Arts and crafts foster community throughout stay-at-home order

Colorado’s stay-at-home order has plenty of people spending more time cooped up indoors than they’re used to. What they may not know is that, despite its name, the order doesn’t stop residents from getting outdoors for exercise and some fresh air.

Now don’t hurry off to plan a block party. Households still need to maintain their isolation when they venture outside. People from different households should not be meeting up for walks, sports or play groups, and Holyoke’s parks are closed to keep people from congregating High-risk individuals are encouraged to stay inside their own residence except for medical care throughout the stay-at-home order.

Something that families can do for their physical and mental health during this order is to go on walks. To spread some cheer during an admittedly stressful and uncertain time, individuals across town are decorating their windows with colorful hearts, displaying teddy bears, and leaving messages in sidewalk chalk.

The beloved children’s book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is the inspiration for the teddy bears on display. Kids can read the book for some mental stimulation and then go on a walk to hunt for bears themselves.

On the other end, those who cannot leave the house can still get involved by displaying their own teddy bears, colorful hearts or encouraging messages.

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