Green Team Honors Earth Day!
Panorama Green Team honored Earth Day last month by removing litter from the Chehalis Western Trail. Many volunteers participated in the clean-up. Thank you, Green Team!
Assisted Living Addition Grand Opening!
After years in the making – the new Assisted Living addition is ready! Assisted Living residents may now enjoy their beautiful new spaces. Click on the video link below to watch CFO/CEO Bill Strader give us a tour of this incredible new building. The design, colors, and overall aesthetic will serve as inspiration for future campus projects in the years to come.
Inside the Woodshop
The Woodshop at Panorama is located in the lower level of the Quinault apartment building and is one of the most frequented activity rooms since we began our process of reopening with COVID safety restrictions. For most of our Woodshop members, the itch to get back in the shop was more than one could bear. Through the series of shutdowns and changes in restrictions given by the state of Washington, capacity of the Woodshop decreased to as little as 1 person at a time leaving many of its members waiting to get their hands on some of our beloved power tools. During pre-COVID times, “We’ve seen as many as 17 in here at a time,” says Dave Taylor, part of the resident-led leadership team. So it was not a surprise that when the shop first reopened in July with a maximum capacity of 4 people, every slot was consistently full with many more eagerly waiting for their turn.
It is clear that much of the way we’ve operated in the past has changed. From getting our temperatures checked before we can enter our favorite stores to how close we can stand next to one another; the world has entered a new normal. This hasn’t been any different for the Woodshop at Panorama. With many not having left their homes since the beginning of the pandemic, getting back to doing something you love, and simply getting out of the house, was a real treat. It’s been apparent in the response to the changes in restrictions and rigorous cleaning measures that were put into effect just how great the capacity of adaptability and willingness lives within our members.
For those unfamiliar with woodworking, it may come as a shock that it is the cherry on top for many considering a move to Panorama. “This was actually the reason I wanted to move here,” says new resident and member of the Woodshop, Larry Peabody. The process of transformation that one experiences doing woodworking brings a sense of relaxation and is scientifically proven to lower stress levels while also giving a sense of accomplishment from honing a creative skill. There’s an endless variety of what they’re able to create in the Woodshop, and this fact is what keeps them coming back.
While much of the work being done may be personal, that isn’t to say they are the only one’s reaping the benefits. We see this in some of the projects produced by longtime woodworker and member, Steve Dobosz. In between his bigger projects, Steve brings out his inner child by making toys for kids. There’s a novelty about the toys he makes – his toy boats, games and train sets rake in enough cash to donate to some of his favorite causes. This dedication translates even more so in the work that our members do for other residents and the joy it brings them. They’ve been tasked with things like fixing shelves to creating screen doors for pets and even jewelry boxes for the Gift Shop. These are just a few examples of how much of what goes on in our Woodshop gives back to our community. Who knew woodworking could have such a charitable impact?
It’s been a long year of uncertainty and our longing for normalcy has only grown greater. As with most things, there’s been a period of adjusting. However, it’s amazing to see how well everyone has adapted to life’s new rules. While we look forward to our full reopening, we can take solace in knowing that, while the world outside continues to change, the graciousness of our residents remain. We’re excited to see the Woodshop and all other aspects of the vibrant Panorama lifestyle continue to thrive through the end of this pandemic and beyond.
A Message from Panorama’s Board of Directors
Over the past year, the global pandemic, remote work/schooling, economic instability, and racial injustice have placed a burden on each of us (young or old) – employees, residents, management and board members alike. As we all began this 2020 journey together, we had no idea how long it might last, or how long we would be asked to continue the necessary changes we had to make in our own lives and those of our loved ones. Nonetheless, it remains true that out of these uncertain and challenging times Panorama has come together as a resilient and supportive community. We are grateful that employees and residents alike have reached out to strengthen our community in this most challenging time. Daily there are interactions and moments when individuals demonstrate compassion and resilience, understanding and empathy, finding ways to work together and support one another. Through the ingenuity, caring, and dedication of both staff and residents, a number of activities have been restored and reshaped allowing community life to emerge despite pandemic restrictions.
