Jennings at Brecksville senior citizens advise to graduating seniors in age of social distancing
by Stacia Naoum
Senior residents at the assisted living facility Jennings at Brecksville, 8736 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, virtually offered some advice to the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School graduating class of 2020 in May.
With the coronavirus pandemic upending life as we know it, staff at Jennings had residents write messages of advice and encouragement on white boards. Pictures were then posted to Jennings’ Facebook page.
“I know the residents here feel for the students and graduates and have a positive mentality and have a lot of faith in the youth,” said Maria Spirakus, a life enrichment coordinator at Jennings at Brecksville who helped organize the activity.
Thirteen residents took part in offering advice on several topics, including love (“Find a mate you have something in common with and spend your life with them,” said Dolores Kubera); career (“Be selective regarding the company you choose,” said Mary Duffy); and words to live by (“Be true to yourself and kind to all,” said Joe Walton).
Many commented on the photos about appreciating the advice and shared the photos with others on social media, said Lisa Brazytis, chief marketing officer at Jennings.
Residents enjoyed taking photos with advice in their own words, she said.
“I put my heart into the advice I gave,” said lifetime Brecksville resident Edd Bilek, who also has strong ties to the Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District and the community at large. “It is what I would have normally said to any senior graduating at any other time.”
Bilek’s advice: “Congratulations seniors. Your life trip is just starting and is one of the hardest paths of success. YOU CAN DO IT. Just keep yourself focused on what your goals may be.”
Bilek is a member of the BBHHS class of 1959, served on the board of education from 1984-1987 and is honored in the school’s Gallery of Achievement.
During this precautionary time, Jennings at Brecksville staff members have used out-of-the-box thinking and virtual platforms to help the residents stay connected to the outside world.
“Creativity and technology have been important tools for us,” said Brazytis.
Jennings has video chats so residents can have virtual visits with families by Skype or Facetime. Family members have also had window visits so they can see one another while talking on the phone, she said.
This same technology has also enabled residents to participate in daily Mass and weekly scripture readings, as faith practices have been some of the most important and deepest connections, she said.
Families and community members, like the Lions Club, have also made special visits with safe, physically distanced activities, such as parades around the building and live music concerts in the parking lot.
“Jennings at Brecksville is grateful to so many friends in the community who have purchased dinners, dropped off snacks, delivered handmade masks and other supplies, shared original music with residents, created and delivered handmade cards and art and who have been so thoughtful in their connections to us,” said Brazytis. To view all photos with advice to seniors, visit the Jennings at Brecksville Facebook page.
Feature image photo caption: Joe Walton encourages 2020 graduates of Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School. Photo courtesy Jennings at Brecksville
