Best friend Leon Heller informs George Best that the County Council will proclaim ‘George Best Day’ on his 100th birthday Aug. 4, 2020. Best is a retired Naval officer, selfless community volunteer and Los Alamos Living Treasure. This photo has been submitted to a national contest for meaningful moments captured during the pandemic. Photo by Chad Lauritzen
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO
Two years ago this week, the Betty Ehart Senior Center received a call from the Aging and Long-Term Services Department. They called to tell us we would be serving lunch outside in a drive-thru format due to the pandemic.
It was the Friday before Pi Day, so we tried to make the best of it. We dressed in science gear, goggles and with the names of doctors Faith, Hope and Love. We didn’t even realize it could come across as clinical.
Now two years later, we will celebrate by selling raffle tickets to “pie” a staff member in the face. We still serve in a drive-thru format, but indoor dining may be on the horizon for April. We have tried to have fun activities during the course of the past two years, to motivate both staff and members along the way. Who would have ever believed the pandemic would last two years?
The first year was scary and different, but there were many wonderful moments along the way. The County and the State allowed us to suggest new and innovate ideas. We began to grocery shop, deliver library books and more. We had the help of the community in providing gifts to seniors in need, those who were struggling or just needed a morale boost. We seemed to stay one step ahead and anticipate next steps.
We got to 2021 and navigated COVID-19 vaccines and later boosters, all in a drive-thru format. We were able to offer flu shots for those who preferred to avoid crowds and held our first in-person fundraiser since 2019. The difference between the two years was interesting to say the least.
We worked harder that last two years than I can even explain – but something was different. I would guess that the answer is rules. The rules were always changing, new protocols, new policies and never-ending paperwork. Then on top of that came staffing issues. I don’t need to blame a variety of things for that – it was just the hand we were dealt.
Finally, the hardest part is the loss of members. We have seen so much loss over the last two years. Many seniors become like family. Loss, illness, sadness, is something we go through together. Members have supported us as we struggle, emotionally, physically and financially. We try to help them with whatever they need in the moment.
We couldn’t do any of it without our volunteers. When we could finally have them back, we were equally as happy to see them as to have their help. They help us answer phones, disseminate information, assist with our food service, instruct exercise classes and at-home projects. We look forward to celebrating them in April as we move along this path of change. April is volunteer appreciation month … so get ready!
The Today Show has a contest for a picture that defines the pandemic for you. There have been many great moments to document. One was when my husband Chad took the above photo of Leon Heller telling his best friend George Best that Los Alamos County Council would proclaim George Best Day on his 100th birthday. The senior center had organized the recognition and a nationwide mail call of 100 birthday cards to document the historic moment.
We’ve done incredible things the last two years. Stay aware of changes and make good choices, we truly are all in this together.
