AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Within seconds of getting her COVID-19 vaccination, Brightview Severna Park resident Nina Bonti affixed her orange “I Got My Covid-19 Vaccination” disc to her necklace and was showing it to Assisted Living Manager Cidnei Crumity. One of 270 plus residents and associates receiving vaccinations on February 2, Bonti was joyful.
“I’m hopeful that getting the vaccine will keep me from getting the virus and keep my friends and family safe as well,” she said.
She added that she was extremely comfortable with getting the shots and appreciated that they were available to her.
Bonti’s comments were typical of those heard by Brightview Associate Director Shannon Yunn all day. She said the vaccination clinic conducted in partnership with Walgreens Healthcare Clinic last Tuesday couldn’t have run more smoothly.
Having received their first of two shots of the Pfizer vaccine, the residents and associates were scheduled to receive their second shot 21 days later on February 23.
The CDC recommended all senior living residents receive the vaccine free of cost in the first priority wave before it becomes available to the public. Thus, Brightview Senior Living communities at South River and in Annapolis and Crofton also have conducted the clinics. Among other senior living facilities with vaccination programs underway are Spring Arbor of Severna Park, Heartlands at Severna Park and Sunrise of Severna Park.
Thanks to social distancing, masks, and other measures, the Brightview Severna Park population has remained COVID-free.
“We kept everyone healthy all year by following the CDC protocols. For instance, we didn’t serve meals in the dining room but instead boxed them for residents to pick up or have delivered to their rooms.,” Yunn said. “We even did COVID testing the day of the vaccine clinic ahead of everyone getting their shot. No one tested positive so we proceeded, with a little over 270 people arriving for their shots at pre-arranged times.”
Brightview Vibrant Living Director Barbara Sigler set the tone by being one of the first to bare her arm for a Walgreen’s pharmacist.
“I was so excited to get my first shot! ” she said. “While we’ve been staying engaged with each other in a socially distanced manner and with masks, I look forward to when we can go back to restaurants, museums, and concerts again. Getting the shots is a step in the right direction.”
Most everyone felt the same way with 99% of eligible residents opting to be vaccinated. The only exceptions were people who’d received a previous antibody treatment or had a medical problem that precluded being vaccinated.
Between cooperative residents, helpful associates, and experienced pharmacists administering the shots, the clinic ran like clockwork, Residents like Gladys DeLawder, seen here, checked into the waiting area at a pre-communicated vaccine time, had her paperwork verified by the staff and proceeded to one of three vaccination areas where she was met by a Walgreen’s representative who went over her paperwork and administered the shot. She even became the subject of a photo op.
Teamwork prevailed on vaccination day according to Yunn.
“We had so much positive feedback as to how the clinic was organized from the residents, who were pleased, and from the Walgreen pharmacists,” she said.
In a very real sense, Vaccination Day at Brightview was something of a celebration. Everyone was anxious to get back to having normal visits from family and friends. (Carefully monitored visits with health screenings and temperature checks were allowed in accordance with CDC guidelines.). In addition, Brightview Severna Park normally has something of a community feel. Many residents were previously active with local charities and choose to continue supporting them.. Thus, they’ve missed working together on their community charity projects and hope to get back to them soon.
Pleased and relieved to get his shot, resident Howard Graves liked the various signs being handed out to signify one had received the vaccine. He chose an amusing one depicting the COVID virus “cancelled”.
Equally thrilled, Brightview associate Sharon Snow and nurse Fatima Bayemake celebrated by having their photos snapped holding other signs.
Brightview associate Sharon Snow had fun celebrating with various signs…….. 
………as did nurse Fatima Bayemake.
Yunn, who supervised one of the three vaccine administration areas, commented that many of the residents told her they felt excited to be a part of history and happy to take the necessary steps to move toward a sense of normalcy.
She noted that few after affects were experienced by residents or staff members – just the occasional sore arm or mild fatigue – so they’re actually looking forward to the second shot.
Jing Ying Celebrates “The Year of the Ox”
Jing Ying Institute of Tai Chi and Kung Fu begins its celebration of “The Year of the Ox” honoring the 2021 Chinese New Year this Saturday with a series of events for people of all ages.
According to Billy and Nancy Greer, owners of the Arnold-based school, offering Lunar New Year activities has been an important part of giving back to the community for the past 20 years and has included large and festive in-person events. This year they’ll skip the crowds by holding smaller in-person classes and virtual events.
Following a symbolic cleaning of the school to make room for good luck coming in for the new year, the two-week celebration kicks off this Saturday, February 13, from 1-2 pm with a “Lunar New Year Drive-By,” where families can drive by and pick up a goodie bag with a craft activity and giveaways.
Other activities include free tai chi and kung fu classes, an online tea making & tasting class, and an online cooking class.
Some of the free classes will be virtual, according to Nancy Greer. However, an in-person, evening Family Kung Fu Class for children 5 to 10 on February 18 includes an introductory lesson in Kung Fu and participants will receive a Lunar New Year of the Ox gift bag with a take-home craft.
An in-person Homeschool Kung Fu Class suitable for participants ages 5 to adult will be held February 19 from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm. This class also features an introductory lesson in Kung Fu and includes a Lunar New Year celebration gift bag with a take-home craft.
Pre-registration is required for both online and in-person classes and more information can be found at www.JingYing.org or by calling 410-431-5200.
Baby Supply Drive at Coldwell Banker Realty this weekend
Coldwell Banker Realty’s Melanie Wood announced that the office is hosting a Drive-By Drop-Off for Baby Supplies from 9 am to 5 pm in front of their offices at 572B Ritchie Highway in Park Plaza. Wood and Coldwell Banker Realty volunteers along with co-sponsor David Baca of Guaranteed Rate Affinity will be on hand to accept the donations.
All donations will be turned over to local charity Walk The Walk Foundation for distribution to all of our local food pantries.
“We’re looking for contributions of baby wipes, baby wash, lotions, diaper creams and baby shampoos. We already have enough diapers, ” Wood said.
For information on the event visit Melanie Wood of Coldwell Banker Realty – Severna Park, Maryland | Facebook.
