COVID-19 has shuttered the Lakeland Senior Center (LSC) but not the spirit of the manager and the Center buddies.
Kim Odom, LSC manager, is emailing “Chatterbox” to over 300 seniors who routinely visit the venue for classes, dinners, programs and friendship. It is a way to keep in touch with LSC participants during the closures and social distancing because of the Coronavirus, said Mrs. Odom.
Along with the IH Clubhouse, the Senior Center is closed through April 6th.
Mrs. Odom started sending the chatty messages March 16th and says she will continue as long as there is interest.
“Chatterbox was formed to keep in touch with participants (friends) of the Lakeland Senior Center. We’ve communicated using this email blast for a few years now. There are currently more than 300 seniors signed up to receive emails titled “LSC Happenings” with calendars and details of upcoming activities and events, as well as special announcements.
“I created the new email forum called “Chatterbox” as a way to keep in touch with participants of LSC with the thought that some may look forward to hearing what their Center buddies are up to. It’s also a great way to provide them with ideas to keep busy and share ways to stay healthy.”
This week’s edition included a list of questions and reports on LSC members and their stay-at-home activities. Last week she provided craft ideas as well as a list of local retailers who are offering senior hours during COVID-19. One of the participants shared a bunny craft she made and Mrs. Odom shared a favorite and appropriate quote. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Fun Questions of the Week from Mrs. Odom
1) Tell me something positive you’ve learned about yourself during this difficult time.
2) Let’s get to know more about each other. For fun, tell me about your favorite hobby; how many children and grandchildren you have; your favorite song; your favorite time of year; and your favorite dessert recipe.
3) Don’t forget to share what you’re doing. Are you redecorating your bedroom, or organizing your cabinets or closets? I want to know. Feel free to send me details and a picture or two.
Mrs. Odom said she has heard from about 12 of the LSC participants. “I’m sharing those responses through “Chatterbox”. I’d like to hear from more friends at the Center. Many of the regulars are part of my weekly life. I would like to know what they’re up to and that they are alright. I have made friends among this group. I care about every senior that comes into the Center.”
She added, “I’m sure the regulars will tell you coming to LSC is an easy way to make friends. We recently received a “thank you” card in the mail from a lady who found her way to the Center a little more than a year ago.” Among her comments, the writer said Lakeland Senior Center is such a wonderful place. She said she was at a time in her life when she needed to build new friendships. She said the Center has given her so many friends. “I’m happiest when I am doing crafts there,” said the participant.
Mrs. Odom said such comments are why she formed the email group. “These folks are precious to me. I want them to know that we care about them. If they are interested in continuing the emails and I can provide them with something to look forward to and share information that will keep them healthy and safe I’m happy to do it.”
During any regular week, the Center is humming with activity, said Mrs. Odom. There are 15 regular activities plus new or special events added each month. “To many regular participants, Lakeland Senior Center is a gathering place for friends. We have a Jamming Group of more than 15 acoustic musicians who gather on Mondays. There’s a watercolor class every Thursday. Our monthly Craft Corners are extremely popular, usually with close to 20 participants. Of course, twice-a-month bingo is always a hit. We’ve had to move it over to the IH Clubhouse it has grown so much.”
Mrs. Odom can be reached at kodom@lakelandtn.org or 746-746-8195
