This time of year is one full of beauty! The trees lining the streets of Browning have transitioned from a forest green to a vibrant, fiery red, and with changes in the weather come changes in activity. While we all continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, new beginnings have allowed the staff and community members the opportunity to create new traditions. The parades down the Browning Boulevard, Luau’s, and Margarita deliveries, while all maintaining a social distance have brought smiles to everyone who has participated, and in the words of Tara Lloyd, Executive Director, “we’re just getting started!”
“In a time where involuntary isolation has been thrust upon us for the benefit of our health, Browning has raised the bar yet again in ensuring each community member has access to opportunities for connection. Connection to each other is the opposite of isolation, and though we are limited with what we can offer, our creative juices from the team seem to keep getting stronger” states Lloyd.
In the fall, Browning offered two farmer’s markets featuring local orchards, produce stands, and flower carts. As community members poured out of the building and into the fresh air, staff members served MacQueen’s famous apple cider chilled or hot. As they strolled with their cider to acoustic music played by Mark Harris of the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation, they visited a homemade pickles and baked goods stand, a produce stand featuring Sadowski’s Orchard sweet corn, freshly assembled floral arrangements, and a vintage candy stand.
As Halloween approached, the staff stepped out of their comfort zone and into their costumes for a safe, contactless trick or treat experience for everyone who calls Assisted Living home. Staff knocked on apartment doors with arms full of candy to make community members smile in delight. The Trick or Treat fun did not stop there as the campus opened their doors to children again in a trick or treat parade. Many children walked down the streets of campus to stop at contactless stations for prizes and treats!
Though the times of today call for a different approach, it has far from put a damper on the warm, family atmosphere Browning has offered for nearly 40 years. As we continue to move forward, it is incredible to see how far we have come and marvel at the resilience of the community members at Browning. As we count our blessings this beautiful Thanksgiving, we count those who we have the opportunity to serve now more than ever. It is their disposition that has defined a warm culture of home, gratitude, and excellence in mind, body and spirit.
For more information on upcoming opportunities to get involved, call Molly Good at 419.878.4055.
