BSRI News

Betsy Duarte moved to Ocean Isle Beach from California to be closer to her son and grandkids, and for the serenity of the beach. A rered ortho trauma nurse, Betsy works at Hope Harbor Home and is on the board of Brunswick County Homeless Coalion, is secretary for Alliance of Brunswick County Property Owners Associaon, and is a member of Sea Notes Choral Society. On page 15, Betsy invites you to a lunch to benefit homeless people.

Joan Leoa has been playing with words on page and stage since her childhood in Pisburgh. Her poetry and essays appear in many publicaons. Her four historical ficon novels feature strong women in mes of U.S. wars, and her poetry chapbook, Languid Lusciousness with Lemon, was recently released. Joan offers us dining advice and recipe on page 17.

Pat Naughton and his family moved from Richmond, Va. to Winding River Plantaon in Brunswick County in 2017 aer Pat rered as a mechanical engineer at a nuclear power plant. He has been an avid gardener for 35 years and is a Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. On page 14, Pat highlights some flowering plants for fall color.

Donna Ruth Morgan volunteers with Friends of the Library in Southport and Oak Island, Boiling Spring Lakes Library Commission, Brunswick County Library Board of Trustees, and the N.C. Friends of the Public Library. She inherited a love of reading and shares that enjoyment with her four children and three grand‐children. Find Donna’s next book reviews in our December issue.

Alyssa Schwinn is a UNCW student intern this fall. “I grew up just outside of Wilmington, in a one‐stoplight town called Rocky Point,” Alyssa says. She has competed in internaonal Crossfit contests, ranking in the top 15 competors in the world, and now coaches Crossfit. She enjoys spending me with her dog, Oscar, reading, and playing the clarinet. Alyssa’s Healthy Bites stories are on pages 18 and 19.

BSRI STAFF MEMBER OF THE MONTH

Sandy Porcaro enjoys the aer‐Oscar party

with Bradley Cooper.

Sandy Porcaro

Case Manager at Leland Senior Center

Sandy acts as a resource by providing information to seniors about programs and services in the community. “As a case manager, my role is to assess clients’ needs and provide them the resources and services to meet their needs, including all programming at BSRI and other community providers,” Sandy says.

“My first job was as a teenager working at McDonalds after school. That was when customer service was really important and they pushed their employees to complete each order in 60 seconds— does that ever happen anymore? It was a great learning experience. I looked great with my polyester shirt and matching skirt with my ’80s big hair,” she says.

“I am motivated by kind or positive people. Sometimes I find myself letting the negativity build up and then I talk with someone who has a positive spirit and energy and it motivates me to let the negativity go—its' not worth carrying.”

Sandy has four cats and two dogs. “I think the cats are my favorite,” she says.

ABOUT THE COVER

Photo by Mike McGurn Thri Store Operaons Manager Mike McGurn is busy ge ng ready for a brisk holiday shopping season (read more on page 8). But first, let’s celebrate our fall holiday of Thanksgiving. “Kaye Madden, Assistant Manager at the Shalloe store, designed the table decoraons,” Mike says. “She does a fantasc job with displays and store décor.” We at BSRI wish you all the happiness of the season, and some prey table décor too.

BRUNSWICK SENIOR BUZZ

EDITOR Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org (910) 622-1036

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mallory Balice, Betsy Duarte, Joan Leotta, Debra Marlowe, Mike McGurn, Donna Ruth Morgan, Patrick Naughton, Teresa Nelson, Alyssa Schwinn, René Tarquinio CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jillian Hardin, Mike McGurn, Debra Marlowe, Teresa Nelson, René Tarquinio ADVERTISING SALES (910) 754-2300 Anita Langin alangin@bsrinc.org Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org © 2020 Brunswick Senior Resources Inc. All rights reserved www.bsrinc.org

Thanksgiving Each Day

As I reflect on the last seven months, I think about the many changes that have happened both locally and throughout our country. Our country closed and most people stayed home except for essential workers. We learned to work from home and teach our children at home, balancing two difficult tasks, for our safety.

We closed our centers in March and never imagined we would be closed this long. We started serving congregate meals curbside, so our seniors didn’t have to go out as much, to keep them safe.

In April, we began doing classes on Zoom, to help keep our seniors active. When it warmed up and we were permitted to have outdoor gatherings, we started offering some classes outside.

We have talked to our seniors by phone and in person, and we know how much you miss your center. We miss you, too. This has been a difficult adjustment for everyone.

Looking Around in Gratitude

This time of year, we think about Thanksgiving and what we are thankful for. Some days during this difficult year we’ve found it hard to be thankful. But a friend reminded me today that we always have something to be thankful for.

