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I played the harp off and on since 1978. I returned to it for three years and then stopped again in 2016. I got a Christmas card from a friend who said his wife, now retired and isolated, was playing her harp. So I wrote back and told him that I "play" the harp too. She called me and we got talking. Since that time, the two of us have been encouraging each other to keep at it. I have returned daily to play my harp and it has helped my mind relax and focus on something other than what's going on outside. I love it.

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I am a single mother of a child with disabilities, so because of the pandemic, I was able to spend more time with him and help him out. Also, I was able to leave my old job and become a teacher."

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I picked up baking during the pandemic. It allows me to appreciate the food, time and love that I could share with my family, for which I took for granted.

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Due to the lengthy "free time" afforded by the pandemic I enjoyed being able to restore and update family genealogy photo albums.

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I have decided to learn to play the Ukulele. This may not bring joy, as musical instruments do not come naturally for me, but if I can play a song or two by the summer this will be a worthy accomplishment. I have visions of entertaining my family for a sing along on our boat as the sunsets.

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I've had a few silver linings. My favorite one is that the pandemic forced all of us to get outside more. My husband and I are not New England natives, so every weekend in the summer and fall, we would travel to a new part of New England. It was great to explore the beautiful Northeastern landscape together with our dog, Finn! He's pictured here on top of Cannon mountain from our trip to New Hampshire last August.

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Jean and Peter Stringham, Village Residents

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Jean and Peter Stringham, Village Residents

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Last May we both came down with Covid. We don't know how we got it but we are glad we didn't give it to anyone at Lasell Village. As scary as that experience was, we learned what a warm, caring and supportive environment we live in at Lasell Village.

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I passed my final MTEL and will become a Special Education Teacher!

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My silver lining has been the experience of spending more than a year 24/7 with my critters: Gracie, Anna, Bunny and Max. This time has allowed me to develop a better relationship with them and, also, to understand exactly how they spend their days ... Sleeping!

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What has brought me joy is winter storms, skiing with old friends and hanging out with my dog.

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After a difficult, chaotic, and trying 2020, the start of 2021 brought a renewed sense of hope, happiness, joy, and love when my partner proposed to me. After what seemed like a year of endless uncertainty and struggles, there was no doubt that I was saying yes, because in these most trying and difficult times, the love and happiness we shared continued to shine through the darkness and made us grow even closer.

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My 79-year-old Dad beat cancer!

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I discovered new hiking trails and new beautiful places to visit. Made the effort to "see" something new each day in my neighborhood walks. Read The Four Agreements and other inspirational literature. Explored new worlds and virtual adventures by playing more video games. Had weekly video chats with friends and family. Made more time for exercise and meditation.

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I navigated the housing market and moved into my first home! And have gotten to spend lots more time with my dog, a 2-year old Rat Terrier named Monty.

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Went hiking for the first time!

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I love seeing all of the support that people have for our workers on the front lines. Neighborhoods have never been more colorful with signs, posters, and handmade art to show their respect and admiration for the hard work they put in everyday!

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Getting to spend more time with my toddler and seeing her grow and change each day!

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The COVID-19 pandemic provoked a number of ageist reactions, toward both older and younger individuals. As a result, I was able to connect with several community and professional partners around efforts to raise awareness about ageism and the need to build opportunities for intergenerational solidarity.  As an example, the Gerontological Society of America COVID-19 Task Force on which I served generated several resources around ageism.