It’s no secret that loneliness is pervasive among the elderly, particularly those who are unable to drive. Enter the GlamourGals (glamourgals), a twenty-one year old movement connecting teenage girls with women residing in nursing homes. Approximately once a month or so, GlamourGals members meet with nursing home residents to offer them manicures, makeovers and friendship. The program was started twenty-five years ago, when the program’s founder started it in honor of her recently deceased grandmother. GlamourGals Foundation, Inc now has more than 100 chapters nationwide, and more than 1,200 volunteers, according to the program’s founder, Rachel Doyle. Approximately 60% of nursing home residents never receive visitors. This is where the GlamourGals fill their need. They provide an escape from loneliness, while making every woman feel a little special. During the COVID-19 shutdown they provided goody bags and cards so that each woman could still feel a little special.

My cousin’s Girl Scout troop has also been busy making portable birthday parties in bags to be dropped off at soup kitchens, and food pantries through the area. The portable parties are packed in cute gift bags and include the cake mix, frosting, and candles.

And I have one other nugget of wisdom to share with you today. If you eat a plant-based diet for just one day you could save, 1100 gallons of water, 45 pounds of grain, 30 square feet of forest, 1 animal, 10 pounds of CO2. Pretty significant, huh? The things you learn!

Be safe,

Cindy

“Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman