TulsaPets Magazine September 2020

18 TulsaPets • September/October 2020 ZARROW POINTE: DISTANCED, NOT DIVIDED WRITTEN BY: Valerie Kramer & Jalexa Schell At Zarrow Pointe, we pride ourselves on our people. The people who live here, work here and come to visit are all part of an extended community that makes Zarrow Pointe the exceptional senior living center that it is. Before COVID-19, our campus was always lively with visitors, but with social distancing, the campus has become quieter. We have had time to reflect and adapt. We have cultivated new hobbies and interests, but, most importantly, we have been reminded that true fulfillment comes from our relationships—staying connected has been vital. Our activities team dedicated themselves to making sure that residents were able to see their loved ones via phone and video chat. We even created innovative visitation booths that allow families to unite face-to-face under safe conditions. Rising to meet the challenges of the pandemic, a group of residents organized a mask-making assembly line in our auditorium. Some sewed, some cut fabric, and some trimmed filters to create the masks. Together, this dedicated crew made over 1,500 masks for local healthcare facilities. One of the area hospitals christened them “The Masketeers.” We could not be more proud of their efforts! One of our most popular events has always been the Paint & Sip art hour, but under the new guidelines, we were given the chance to think about art in a new way. One of our employees drew an art piece spanning 35 canvases that residents were able to choose from to paint. Once each individual canvas was completed, we combined them all together again to create one large, beautiful piece that showcases the vibrancy and uniqueness of our campus. It will soon be framed and displayed as a centerpiece in our Town Center. Musical performances have always been an integral piece of Zarrow Pointe culture as well; we have hosted the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, The Piatigorsky Foundation and countless local artists. Since music is such a spirit lifter, we had to find a way to continue bringing that joy to our residents. Our solution was the advent of outdoor concerts that residents can enjoy from their own porches. They have been such a hit; this may become a new tradition. It’s no secret that change is difficult. Adapting and overcoming these unique circumstances hasn’t been easy, but it has shown us our creativity, our resilience and our hearts. Seniors & Pets