t know where this is going their quaint and quiet town. to steer my career, because without my movIf her voice sounds familiar, it should. She ies, I am like a deer in the headlights, not sure spent the better part of her career as Elaine where to go.

Benes on “Seinfeld” from 1990-1998.

The “Onward” siblings have an idea to The Oscar-nominated Octavia Spencer has bring back their deceased father, who passed a good time voicing The Manticore who runs away many years earlier, before either got a a family friendly restaurant on the far side of chance to truly know their dad.

An amusing aspect of the film is that Bartown. She appears calm and tame at first but, underneath it all, she still has that ability to un- ley’s van is named Guinevere, adding an iconic reference to history and legends. leash her true calling on the world.

“Onward” has been out over a month now, Directing chores for “Onward” were handled by co-writer Dan Scanlon, who has been thanks to the Disney+app. I have a feeling the a Pixar apprentice for various titles, even going studios will go back and cash in on this craze, back to “Cars” in 2006. In various capacities, so expect to see future adventures of this enhe worked on “Brave” (2012), “Inside Out” joyable duo.

Grade B

Ricky Miller

Entertainment Editor

Chris Pratt, Tom Holland and Octavia Spencer voice characters in “Onward.”

“Saving Private Ryan” (1998) – In this amazing Steven Spielberg-directed film, Vin Diesel is Pvt. Caparzo in search of Matt Damon’s Pvt. Ryan of the title.

To m H a n k s , B a r r y Pepper and Tom Sizemore were phenomenal in this tale set during WW II .

Vin Diesel Vin DieselEdition Edition

A+

Photo courtesy IMDb

Photo courtesy IMDb

Vin Diesel stars as the title character in “Bloodshot.”

‘Bloodshot’ aims for a decent box office nanotechnology, which aids Garrison with instant healing.

His co-star is actress Eiza González, as KT, I like Vin Diesel. To me, he is an awesome an injured Olympic swimmer who is recovaction hero. Forget Jean-Claude Van Damme, ering and regaining her post-accident level Steven Seagal or Chuck Norris. Diesel exudes abilities. She does amazing things underwater a flair of originality and distinctiveness. To me, and is able to hold her breath for an extended Diesel is the real deal. period of time.

Sure, he’s had some duds with “KnockIf she looks familiar, she should. She around Guys” (2001) and “The Last Witch supported in last year’s “Alita: Battle Angel,” Hunter” (2015), but career-wise he still has a as well as 2017’s “Baby Driver.” González solid batting average. I accept that he cannot shares some great on-screen chemistry with hit a home run every single time at the plate Diesel in “Bloodshot” and knows what he and that not every single movie is going to be needs for support.

Directing chores for “Bloodshot” were noteworthy.

His latest, “Bloodshot,” comes from the handled by Dave Wilson, who worked as title of a Valiant comic book, but the names creative supervisor on “Avengers: Age of and identities in the movie are different. In Ultron” in 2015. He knows pacing well, as the movie, the Diesel plays Ray Garrison, evidenced in “Bloodshot,” and knows when a former soldier who dies on the battlefield. to end the tale. Wilson shot the movie in Thanks to an injured Dr. Emil Harting (Guy “scope” format and knows the parameters of making a film shot in wide screen. He takes Pearce), Garrison is given a new lease on life.

In that respect, “Bloodshot” harkens back full advantage of the framework and gives the to “The Six Million Dollar Man,” a popular viewer a nice piece of eye candy.

Despite all its faults, “Bloodshot” still 1970s TV show of the same title that ran from 1974-1978. It starred Lee Majors as a former makes Diesel’s character the ultimate hero. It astronaut who gets rebuilt from head-to-toe. is very inventive, unique and throws almost everything rational out the door.

It was a TV network bonanza!

The majority of what occurs in “Bloodshot” Grade Bis fantasy. The robots receive aid through

Ricky Miller

Entertainment Editor

“The Iron Giant” (1999) – In this fun

“Find Me Guilty” (2006) – In one of the

A

B-

animated flick, director Brad Bird focuses on a young boy who befriends The Iron Giant (Diesel), built as a weapon to aid the Americans. The film also features the voices of Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Cloris Leachman and John Mahoney.

last flicks directed by Sidney Lumet, this film is based on the true story of Jackie DiNorscio, whose trial at the time was one of the longestrunning court cases in U.S. judicial history. With Peter Dinklage, Ron Silver and Alex Rocco.