As we move through the holiday and winter season, it will be more important than ever for each of us to focus on those things that help us stay safe, grounded, and in touch with what is truly important in our lives – staying home, visiting virtually, avoiding gatherings but making plans to gather in the future, being mindful of others, listening, and responding with care. The safety and well-being of each employee and resident remains our highest priority and is an essential building block of our community. Although we cannot predict with certainty when we will return fully to what we think of as “normal” life, we know that it will happen and we will all celebrate together again. In the meantime, we remain thankful for each resident and staff member and their individual contribution to the well-being of the Panorama community. We wish you a special season of true peace and joy with hope and confidence in a bright future for us all.
Warmly,
Your Board of Directors
The Great Pumpkin Extravaganza
Every October, our Grounds department is busy putting together an extravagant pumpkin display for residents and staff to view and enjoy. This year, residents were invited to participate in a pumpkin decorating contest, which involved having their decorated pumpkins included in the community pumpkin display. Pumpkins were voted on for “Best Overall”, “Funniest” and other fun categories. We also had Russ Leno, Master Carver, carve a large pumpkin to include in the display, like he does every year. Thank you to our Grounds department, Russ Leno, and all the resident participants for making this year’s display the best one yet!
Check out the videos below to see Russ’s masterpiece as well as the amazing pumpkin decorating skills of our residents!
Our Statement on Racism
Friends,
Martin Luther King Jr once said “There comes a time when silence is betrayal”. Right now, every single one of us is experiencing some level of anger, sadness and even fear as a complex climate of divisiveness seems to touch all aspects of our world. It is important that we acknowledge these feelings and consider those around us in need of support.
We understand why there are protests. That reason brought into sharp focus by the recent abhorrent and unconscionable deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey and now George Floyd. We are compelled to call out these terrible acts of injustice for what they are and to help eliminate all forms of racism and violence so that we all may find a better place together.
We believe deeply that equality is a human right. We believe that each person is to be cherished, honored and treated accordingly in an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring. Panorama encourages and welcomes all people without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic, to live in our communities and to serve on our teams and workforce.
While these words have a shared meaning for us all, we don’t all share the same experiences. As a diverse community, residents, as well as team members, have had different life experiences. Many people of color have had to work harder, endure racism, and overcome negative experiences simply as a result of their skin color. Speaking to this condition is a shared responsibility. We owe it to each other and to our children for their future.
Each of our paths to this place have been different, we need to stand together to call out for a better way. For those who continually experience injustice, inequality and discrimination, in direct contradiction of our shared Panorama Values, we stand with you.
Thank you to our team members — heroes who get up each day and continue to serve — bringing your skills, compassion, dedication and courage to the work you do. YOU inspire us to stay at it and never give up in our determination to create change, to create something better for generations to come.
Together We Can Create Change
We recognize there is much work to be done, and we are committed to engaging in this work to stamp out racism. We acknowledge that real change takes time and education.
As we consider next steps for our organization, we turn to our mission and values. Some of the best antidotes to racism can be found in our values: Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Learning. Biases and prejudices are often learned at an early age. We need to commit to teaching ourselves and the people around us to understand and appreciate difference. To challenge discrimination. To respect the dignity of every human being.
One important way to learn about anti-racism is by reading. We understand books can serve as tools to help understand the ways that racism and white supremacy operate in our minds, our families, and the world, and offer suggestions for lasting change. We’re paying attention to the books Black scholars across the country are recommending Americans read right now, and are making a commitment to our staff to make books available to facilitate growth and learning for anyone willing to take the next step.
