INSIDE...page 9 WORDS TO LIVE BY... Start Your Engines: NASCAR gets the green flag today at Darlington “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” Alice Morse Earle Highs: 72-83. Lows: 50s. WEATHER...page 10 Your source for local news and entertainment May 17-19, 2020 • Vol. 1, Issue 86 More people recognizing Work From Home Day By Brooklyn Schultz Newa Correspondent National Work From Home Day is a holiday that was designated for May 22 and first celebrated in 2006. It is becoming more relevant due to the Coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19. Working from home is becoming the new normal as many in the Branson area have resorted to doing just that - working from home. Nathan Applegate, who performs at Clay Cooper Theatre, said there will be implemented changes to the theatre: “They will most definitely be spacing guests out around the theatre,” Applegate said. “In fact, they have been going it [with] those who have kept reservations... It’s likely we’ll see many individuals in the audience wearing masks, which of course is being encouraged in general. There will be considerably more hand sanitizing pumps around the theatre and procedures in place between shows. I also anticipate any form of meet and greets to either be done differently or otherwise extra precautions put in place as well.” With all these changes in place, Clay Cooper Theatre is planning to reopen on June 9. Until then,Applegate’s quarantine has included lots of practicing to keep everything fresh in his mind. “It’s been very interesting,” he said. “Having only done five shows into our 2020 season before the lockdown began and having just learned a new show, I find myself going over material more often than usual to keep it fresh in my mind...” While he tries to keep in high spirits, Applegate knows essential workers are needing as much encouragement as possible during this tough time. “I’d like to tell those individuals that the word “essential” doesn’t even begin to describe how valuable [they] are to society,” he said, “A simple thank you will never be enough to show our gratitude. But nonetheless, thank you so much.” Jody Shelton, a staff member of Elliott, Robinson & Company, LLP, is one of many others working from home. She, too,sees the importance of essential workers. “We know that your exposure to this virus is greater.” Jody said, “We appreciate the sacrifices that you make.” Shelton says her firm has made it pleasantly easier for her to work from home. “I love working from home.” She said, “Our firm has done a great job anticipating what changes need to be made regarding workflow. I have been pleasantly surprised at how easily this type of work can be done remotely.” While grocery stores around the globe experience mass chaos, Annette Gill saw her fun away-fromhome job as a more nerve-wracking experience than before because of a significant increase in customers and purchases. “At first, it was kind of fun because I could get out of the house,” SEE WORK FROM HOME, PAGE 2 Annette Gill stocks grocery bags at Harter House, a job she started mid-March, amid the Coronavirus chaos. (Photo by Brooklyn Schultz)
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