We are thankful for our volunteers: those who deliver meals every day, those who help prepare the meals, those who make calls to see how you are

Teresa Nelson, Director The Brunswick Center at Shalloe

doing. We’re thankful for our volunteers who deliver food boxes.

We are thankful for our instructors, who conduct classes online and in person so we can stay active.

We are thankful for the Brunswick County community, which has donated food, cleaning products, toilet paper—yes, toilet paper! Who would have thought we would be thankful to have toilet paper?

And we are thankful for the amazing staff at BSRI who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure you had meals, and cleaning products, and yes, even toilet paper. I’m sure you can think of many other things you’re thankful for. As we finish this year and get it behind us, I want to remind you to remember at least one thing every

THANKFUL, connued from page 5 day to be thankful for.

I watch David Muir every evening on ABC World News. At the end of the news, he does a special report called America Strong. He reminds me every day that living in America we all are truly blessed, and we all are strong because we live in this country.

This, too, shall pass. We will learn from this year, and it will make us stronger. I’m thankful for all of you and our amazing staff and I want to leave you with this Irish blessing: May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade you every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that is always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Teresa Nelson, Director The Brunswick Center at Shallotte

Curbside Meals Resume on Mondays One Congregate Meal per Week per Person Will Be Offered

Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. curbside lunch has been paused the entire month of October. On Nov. 9, BSRI will resume the curbside lunch program offering one hot meal per participant per week (no frozen). These changes are being implemented at all BSRI centers and nutrition sites. Home-delivered meals

will continue as usual.

Why the Changes?

Many BSRI centers were closed for early voting in October, so meals could not be offered.

Curbside lunch was initially offered to participants due to coronavirus conditions. At first, many stores and restaurants were closed and food supplies were at an all-time minimum. Now food is more available at grocery stores and restaurants, and it’s safer for BSRI participants to purchase food for themselves.

Delivery and carry-out options are available at many restaurants, and curbside pickup is available at most grocery stores. If you don’t feel safe going into stores, please remember this option. Many stores are allowing senior shopping hours, including:

Walmart: Tuesdays 6 -7 a.m. (including pharmacy & vision)

Kroger: Wednesdays 6 -8 a.m.

Food Lion: Every day 6 -7 a.m.

Lowes Food: Wednesdays 6 -7 a.m. Seniors receive 5% off all day on Wednesdays.

Need Extra Help?

If you are experiencing hardship in November when you are receiving only one hot meal per week, please contact your BSRI center for a phone assessment to schedule pickup appointments for additional meals or food boxes.

As always, please know we are here for you, especially during these times. We are here to help you in any way we can!

Audie Lowrimore

Sept. 17, 1945 – Oct. 15, 2020

Austin “Audie” Martin Lowrimore, 75, of Supply, died Oct. 15, 2020. He was born Sept. 17, 1945 in Wilmington. Audie worked for DuPont for 30 years and with DAK America for five years. He served as a Brunswick County delegate to the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature, where he was an advocate for seniors.

Audie volunteered with Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. in a variety of ways for many years, delivering Meals on Wheels and serving on the Regional Aging Advisory Committee and the Home and Community Care Block Grant committee. He went the extra mile to bring a smile to everyone he met, and of course, donned his Santa suit each year to bring joy to kids young and old.

His spirit of giving to others, and his love for BSRI and the seniors we

IN MEMORIAM

serve, made a strong impression on everyone who knew him. “Every organization has, at its core, individuals who care deeply about the welfare of others,” said Jim Fish, BSRI President and CEO. “Audie Lowrimore was the embodiment of generosity and service as he faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels for over a decade, advocated for senior needs, and represented those needs at the highest levels of our state. “Not only will his commitment to seniors be missed, but I will personally miss his smile, dry sense of humor, and his encouraging example to keep going when it appears that success feels distant. Audie was truly one of a kind,” Fish said.

BSRI Chief Operating Officer Yvette Gosline added, “Audie embodied kindness and love. His authenticity, willingness to advocate for seniors, and desire to give back to his community will surely be missed.” A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Sharon United Methodist Church.

The family will have visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc., 3620 Express Drive, Shallotte, NC 28470. Condolences may be offered at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com.

Tips for Thanking Your Heroes this Holiday Season

StatePoint— Those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others are rarely in it for recognition. However, in this especially challenging year, the holiday season is a perfect time to show these selfless people your appreciation. If you have watched an everyday hero this year, or benefitted from their help, here are some simple ways to thank them.

Send a care package. Even if you can’t share your appreciation in person, you can still say thanks with a care package filled with goodies your recipient will love. Start with holiday treats, then add personalized items. If your recipient enjoys cooking and baking, you might include a handwritten recipe card. For

HEROES, connued on page 20