Matthew Murry and Bill Strader
Book Options:
“Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” by Ibram X. Kendi
“Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence: Understanding and Facilitating Difficult Dialogues on Race” by Derald Wing Sue
“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo
“The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander
“White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo
“Racist America: Roots, Current Realities, and Future Reparations” by Joe Feagin
“White Rage; the Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide” by Carol Anderson
“How to Be Less Stupid About Race” by Crystal Marie Fleming
“How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
“Waking up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race” by Debby Irving
“An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States (REVISIONING HISTORY #3)” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Readers are Leaders
On April 11 at 7:00 am, five Panorama folks attended the annual breakfast for the South Sound Reading Foundation. The early risers were Sue Ballard, Kathy and David Forsythe, Matt Murry and Meghan Vu. The goal is to bridge the gap between schools and libraries. The majority of the funds raised by the foundation go to buy books for kids – starting at birth. Also in attendance were political, civic and school leaders. The motto for the Foundation is a good reminder for everyone to “Read 20 minutes a day.”
The keynote speaker was Claudia Castro Luna, who is the current Washington State Poet Laureate. She was born in El Salvador and came to the United States in 1981. She read to us from her memoir, The Heart Knows When, which is about her experiences escaping the civil war. She told about leaving for the airport to come to the United States and they all prayed they would make it to the airport without being killed by rebels on their trip. Her story made everyone appreciate how safe we feel in our life in Lacey.
As a former teacher and the daughter of a librarian, I believe reading is such an important skill for everyone. I love this breakfast because it reinforces my basic beliefs about the magic of reading. I learned studies have shown people have a better memory of the content of a book if they read it in hard copy, as opposed to an electronic version. I also love going to this event because it gives me an opportunity to connect with people I know from the community. All in all, I enjoy this program and going to a 7:00 am breakfast is well worth the challenge of getting up early.
Sue Ballard, Panorama resident
Move to Keep Moving
Move to keep moving. Seems pretty simple, though easier said than done often times. The good news: there is no inherently right or wrong way to move in this respect!
“Move it or lose it” and “use it or lose it” are statements we can take at face value when it comes to our bodies and their ability to move and function optimally. Our bodies don’t want to spend any more energy than they need to. We are energy conservation machines at their finest. That being said, if the body doesn’t have to keep up the muscle strength or flexibility in order for us to move, it won’t. This is why it is so vital to simply keep moving.
Moving more can mean finding a group exercise class or exercise routine to do. It can also mean dancing, walking, swimming, vacuuming more vigorously, gardening, riding a bike, or doing a few squats every time you enter a new room. It doesn’t always have to be structured. An added perk is that you don’t have to do it all at once either. You can spread these things out throughout the day to meet your needs and lifestyle.
For those who would like an opportunity for a little more structured movement, Panorama offers residents a variety of group exercise classes, such as:
- Water Aerobics
- Aqua Fit
- Beginning Water Fitness
- Tai Ji Quan: Movement for Better Balance
- Mat Pilates
- Zumba or International Folk Dancing
- Nordic Walking for Balance (beginner)
- Nordic Walking for Fitness (moderate/advanced)
- Let’s Move!: Aging Well Through Motion
- And many others!
All of the classes offered to Panorama residents can benefit just about everyone, whether you are rehabbing from an injury or surgery or if you are a beginner to fitness.
Erin Dorn, Aquatic & Fitness Coordinator
Dancing with the Panorama Stars
January 18th was an exciting evening as we partnered with the Utah Ballroom Dance Company to put on our first Dancing with the Panorama Stars event! Four employees and four residents were each paired with a professional dancer to learn a unique dance routine. The auditorium was bursting at the seams with audience members eager to watch their neighbors and friends perform live on stage! All dancers were decked out in flashy costumes as they performed their 90-second routines before facing a panel of three judges (also made up of residents and employees). Praise and playful criticism were dished out in equal measure but ultimately there could only be one star.
The crowned champion of the 2019 Dancing with the Panorama Stars is Alfred Lacanlale! Alfred has been a much loved server at our Seventeen51 Restaurant & Bistro for three years. The crowd was thrilled to see him win and a few of them will expect him to have a fancy kick in his step the next time he waits on their table.
Congratulations to Alfred and to all the participants for having the courage and spirit to put on such an impressive show!
