Pictured above: Marge and John Graves share greetings with Dorothy Christinson in the background.
Not to be hampered by the preventative measures during this COVID-19 pandemic, independent living residents of The Mayflower Community (Grinnell IA) have found a way to keep in touch….while staying socially distant.
Residents of the 3rd floor of the Buckley building are doing regular “Retreat and Greets” by coming to their apartment doors and waving and conversing with their neighbors, who are at least one apartment door away.
Pat Groth devised this ingenious connection so that people who used to see each other regularly can now check in and make sure everyone is okay. Walk to your door at the appointed time, step part way out, and shout greetings. It’s working!
One of the Buckley residents mused, “Pat had suggested that we ask if anyone needed anything. Some people shared how they were using their time. We may have a song this weekend. But I do think the most memorable thing was the sight of all the hands in the air waving.”
On Palm Sunday, Dorothy Christenson led the 3rd-floor “Retreat and greet” residents in singing “America the Beautiful.”
There are six apartment buildings with 104 apartments, all but one connected by tunnels and elevators. So, how do we stay connected? Retreat and Greet!
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director