“Guardians of the “The Chronicles of Galaxy” (2014) – With Riddick” (2004) – As just three words, “I am Groot,” Diesel added another mainstay to his lengthy resume of great characters and identities.

Part 3 is scheduled for release next year.

A-

much as I liked “Pitch Black” (2000), I felt as if I needed CliffNotes to keep up with the goingson in this enjoyable sequel. Diesel will return as Riddick next year in “Furya.”

—Ricky Miller

B+

April 14, 2020

CAMPUS 5

Gallegos shares her 14-year journey toward citizenship Though a close friend offered to marry her so she could become a citizen, Gallegos wanted to do it the “right way” and marry out “I remember the first night. My dad tried to of love instead of marrying to obtain a green cross us and the river was really bad. I knew card.

By 2011, she had done just that. Gallegos it wasn’t right, but I didn’t know what was going on,” Richland student Linda Gallegos fell in love and married her husband who, cosaid. Gallegos was just 8 years old at the time incidentally, also helped her begin the citizenwhen her family crossed the Rio Grande. Her ship process. Together, they filed a petition adjustment to a new country was difficult. but had to wait two years until they received an answer.

Gallegos said it was a huge culture shock.

Things continued on a positive trend. GalThe pressing reality of being an undocumented person became more prevalent when legos became a Dreamer through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) she became a teen. She began raising questions when words, such as “illegal” and “undocu- program which changed her life.

She was able to get a driver’s license, howmented” were mentioned at her high school.

“I didn’t have the understanding of what ever, in bold green capitalized letters, she was ‘illegal’ or ‘undocumented’ meant because I reminded of her “Limited Privileges.”

Her petition was finally approved after two thought I was a citizen here and I didn’t understand what effect it had on my future,” she years, but when she arrived in Juarez for her U.S. visa interview, her application was said.

Gallegos yearned to become a citizen and placed on hold for lack of evidence, accordturned to her mother for help, only to learn ing to Gallegos. It would take her another two that her mother was undocumented too. She years to gather the necessary documents and felt stuck and was unsure what her next steps finances to try again.

Gallegos made a conscious effort to rewould be after graduating high school.

With hopes of becoming a teacher, she be- member the good times she had while living gan attending Richland in 2005. She worked as temporarily in Mexico. Although she was rea waitress to support herself while attending quired to stay in Mexico during this two-year school. She was also driving without a license. time period, she was grateful to live in a border town so her family could visit frequently.

It was what she had to do to get by.

Her passion for teaching persisted. During “I wouldn’t want someone to feel the way I felt. You were just living in the background, her time in Mexico, she lived with members always watching over your shoulder,” she said. of her extended church family and tutored

Angela Ly

Staff Writer

Staff photo Dave Freeman

Linda Gallegos holds a decorative frame during a T.A.F.E event on Feb 14.

legos encourages others who are trying to get citizenship to remain positive.

“A lot of families are still being separated with this immigration process, but I feel like the struggle that we go through, something better comes out at the end,” she said.

Gallegos said going through the citizenship process has helped her better understand U.S. immigration laws. Now 33, she said she’s ready to move forward. She is currently the president of the student club, the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) at Richland.

She hopes to become a third or fourth-grade teacher with a specialization in math and science and eventually become a superintendent.

“There are no limitations now,” Gallegos said.

RichlandStudentMedia.com

their three children. Her daughter also spent a year living with her in Mexico and was homeschooled. Gallegos proudly states that her daughter was academically prepared for the next grade level when she moved back to the United States, but Gallegos remained behind.

In 2017, her application for citizenship was approved. With help from her sister, she was able to buy a plane ticket to Dallas and surprise her husband and daughter. Gallegos is grateful to have become a U.S. citizen.

“Just thankful. There are people that are still going through the immigration process. Even though I was a Dreamer, I was still limited,” she said.

With the green “Limited Privileges” label now removed from her driver’s license, Gal-

April 14, 2020

CHRONICLE Richland

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Emeritus Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Assistant Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Photo Editor Sports Photo Editor Online/Special Projects Online/Special Projects

Adrienne Aguilar Jack Ramirez Bernal Barbara Gandica Martinez Alex Ortuno Joyce Jackson Ricky Miller Jonathan Lin M. Daniel Mbega Ndoumou Damon Craig Ryan Bingham Duff

ON THE COVER “Holidays in quarantine” Staff Illustration: Barbara Gandica Martinez

Photos Courtesy Lloyd Roberts

Lloyd Roberts, left, Haley Kowalskim, Andrew Talarico and Kenny Murry tour the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Feb. 27.

