South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Seniors rely on each other amid COVID-19 uncertainty
Twice each month since September, a concerned group of residents at Abbey Delray South converge at the senior living community’s auditorium for “Thriving in Challenging Times,” a program with chaplain Gary Butler serving as moderator.
The program is sponsored by the Abbey Delray South Foundation Advisory Committee aimed at providing encouragement and hope to its residents, especially during COVID19.
“We know our residents are supportive and understanding because we share our concerns about coping with life’s challenges,” Butler said.
To mitigate the isolation and distancing arising from the challenges of COVID-19, the program begins with a short TED talk video on a variety of relevant subjects such as loneliness, grief, giving and receiving help, how to have better conversations, the secrets of resilient people and other pertinent topics, and concludes in an hour with time for discussion and exchange of ideas.
In addition to the twice monthly “Thriving in Challenging Times,” Butler has vesper service on Thursdays and publishes a spiritual message in the community’s Friday newsletter.
“Cumulatively, they serve to bring hope and encouragement to the residents of ADS, especially during these challenging COVID-19 pandemic times,” he said.
Residents say they enjoy getting out of their homes to briefly spend one-on-one time with their peers, a rare occurrence nowadays due to COVID-19.
“Chaplain Gary’s spiritual messages are inclusive and pertinent for all religions, including my own as a Jewish person,” said resident Ruth Tillman. “We are fortunate to have Chaplain Butler serve our community. He provides understanding and hope.”
Socially distanced with masks strictly required and limited to no more than 20 safely distanced seats in the auditorium that normally seats 200, residents say the sessions have become a lifeline during these trying times, providing comfort to one another.
“We found informative guidelines for hope and strength in our lives in our recent “Thriving in Challenging Times” program,” said resident Lorraine Smith. “The session made us aware of the importance of helping others. We need to call people to find out their needs and how we can help them. Doing this, we build strength for ourselves and hope for others.”
Butler, 66, earned a master’s degree in public administration at Florida Atlantic University and a master’s in theology at Dallas Theological Seminary (Pastoral Ministries) in Texas. He has been married to his wife Betty for 43 years and they have three adult children. Butler served as chaplain at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach for 22 years.
He credits his maternal grandfather, James Butler, for mentoring and inspiring him since he was a boy. He admires people who are fair minded, and possess wisdom and godliness. His favorite book is the Bible and favorite movie is “It’s a Wonderful World.”
“After attending ‘Thriving in Challenging Times,’ the session reinforced how living in our continuing care community encourages us to reach out for help for those who feel troubled in these isolating times,” said resident Al Perlman. “Help often will be offered without being asked.
Men generally are more reticent about asking for help but find help among the male friendships they have developed in our Men’s Club and other social settings.”