The kids are back to school this week, but, alas, still at home. Here are seven things to do that may help stave off boredom and perhaps even count as real educational opportunities. At minimum, you may come out of social distancing with a few new skills.
1. Learn to bake. Turn your Great British Bake Off fantasies into a semi-risen reality with online baking instruction. Let’s face it, when are you going to have this kind of time again to knead and rise your dough? One of our favorites: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn
2. Finally start that garden you’ve been dreaming of or rehab the one you have. The Cooperative Extension brings back its popular annual “Grow Your Own!” classes, this time online. Check out the full schedule and register here: http://thisisreno.com/2020/03/cooperative-extension-brings-grow-your-own-classes-online
3. Attend a virtual story time. Washoe County Library this week launches a virtual story time via Facebook. Join the group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/washoevirtualstorytime/?source_id=91396597006. And get more reading time in – with Betty White. Storyline Online offers dozens of titles read by celebrated actors and accompanied by illustrations, all on demand. Visit https://www.storylineonline.net/
4. Learn a language. American Sign Language is having another moment thanks in part to Nigel Howard, whose next level interpretation for Canadian officials has gone viral. You can start learning sign language online at http://www.signlanguage101.com/.
5. Take your floor routine beyond the sprinkler and the running man. The Peloton app is offering 90 days free and just added cardio dance to their lineup of online workouts. Bonus, you can use the app with the Amazon Fire Stick – family workouts! Sign up at https://www.onepeloton.com/app
6. Make a travel bucket list. Break out a world map and start plotting out all the places you’d like to go, sights to see, and foods to try. We may be experiencing some dark times now, but it won’t last forever, and planning for the future may bring hope and enliven your spirits. Bonus: we think this activity counts as geography class for your kids.
7. Coronavirus haiku. And, go!
This Is Reno’s COVID-19 news coverage

COVID-19 cases still trending downward
For the first time in months, the Truckee Meadows Covid Risk Meter is now in the “high” category, down from “very high.”

Sisolak rejects 80 percent seizure from inmate accounts in favor of half
Nevada prisons will no longer seize 80% of the money deposited for inmates by families and friends.

Highly contagious “U.K. Strain” is here in Nevada
Researchers from Nevada State Public Health Laboratory found a Nevada case of the B.1.1.7, or UK Strain, of coronavirus.

Lack of supply prompts county to reduce vaccinations
Washoe County Health District officials today said a lack of vaccine supplies from the federal government are prompting the district to scale back vaccinations.

Nevada legislative session to start closed to public
The Nevada Legislature will limit access to the public when lawmakers convene next month to confront the coronavirus pandemic and rebalance the state budget.

School District holds its first employee COVID-19 vaccination event
Educators and staff from Washoe County School District were vaccinated at the first of several POD events.

COVID-19: ¿Qué pasa cuando no se presenta a su cita de vacunación?
En tiempos normales, una pequeña cantidad de personas que no se presente a una cita de vacunación puede ser una preocupación sin importancia para el distrito.

COVID-19: What happens when you don’t show up for your vaccine appointment?
In usual times, a small number of people not turning up for a vaccination appointment might not be a major concern for the district.

Sin miedo al fracaso: Familia local abre su segunda panadería guatemalteca durante la pandemia (patrocinado)
PATROCINADO: Los emprendedores se enfrentan a muchos desafíos, pero sin duda, una pandemia tan catastrófica como el COVID-19 no es algo fácil de vencer.

Hospital workers picket outside of Saint Mary’s—again (updated)
Members of the Communications Workers of America picketed outside Saint Mary’s hospital after struggling for almost a year to negotiate a contract.