Disney sends interns packing Fear of coronavirus prompts amusement park shutdown Lloyd Roberts Staff Writer

I won a recent national paid internship with the Walt Disney World College Program and was eager to work at the Magic Kingdom.

I sold my car, condensed my life into a 50-pound bag, plus two carry-ons and jumped on a plane.

Within the first two weeks, I met people from all over the world and, for the first time as an adult, was able to enjoy Disney parks in my free time. Life was great and magical. It was like living in a bubble.

That bubble burst within two weeks, as fears of the coronavirus shattered this fantasy world. Management began urging us to wash our hands frequently. New hand sanitizer stations were implanted in the theme parks, although, we were not to be alarmed. Days later, while enjoying a safari ride in Animal Kingdom, I read this article: “Disneyland in California to close this weekend due to the outbreak of coronavirus.”

On the bus ride back to my dorm, I read another online article: “Disney World to

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th

6 COLUMN

One of the several Walt Disney World buttons celebrating being “termed.”

close late Sunday evening due to coronavirus.”

Program coordinators didn’t know what to expect. Soon, I got an email from Disney’s brass informing all College Program students that the program was coming to a grinding halt.

We had a few days to move out of the company-sponsored housing. I wasn’t happy but understood the safety issue. Still, I suffered a minor panic attack and, as my roommates left early, spent my last night at the dorm alone. I’d be returning to Dallas with no transportation and no job. By the time I got back, I realized COVID-19 had forced several states, including Texas, to issue stay-at-home orders.

Mine wasn’t the only bubble to burst.

One program participant dropped $200 on a lightsaber and found out it would cost her $40 to ship back home. An international student who arrived the Monday before the program was canceled purchased a new Nintendo game console for her dorm. She had to return the game console and leave the U.S. shortly after arriving.

It was surreal. To lighten the mood, some program participants wore “I’m Celebrating Termination” or “I’m Celebrating Being Termed” buttons. The ploy was funny, until it wasn’t.

Disney gave us admission to Hollywood Studios on the last day the park was opened.

I checked in at the gate with my Disney blue ID and College Program yellow ID, but found little joy there that day. Half of the cast members were in the college program too, and those who showed up were sobbing on the job.

I was in the line for Toy Story Mania when my sister texted me. She was worried I would not be able to leave Florida due to a possible shutdown. I snapped at my sister over the phone and that’s when I began to cry.

My custodial job at Disney was nothing to write home about, but I was looking forward to a program extension from May to July. I worked on Main Street USA in the Magic

Kingdom and was trained to work in other areas, including Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom and an expressway to EPCOT Park.

My program extension role was going to be Quick Food and Beverage in an undisclosed location.

I won’t miss parents speeding through Main Street with their strollers or watching Peter Pan lose his pixie dust backstage. But I will miss the escapism the program afforded before it vanished into thin air.

The old saying is true: We don’t know what we have until it’s gone. I now work as a supervisor at a Dollar General store, which is about as far away from Disney’s make-believe world as one can imagine.

I found it funny, yet ironic, that the last ride installed at Disney World was Mickey & Minnie Runaway Railway where Mickey sings, “Nothing can stop us now.”

Tell that to COVID-19.

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SPORTS/CAMPUS 7

April 14, 2020

Sports season ‘on hold’ during pandemic Matt Thompson

Food

North Texas Food Bank For food assitance call 1-855-719-7627 or 214-269-0906 https://ntfb.org/the-north-texasfood-banks-response-to-covid-19/ Find a food pantry near youhttps://ntfb.org/our-programs/getfood-assistance/find-a-food-pantry/ SNAP benefits- not everyone qualifies and benefits do not begin immediately https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc. texas.gov/programs/snap

Employment

for Las Vegas but will be broadcast from a TV studio instead.

I hope the NFL’s fall season doesn’t get canceled. I don’t think it will, but we will have to wait to find out.

Like I mentioned, the 2020 Olympics games have been postponed until next year. That’s a sound and practical idea because it’s a worldwide event that takes years to plan and coordinate. You can’t wing it.

