EVERYTHING LISTED UNDER: Community Involvement

Whether or not we actually do the right things to improve our health, many of us probably assume we know what they are. Walk more. Quit smoking.

Playing a game at an assisted living facility opened up connections [Photo credit: Adobe Stock][/caption]By Reyna Marder Gentin for Next AvenueMy friend runs an assisted living residence not far from where I live. When she called to say she had a mitzvah (a good deed) for me that was “right up my alley,” I was wary, to put it mildly. She explained that she was running an event where the residents would play a game encouraging them to share, open mic style, stories from their lives. My friend knows I write — essays, memoir pieces, a novel. I tell stories.

The era of the “front porch folks” in senior living has virtually faded away. In their place are the active seniors, people who don’t stop doing their favorite hobbies or visiting their favorite places after they move into a senior living community.

With five decades in the business of flowers, Mary Williams knows her way around decorating with blooms and greens. What’s surprising is how many people are intimidated by the idea of using fresh flowers in their décor.

Joelle and Ceagan Freeland visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at last year's Children’s Party.[/caption]All children know that Santa has many helpers. For many Rolla-area children, there is only one “real” Santa and Mrs. Claus—Bob and Dorette Fitez.