Since March 2020, we have all been forced to navigate through something new and challenging; a world health pandemic known as Covid-19. We are doing better in limiting the spread of the virus and reducing the consequences of infection by following through on strategies of masking, social distancing, testing, and vaccinations. It hasn’t been easy, and we have not all chosen to join together to fight this thing, but we are getting through and hopefully, the better days we see ahead are real and attainable. But there is one group in our community that has suffered most from the isolation made necessary to protect against the spread of the virus upon a vulnerable population, our Senior citizens.
Whether Seniors with family members fearful
of infecting them and keeping their distance, Seniors with no family who rely
upon meeting other Seniors at organized events and gatherings that are now
infrequent if at all, or Seniors who were homebound before the pandemic that
found themselves dip deeper into their solitary lives, most are feeling disconnected and lonely as never before. Now, more than
ever, we all need to do something to reach out to them in some small or big way.
You
may have heard of our Senior Connect newsletter, but never
taken the time to participate in its goal to help Seniors feel connected and informed
about the community they reside in. The
link to it can be found on our website at www.lawrencetwp.com
. The latest newsletter is here: https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/Community%20Aide/Senior%20Connect%202.15.22.pdf.
Here is my pitch to you: So, you are asking what little thing you can do that may make a positive difference in someone else's life? I have the perfect easy and caring act you can do for a fellow Senior resident of Lawrence Township. If you have an elderly relative, friend, or neighbor that you are pretty sure is not on the internet and receiving community news, how about taking some initiative and printing out our Senior Connect newsletter and delivering it to them with a friendly smile and greeting? Senior Connect is meant to give Senior residents a social media experience in hard copy for their easy read and enjoyment, and keep them informed and....wait for it.....feel connected!
Three good things happen: 1) You are doing a selfless act for someone in need; 2) You engage and interact with a Senior who may really be feeling alienated and alone during this really difficult pandemic time, and 3) The Senior feels better connected to the community and knows someone cares enough to do this for them. I am sure there are more good things that come out of this, but those are my big three. The simple and greater goal of this is to have people act with a good heart and let the Senior know someone cares. Corny - yes, I know.... but I think we need a lot more "corny" in my opinion. If you are a Senior and you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter, please ask a family member, friend, neighbor or Craig Dinwoodie, our Community Aide to print you out a copy. He can be reached at his office number (609) 844 7074 or his email cdinwoodie@lawrencetwp.com. He is the staff member that creates this monthly newsletter and is doing a great job! Peace and love…..Peace and love!!!
