SPREADING KINDNESS In a 55+ retirement community, life often slows down just enough for residents to rediscover something deeply meaningful: connection. With more time to enjoy the present, people have the opportunity to build a culture rooted in kindness, compassion, and mutual support. This stage of life can be one of the richest when kindness is intentionally woven into everyday living. Often, the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. A warm smile during a morning walk, a friendly wave, or simply asking a neighbor how they’re doing can brighten someone’s entire day and create a strong sense of belonging. Inclusion is one of the most powerful ways to spread kindness. Welcoming new residents to dinners, card games, or fitness classes helps ease transitions and build lasting friendships, ensuring no one feels like an outsider in a place meant to feel like home. Volunteering within the community also strengthens connections. Delivering meals, checking on neighbors, or offering companionship to those who are ill or grieving brings comfort and gives residents a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Kindness also means practicing patience, respect, and self-compassion as residents navigate the changes that come with aging. Ultimately, a culture of kindness is built through everyday actions. By choosing empathy, generosity, and understanding, residents help create a community where everyone feels valued and truly thrives together. HOMELESS GRADUATING SENIORS By Doris Reisinger We are winding down on donations for 2026. April 10 will be the last collection day. Feel free to call me to pick up domestic items rather than dropping them at either the Clubhouse or HFC. Financial donations can be dropped at either location as well. If you need any information about donations there are sheets at the Clubhouse Media Center and at the HFC activities rack. Some examples are restaurant gift cards in $5, $10 or $15 denominations. $130 provides everything including the rolling duffel bag to give to students. Please make checks out to Polk County Public Schools with Homeless HS Seniors in memo. Any questions feel free to contact Doris at 217-652-6636. SHOE DRIVE ONGOING By Carolyn Neuberger We still need your help! We are still collecting gently worn men’s, women’s & children’s shoes, sneakers, golf shoes, Crocs etc. The shoes collected from this fundraiser becomes an economic lifeline for microentrepreneurs in developing nations. There are collection boxes in the Clubhouse, the HFC and at the Pro Shop next to the lost and found. Please go through your shoes and support our cause. We will be collecting your donations until July 10. Thank you for your support. Contact Carolyn Neuberger at 516-317-0120 with any questions. 16
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