May 29, 2020
Some individuals see a glass of water as half empty and some see the same glass of water as half full.
But, there are individuals who see that glass of water and start looking for someone who might be thirsty.
As these words come together for me, I am reminded of the determined strength of Harc. We have since the beginning of this pandemic vowed to make sure everyone was safe and engaged, and that the atmosphere that they were in was one of a joyous occasion along with staying true to our mission.We have successfully accomplished this,and I want to share with you some of our recent moments.
Our Virtual Day Program
This program has 208 members, including 61 of our participants and is growing every day. This safe, interactive program connects our community and shares joy as we exercise, learn about good nutrition, play trivia, and explore nature. One of our families went on a live drive and walk while others engaged in walking tours around our communities. We are learning by playing games such as Name That Tune and trivia. Then there are the educational materials such as music therapy, virtual wellness, science, music, movies, gardening, yoga, Zumba, animals, and let us not forget the baking. I want to thank all that have been making this happen for our participants and their families.
Our Harc Café
We have brought loved ones together again. Harc Café is a lovely experience for the family and their loved ones. Our first visit, I must admit, it was an overwhelming moment for us on the Senior Team. We wanted everything to be perfect (shooting for the stars). The weather was perfect and the flowers were in bloom. The ambiance was of a small country café, complete with linens and centerpieces and of course, social distancing. The food the family brought was amazing and best of all the smiles and laughter was the most compelling. Yes, it was perfect.
SockStarz
We reopened our very own SockStarz in the West Hartford Center on LaSalle Rd this week. Our team worked hard to implement additional safety measures in our store all the while retaining the warm, welcoming, and unique feel our customers have come to love. We are also selling masks!!
Engaging the Community
Prospect gave their “glass of water” to their Postman with a game of Hopscotch. Residents delightfully watched as he took on the challenge, hopscotching up the driveway to deliver their mail, proving that human engagement is more than physical, it is emotional.
Saying Our Goodbye
“True comfort is found in the warmth of memories.”
We offer our heartfelt condolences for all of our Harc family members who have recently lost their loved one:
Winifred Kumnick
Robert Fleming
These individuals were an integral part of the Harc community, and their lives brought joy to all who knew them.
As the world around us begins to reopen, we rejoice in looking to the future with continued diligence around the safety of our participants, staff and families. Our amazing staff will continue to engage the hearts of our community in creative and innovative ways. In the meantime, staff will continue to be required to wear masks at all times as well as other appropriate personal protective equipment as directed by our nurses. As of this week, each of our staff now have four handmade masks, and some are even mixing and matching to their attire of the day.
Let’s all remember as we move into our new reality that,
We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice that the thorns have roses.
We are in this together,
Annette
