55

and mentally healthy and connected to their communities. The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays is helping fund the foundation's work to increase social connection with donations based on new accounts and eligible purchases, up to $1 million annually.

A little creativity and a commitment to filling time productively can help reduce the strain of being alone until it's safer to resume social activities.

Use technology to connect with loved ones. Video chats and traditional phone calls can help you feel connected even when you can't be together in person. While a drop-in call can be fun, consider arranging regular visits with kids and grandkids. If you schedule calls throughout the week, you'll have something regular to look forward to and can benefit from a check-in that affirms everyone is healthy and safe.

Make time for physical activity. Staying closer to home may mean you're not getting the exercise you once did, but it's important for your health to stay active. Regularly using your muscles helps keep your body strong, and even light physical activity a few times each week can help keep your cardiovascular system fit for better heart health. Regular exercise can also provide a range of positive mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, anxiety and depression, and improved memory.

Volunteer in your community or consider virtual volunteering. Helping others is a way to release feel-good endorphins for yourself. While your limited social calendar may afford you some extra time, inquire with local nonprofits about how you can contribute to their causes. Especially as funding for charitable organizations has dropped, volunteers are still essential to most nonprofit organizations, whether the help comes in person or virtually. Even from a distance, you may be able to help with tasks like making calls to donors, assisting with mailings or planning fundraising campaigns.

Learn a new hobby or skill. Another way to fill your free time, and reap some positive energy, is to explore a new hobby or skill. The personal satisfaction of learning and focusing your mental energy on something that interests you can help offset the disappointment of being away from those you love.

Find more resources that support older adults at connect2affect.org.

The

AGENCY

Because the world keeps turning Insurance since 1942

Serving the Poconos for over 70 years

CHOOSE DREHER BECAUSE WE CARE! BUSINESS & PERSONAL INSURANCE

Theodore G. Butz, CPCU

551 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-421-6141 www.dreherinsurance.com

Photo courtesy of James Chesnick

In & Around the Poconos

PEEC Tough as Trails

Saturday, May 1st - 2nd Pocono Environmental Education Center

Support PEEC by hitting the trails and racking up as many miles as possible. Sign-up as an individual or as part of a team and participate from anywhere! Hikers are encourage to gather pledges for every mile they cover to help support PEEC. In addition to receiving a t-shirt, participants have the chance to win additional prizes for completing Tough as Trails goals. peec.org

Birds and Brews

Friday, May 7th - 9th Pocono Environmental Education Center

Spring migration has begun! Join us for a wonderful weekend of bird watching and beer tasting. Enjoy guided hikes that teach how to identify birds by sight, sound and habitat. Program is geared towards beginners and experts alike. Saturday night we’ll provide beverages from our local breweries while you enjoy our campfire! Includes two nights of lodging and meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. peec.org

Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk

Saturday, May 8th, 10am - 12pm Pocono Environmental Education Center

Nature provides food & natural remedies for us in the form of many plants. Join us on a hike focused on wild edible & medicinal plants. There will be no collecting or consumption during the program. peec.org

KC for Preschoolers - Playdate with Nature

Tuesday, May 11th, 10am - 11am Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center

Join us at 10am where kids will learn that it's okay to get their hands dirty, in fact, it's good for them! During our time they will immerse their senses in nature as well as create art made with materials from the earth. This program is intended for children 3-6 years of age. Parent/guardian must attend with their child. Pre-registration is required and limited to 10 participants. Please call 570-629-3061 to register. mcconservation.org

KC for Preschoolers - Wonderful Worms

Tuesday, May 18th, 10am - 11am Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center

Join us at 10am where we will explore the Kettle Creek property in search of earthworms and learn all about them along the way. This program is intended for children 3-6 years of age. Parent/guardian must attend with their child. Pre-registration is required and limited to 10 participants. Please call 570-6293061 to register. mcconservation.org

Farm Animal Frolic

May 22nd & 23rd / May 29th & 30th, Saturdays 10am - 4pm and Sundays 12pm - 4pm Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm’

Come enjoy baby farm animals, children’s shows and games, hands-on activities, refreshments & more. Frolic offers two weekends of fun for the entire family as Quiet Valley comes alive with baby farm animals. This is a unique opportunity for children and the young-at-heart to see a variety of animals up close and personal. Watch baby chicks hatching from their eggs and feel the soft fur of the baby bunnies. Don’t miss the new lambs with their woolly fleeces and the frisky baby goats. The adorable baby piglets with their funny little noses charm everyone. Get to know the workhorses, Jenny and Judy and all they are used for on the farm. Visit quietvalley.org for more information.