Some Olympics contestants have finished their qualifying work, although U.S. qualifying events are still taking place. Fourteen of the 47 events have been postponed indefinitely. Among them, baseball, boxing, soccer, weightlifting and wrestling. The athletes who have qualified for their sports, however, will keep their entry. I couldn’t imagine how they

would feel if they lost their spot.

It will be tough for athletes to not be able to participate, but I am looking forward to observing the level of commitment and fire they will bring to their respective sports when the pandemic loses its punch.

Meanwhile, the absence of live sports has opened the door wider for virtual sports.

It has been fun to watch the simulated NASCAR competitions, created to replace the real races that were canceled.

Even though the drivers don’t race in person, the driving simulation is very lifelike.

It will be interesting to see how many other sports will turn to the eSports format. It’s a way of bringing athletes together for the sport they love, but without endangering their health.

Natalia Pargas Staff Writer

The Council for Teaching and Learning has selected the winners of the annual Richland College Thank You Card Art Contest. A total of 70 works of art were submitted by 23 students for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Asel Art Supply in Richardson.

The winning entries included a beautiful photo of tulips and blooming trees by Sandy Groom, a watercolor painting of two ducks

by Melinda Bruce, a mixed media depiction of campus by Josue Vasquez and a cartoon watercolor of the school mascot, R. Möbius Thunderduck, by Angela Silva.

Appreciation Week is an opportunity to send out, by regular email, images of the winning thank you card designs to people on campus. It’s an opportunity for students to share their appreciation of their fellow

classmates and professors. Due to the coronavirus, Appreciation Week was hosted virtually this year. It took place April 6 to 9 and lasted four days instead of five.

The process originated by using a form on the website, entering the person’s name and email address along with a short note of gratitude. Daily emails included articles relevant to online learning and technology. There was also a daily list of curious national and international holidays organized by date and humorous or encouraging posters.

It is good to see students caring and appreciating their fellow classmates and professors. Especially during times like these, it is important to remember not to take things for granted and to be appreciative towards our educators who are trying their best to further our academic success.

The thank you card links are still active and available via the internally distributed email.

Lost your job?-file for unemployment twc.texas.gov Work/study students Talk with your financial aid adviser.

If you contract COVID-19 while on the job- check with TWC to see if you are eligible to file for Workers Compensation.

Financial assistance

United Way COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund- can help with rent, bills, food. Call 211 Dallas water- suspends disconnections until further notice. https://dallascityhall.com/ departments/waterutilities/pages/default.aspx

Mental health

Crisis Text Linetext HOME to 741741.

Unique keyword for students of color - Text STEVE to 741741 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-8255 Stress and coping- https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/prepare/managingstress-anxiety.html Mental Health mid the Coronavirus Pandemic- https://www. activeminds.org/about-mentalhealth/be-there/coronavirus/

Travel

Check for travel advisatories for your intended destinition before traveling abroad-https://travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/ CDC’s travel health notices-https://wwwnc. cdc.gov/travel/notices

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Thunderduck Jesus Correa plays against the Mountain View Lions on Oct. 15.

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Staff Writer

The COVID-19 virus has brought organized sports to a grinding halt.

Thunderduck sports are canceled, national sports are on hold and the 2020 Summer Olympics were rescheduled for 2021.

But while fans of live sports action are waiting for stadiums to open again, the virtual sports world may be poised to fill the void.

First, let’s talk about what sports fans are forced to do without for the foreseeable future.

Richland’s head baseball coach, Guy Simmons, said baseball playoffs have been canceled for the rest of the season; however, all players will receive an extra year of eligibility by the NJCAA. All other Richland sports have wrapped up their seasons. Simmons said Richland soccer and baseball sophomores are still getting recruitment calls and will sign their letters of intent from their homes via social media.

Major League Baseball is still contemplating the balance of its season. According to The Associated Press, one option under consideration is to continue the regular season into November and December. Union representatives, however, are concerned about the health of the players as questions arise about the number of times players will play in any given week and how extending the regular season will affect the off-season schedule.

The development of COVID-19 has caused the opening of the new $1.2 billion Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers, to be delayed.

The Dallas Cowboys are also dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, as they anxiously wait for the NFL draft, which takes place later this month. It won’t come with the usual public fanfare, or the big events once planned

COVID-19 Resources

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April 14, 2020

Even in these difficult times, Richland Student Media will continue production online and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. mythology, spooky stories and folk lore

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