This message closes out a year that will certainly, by all measures, be considered historical. Not just for those of us navigating our way, but for all generations impacted by the challenges we’ve faced.

It’s been a year marked by political and racial unrest that has certainly taken it’s toll and will impact our nation’s history both now and in the future, but in this same year, we’ve faced a pandemic of global proportions. A pandemic that has swept our cities, our local communities, our own homes. A pandemic that has claimed countless lives and tested the resolve of the best.

I have often shared with staff during our educational in-services that it’s in times of adversity that we learn and grow the most. If we approach a situation and we always know the answer, while comfortable, we do not learn from that situation. However, If we are faced with a challenge that we have no idea of the solution; we will continue forward, face that challenge, move through it...and realize how much we grew by being tested when we are able to finally look back. We are still learning; we are still growing; we aren’t quite able to ‘look back’ yet. But I can assure you, there will be lessons learned.

I can assure you that all of us are facing these life-lessons. We are meeting these challenges from every corner of our lives. We are making decisions within our own homes and work spaces daily. This year has forced us to be more creative; to search for answers that aren’t obvious. It’s allowed us to truly see the importance of social connection because we now clearly see the impact of it’s absence. It’s opened the door to much self-reflection on what is truly important. It’s caused us to prioritize our lives; balancing our need to work and maintain our homes and households; with the need to care for those ‘bookends’ in our lives...our children, our grandchildren, and our parents. It’s forced us to be patient because quite frankly, what choice do we have? We are at the mercy of science. We are at the feet of a solution that requires all of us to work collectively despite our religious, political or moral convictions, all at a time when we’ve faced much division and strife as a country and a planet.

But there is hope....and there is light. Babies have been born in 2020; weddings have creatively taken place in 2020; innovation and invention have thrived in 2020; friendships and relationships have strengthened in 2020...and we will move through this, together.

So as we close out this epic year, my message is one of inspiration. Let us all be reminded we need one another; no one walks this path alone. To date, we are fortunate to say that we have had no Covid-transmission to our residents; I’m praying we can close the year with that same report. I ask you to keep all of us in your prayers because we have felt your support from the beginning, and we continue to need that support as we wait for the Covid vaccines to be delivered to our residents and our staff.

And through it all, let us celebrate those tiny moments that mark this season. A tiny light on a Christmas tree or a menorah; a familiar Christmas carol; a child’s wonder to see Santa, their laughter; the first snowflakes of the season; the wisdom from our parents and grand-parents of Christmas’ past. Maybe watch “It’s A Wonderful Life” once again and allow George to remind us of the impact each of us have on one another!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, dear friends....may you all stay safe and healthy! Cheers to 2021!!!

Chief Executive Officer

www.PickeringManor.org 

Pickering Manor is in need of holiday decorations for our residents' rooms. We are specifically in need of space-saving and safety-conscious decorations like holiday window clings (decals), wrapping paper, battery-operated Fairy Lights, battery-operated candles and outdoor LED lights. If you are interested in donating these items, or for any questions, please contact Andrea Eells, Activities Director, at (215) 968-3878 Ext. 1115 or Kelly Moyer, Volunteer Coordinator, at (215) 968-3878 Ext. 1127. Thank you for helping us make the holidays special for our residents and staff!

With the holiday season upon us, we'd like to remind you, our loyal donors, families and volunteers, of the simple and no-cost way for you to shop and support Pickering Manor at the same time through Amazon Smile. To designate .5% of each qualifying purchase, log into your Amazon Smile account and select "Community Welfare Council of Newtown" as your charity to support (see below for more instructions). Thank you!

We were touched once again by one of Pickering Manor's youngest volunteers and neighbors, Liam Lambert, of "Baking with Babies".

Liam and his Mom Julie delivered Thanksgiving cards to our Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Moyer, to share with our residents. Thanks to Liam and his Mom for always remembering our residents and staff during these difficult times!

We are thankful to Wrapping Presence volunteer Cheryl Paradiso for delivering holiday gifts to Khristyne Bell in our Activities Department for distribution to our residents. We are grateful for Wrapping Presence's donation of time and gifts over their years of work for the residents of Pickering Manor and their families. It is an especially important time to give thanks during the COVID-19 pandemic when residents are isolated from their families and friends. We wish you health and safety this holiday season!

Please note it is not too late to be a part of our Capital Campaign. We are 60% towards our $1.5 million goal and you can help us to reach this goal by the end of 2020. Many donors chose the end of the year to make their yearly contributions, so we encourage all potential and existing donors to explore doubling their gift through their employer’s Matching Gift program. You can give online or call our Development Department for more information at (215) 968-3878 ext. 1112.