Community Connection Newsletter
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April 2020 |
News & Announcements
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Meet Deb Socks of the Silver Muzzle Cottag
e
Bringing Joy to Traverse City Residents with Therapy Dogs
By: Jacqueline Dillinger
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Deb has been loyal and committed to this form of Therapy, and through her visits has formed bonds with several of our “regular” dog lovers in Assisted Living.
When asked if she has always loved dogs, Deb said that she’s always loved all animals. Some of her earliest memories where helping animals. At home, she has two dogs from the same litter, one was born blind and deaf, and her sister who acts as her leader dog. The family also has three chickens and a hamster.
Deb has been coming to Samaritas for at least 1 ½ years, and was connected to Silver Muzzle because she used to board her dogs with Kim, the owner, when she had a boarding facility.
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Deb Socks visits with some Independent Living residents while they pet the dog.
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When asked about the idea of volunteering here at Samaritas Senior Living, she said “My first real job was in a nursing home so I would see the volunteers bring in therapy dogs. As and dog and senior citizen lover, I always thought I would do that someday. I heard that Kim started a
‘senior for senior’
program through Silver Muzzle, so I called and started!”
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Deb’s favorite part of volunteering at Samaritas is seeing the residents smile. Knowing that a lot of them have had and loved pets in the past, she loves to provide the “dog fix” and the staff and residents make it enjoyable too. The part of volunteering that is most difficult for her is listening to their stories, and knowing that it seems like yesterday to them. Also, facing the fact that life is so short.
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Our Activity Assistant, Penny, usually brings the residents out to the Lobby for their dog visit, but there are a few residents who prefer room visits, so Deb makes her rounds to those rooms.
Deb is also a volunteer at the Cherryland Humane Society a few times a week. She does things from cleaning kennels, to walking the dogs and just gets them outside to play fetch. Her daughters have always wanted to foster kittens from there but they were too busy. It just so happened that a mama cat died after giving birth to a litter of kittens before COVID-19. With school and sports being cancelled, it was the perfect time to take on the project, now they are fostering two kittens. What a bright spot those kitties have been during this uncertain time!
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Deb makes her rounds with this feisty dog, bringing much joy to the residents
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Deb Socks and one of our Assisted Living residents getting her “dog fix”
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Sheltering In Place
Using Technology!
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The fun way;
helping our residents stay connected through technology when they can't see each other in person is a big priority to us right now. This gentleman is talking to his wife but is also able to see her on the iPad which brought happy tears to his eyes! #BetheRock
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Traverse City Gets Three New Staffers!
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Kristen Koon
Director of Sales and Marketing
Lives in Traverse City, has 3 kids, and owned her own business. Kristen enjoys traveling and hiking with her family.
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Diane Burk, LPN
Has been a nurse for 35 years, always worked with the elderly. Diane has 5 adult kids, 4 grandkids and lives in Traverse City.
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David Hollman
Maintenance and Grounds Manager
Raised three boys as a single father. Left Meijer Garden Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids to work in Traverse City and live with his aging parents.
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See what else is going on at Samaritas this month!
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Why the 2020 Census Matters More
than Ever
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The spread of the COVID-19 virus has forced Americans into a new set of social norms while inadvertently revealing gaps in our social safety nets. This experience has exposed the need for improved emergency systems to support medical care, reduce food insecurity and assist the poor. While no one can predict the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, we do know that population numbers will help determine which regions will receive funding to restore normalcy.
You can help by participating in the 2020 Census and making sure that you are counted, even if you’re in a group setting like a senior living community. If you’ve already received your form, you can fill it out by phone or online. It only takes about 20 minutes to do it. A Samaritas guide is available for you to review at
bit.ly/2020CensusHelp
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If you don’t receive an invitation to respond to the 2020 Census, you may respond online or call this number for assistance (844) 330-2020. Information in multiple languages is also available at
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Census forms will start arriving in your mailbox this month.
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Traverse City Administrator Kristen Lindell assisting a resident with online Census reporting
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Samaritas offers retirement living for seniors with five communities throughout Michigan. Whether you want independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support or rehabilitation therapy, you’ll find a home that feels right.
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