Phyllis Tarapacki Takes on the Lighter Side of Isolation

Phyllis Tarapacki Takes on the Lighter Side of Isolation

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Phyllis Tarapacki is a resident of Vegreville who said she always believes in being positive and making the best of every situation. She believes every person makes a difference.

So, when I selected her to participate in the Vegreville News Advertiser’s new feature, ‘The Lighter Side of Isolation’, she took extra measures to ensure I could speak to her and capture her photo while maintaining social distancing which is required since the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Phyllis used to be a member of the popular local band, Harmony, which was around for many years. Now for entertainment indoors, Phyllis started playing the piano and she practices three times a day, always singing along to the music.

Phyllis said music makes her happy and she believes music makes everyone happy. “If people don’t have music in their heart, they are hurting for some reason,” Phyllis added.

She recently decorated the foyer in her house with a COVID-19 theme. “I made a bunny out of different materials and took some other decor bunnies outside to express that bunnies are like people because two of the bunnies are wearing face masks which you should do to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yet, one bunny isn’t wearing a face mask. This is to show bunnies are like people; some people keep their distance away from others during this pandemic while other people don’t seem to understand why being careful is important. There is always that late straggler who is in a hurry or doesn’t care. Another decoration of a hedgehog has a mask on too,” Phyllis said

“Also in the tree in the front, I hung a bag written, Happy Easter. As well, I took a circular saw blade and painted it different colors while I wrote positive affirmation statements which states, ‘Be kind, Be sensible, Be active, Be musical, Be careful, Be good, Be funny, Be sensible, Be helpful, and other expressions,” Phyllis explained.

And the, “Be Kind” décor she made for Pink Shirt Day is still on her fireplace outside too.