With all that's going on in the world right now, many of us are feeling uncertain and maybe even a little lonely. KRCC wants to help keep everyone connected. We've started a project called "Shortening the Distance" focused on learning how people are keeping community when community can feel so far away.
KRCC staff are no different. We're learning new ways of keeping community, too, in this age of social distancing.
Scroll down to hear full submissions from our team on how they are shortening the distance.
Jeff Bieri, Program Director
"I have to say, being a hermit is not entirely new to me. I'm kind of used to going solo. Luckily, I've got my dog Marvin here and we've gotten in some pretty good walks in these past few weeks.
I'm also getting a lot of Facetiming in with family — just checking in with them. Normally the texting thing was our way of communication, but now I want to see their faces and actually lay eyes on them to make sure they're doing OK.
It's kind of nice to see family again."
Elena Rivera, News Reporter
"I've been keeping connected with people through Facetime and Zoom. I didn't even know Zoom was a thing before this all started, but it's been really helpful to chat with folks as I'm helping my parents learn how to use Facetime every weekend.
This Sunday, I did a yoga class via Zoom and I got to see everyone trying out poses just like a normal yoga class. It made me feel super grounded in a way that I just haven't for weeks. Even though we're all miles apart, it was really great to see people coming in and out of the poses and just having a place to breathe and be present.
I'm really happy computers exist right now."
G.T., Host of Blue Plate Special & Vintage Voltage
"While sequestered away during the current situation, it's allowed me that much more time to dig even deeper into this seemingly endless archive of songs. I look forward to sharing these hopefully soon with our valued listeners and supporters."
Jeanette Hohman, Underwriting Manager
"I'm recording this from my dining room table, which has become my office over the past couple of weeks.
We do take-out when we can. We try to support the businesses that have supported us over the years and we check in with friends to try and stay connected with texts and phone calls and Facetime.
We do a weekly Facetime with family on the weekends, and that really helps to remind me that I have a lot to be grateful for and that is really helpful during this time."
Mike Procell, Operations Manager & Host of All Things Considered
"I've been socially distant and practicing social distancing for many years now. Wait? Is there something going on I should know about? Okay. Thanks....love your station..."
**Although he is slightly confused, Mike is fine. We checked on him!**
Carol Scherbarth, Office & Membership Assistant & Traffic Coordinator
"This whole crazy world that we're living in has made me learn so many new things...technical things, like Skyping and Zooming and all of that, and just being more in touch with being in the moment.
I've been hanging out in the front yard with the deer and the birds and just being present. I think, if we look at this the right way, there's a lot of beautiful things to come out of this."
Sean McKee, Finance Coordinator
"We have been doing a lot of card and board games, putting together puzzles and watching movie marathons as a family. At this point in the COVID-19 pandemic, I feel it has brought my nuclear family closer together, physically and emotionally. I feel very blessed and hope to remain safe during these strange days."
We want to hear from you, too!
What are you doing to stay connected with family, friends and co-workers? How are you keeping community while prioritizing safety and physical distance? What measures have you taken to reduce the distance we are feeling mentally and socially?
How are you keeping community when community can feel so far away?
Click here for more information about our "Shortening the Distance" project
