Take 2: Oregon veteran, living room concert

Carlee George, Staff Writer • April 3, 2020

The Take 2 series features brief weekly updates on the state or nation’s relevant news for the community.

Oregon Veteran: William Lapscshies is a survivor, not only of World War II but recently COVID-19. He started showing symptoms March 5 and was diagnosed March 10. Days after a spike in temperature and labored breathing, Lapschies recovered in time to celebrate his 104th birthday on Wednesday. The occasion was spent with close family and cake.

Significance: Lapschies was considered a high risk patient due to his age, but survived COVID-19. He met all CDC guidelines to be considered recovered, the New York Post reports. Throughout this experience, he remained “perky” and “excited.”

Living Room Concert: Singer Elton John hosted the iHeartRadio Living Room Concert for America on March 29. It featured famous musicians including Mariah Carey, Billie Eilish and Tim McGraw performing from their homes. Late night TV host James Corden similarly hosted Homefest on March 30 with performances by John Legend, Dua Lipa, BTS and more.

Significance: These two events used the platform of celebrities to draw more attention to COVID-19. The musicians gave messages of hope and a reminder that through isolation, the world can still be connected. The Living Room Concert for America was able to raise almost $8 million for the fight against the pandemic.

About the Contributors

Carlee George, Staff Writer

Chloe Smith is entering her senior year, and she is very excited for what this year of unknown will bring. She is eager to experience all of her lasts at Lovejoy High School. In previous years, Smith worked on the Broadcast Team as the executive producer, and this year, she decided to blend newspaper and video by joining The Red Ledger staff. Outside of the studio, Smith spends her time on the soccer field, bass fishing and soaking up time with her family, friends and boyfriend. Eager to produce content for this year, she is also a little nervous whilst in the midst of applying to colleges and working on applications. Nevertheless, Smith is ready for a great year.

Hannah Gonzalez, Graphics Editor

Mama Mia, here we go again. As she takes her last ride in the TRL classroom, Hannah Gonzalez is ready to end this year with a bang. Gonzalez serves as a Co-Graphics editor for the third year in a row and this is her fourth year on staff. When she’s not making killer graphics, you can most likely find Gonzalez on the volleyball court, at FCA meetings, in school or going for a joy ride in the Jeep that she named “Beep.” Although TRL is life, Gonzalez also enjoys going for late-night ice cream runs, watching early morning sunrises, going to church every Sunday morning and going on an occasional lake trip. To add to her list of accomplishments, Gonzalez has won three state championships and is looking for a fourth. With her happy planner by her side, Gonzalez is looking forward to kicking procrastination to the curb as she conquers her final year as a high school student.