This is a continuing feature for these unusual times. Remember, we’d love to hear what you’re are doing to cope and keep busy. When you have a story to share, send your thoughts to le**************@co*****.net“>Leslie Clark Lewis.
Contributed by Lisa Ciota, Education Guide, 2020 Docent in Training
Susan Mann, Education Guide, Exhibit Host
Over the last several weeks, Susan Mann has found there’s sew much more to life. “I’ve always enjoyed sewing, even if I haven’t done much of it lately,” Susan said. “But when I found out the hospital where my daughter works – Advocate Illinois Masonic – needed masks for non-medical staff, I took on the project.” So far Susan has made more than 160 masks for hospital workers, family, friends and local businesses in need. She’s even made a stack of red masks for our future return to the CAC! When she’s not sewing, Susan continues to teach education leadership online for Concordia University Chicago as well as cleaning and decluttering her house. Susan and her husband are also enjoying 2-to-3 days a week with her two grandchildren “watching Disney movies, playing outside, singing songs, playing dress up, building with blocks, painting, reading books, practicing writing letters and numbers, walking the dog. We truly feel blessed.”
Laureen Higgins, Education Guide, Exhibit Host, Guest Services
“I’m a little stir crazy, but otherwise fine,” said Laureen Higgins. “My life is a little monotonous. I’ve been doing online fitness classes daily, although this does not compensate for my increased appetite.” Laureen is also reading books, watching DVDs and taking long walks in her neighborhood. “I’m usually a destination walker, but with everything closed and less people on the street, I have an increased appreciation of my surroundings. All the spring flowers, especially the tulips on Michigan Avenue, are uplifting!” Like many of us, Laureen is hoping the CAC reopens in June and can talk to people live, in-person instead of on the phone or virtually.
Tom Kinsella, Docent Class 2006, Education Guide
A little food and mental stimulation are on the menu for Tom Kinsella. “Chanel 11 is still my after dinner friend,” says Tom, who is also enjoying classical music on WFMT (which is now virtually commercial free), reading books, newspapers and magazines and finding more time to jog. Naturally, all this stimulation can make one hungry, so Tom is “glad I learned to cook years ago and hope to get back to bread making again soon.” Even though Tom “misses the people, and tours, and being downtown,” at least he has something to look forward to — opening his summer home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in early June.
Linda Thompson, Docent Class 2015, Education Guide, Exhibit Host
Linda Thompson, Zoom Master. How’s that for a grand new title? But that’s how Linda is staying busy – on Zoom. “I’m using Zoom to moderate my weekly Tai Chi group and tutor my grandson twice a week,” Linda says. She’s also transferred her Book Club online and is keeping up with friends and family all over place using Zoom as well as the phone. Like many of us, Linda is also “cooking a lot, reading, playing games and just trying to keep busy with all the “new” stuff.”