Hear It From Harrogate: Our Team’s Perspective

Written by: Gianna Garrow

Yesterday was a very rough day at work. We lost a wonderful 99-year-old man.

I work in skilled nursing in a nursing home. Yes, there are mostly older, medically compromised people there. It is most likely their permanent, last home. We will fall short, but we try to do our best for them. I hear comments from friends outside of work at times like, “how can you handle it?” or if we lose someone, “Well, they are all going to pass at some point; why are you sad?”

Yes, we get attached. Yes, they pass away. Yes, we know they will at some point. Yes, we still mourn. We mourn in different ways from each other. We mourn together many times. Even when you expect it, you’re human; you are emotional. You’re sad. We grieve together.

My part of being a health care worker is to just make their final years, months, weeks or days as comfortable, gentle as we can. Sometimes it’s the little things we do that make a big difference: a FaceTime call to a distant relative, using that technology with them for the first time; getting them an orange soda; filling a bird feeder outside their room’s window. I had someone this past year go on hospice, and she told her hospice nurse the one thing she wished for was an Italian Ice. I had some in our freezer – only lemon flavor. As I brought her one, I thought about getting her a fresh one from the boardwalk soon; I was disappointed this was all I had to offer. I gave her the supermarket one apologetically and asked if she would like a different flavor, but she was so appreciative I don’t think any other would have surpassed that one. The timing was perfect.

Doing the little we can, we are blessed every day by their thankfulness, love and relationships we get in return, often tenfold. My favorite quote is by Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Being a caregiver is a special, sacred relationship. We spend so much time with people that we form bonds with, so different from our own outside relationships and, at times, difficult to explain to others. Sometimes we have heartbreak. We move on; we come back tomorrow. I have days where I sit in my car and cry or drive home in silence or prayer. I have many days where my heart is full or a little something someone said to me resonates with me on and on and on.

A couple of weeks ago, Betty White passed away. She was 99 years old. Regarding her passing, many people said, “You know someone is special when they pass away at 99 and the world thinks it wasn’t long enough to have them around.”

Well, we feel that way all the time. We have many “Betty Whites.” The world doesn’t know them, but we do. We learn their history, preferences, careers, and about their families and friends. We have a responsibility to them. We know their time with us may be limited, but they touch our lives, and we are sad to see them go even when we know they are in a better place or out of pain.

We lose our “Betty Whites” every day.

This article was shared in the Asbury Park Press.

Life Care Services Ranked #1 in Independent Living Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power

Nation’s second-largest senior living operator receives highest score in all 6 factors.

Harrogate is excited to announce that our long-time consulting partner, Life Care Services, has become the first and only senior living company to rank first in customer satisfaction for three consecutive years among independent senior living communities in the J.D. Power 2021 – Senior Living Satisfaction Study. Life Care Services also achieved the highest score in all six factors of satisfaction: resident activities, community staff, price paid for services received, resident apartment/living unit, community building and grounds, and dining.

“Life Care Services is honored to be recognized by our customers as the best among independent senior living communities for the third consecutive year,” says Joel Nelson, president and CEO of LCS, the parent company of Life Care Services. “We are privileged to serve nearly 40,000 seniors across the nation. This recognition is meaningful because our residents recognize and value our commitment to serving them first and foremost, even as our industry navigated challenges over the past year.”

Life Care Services ranked highest in independent living resident overall satisfaction with a score of 817 in the J.D. Power U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study. The study is based on responses from residents living in an independent senior living community within the previous three years.

“For 50 years, our employees have been dedicated to creating opportunities for purposeful living filled with rich experiences,” added Nelson. “There is nothing better than seeing how our employees have impacted those we serve and how that dedication has made a difference for our residents and customers.”

What Does This Mean for our Residents?

We are deeply grateful to know that our hard work is valued, and we at Harrogate want to assure residents, family, friends and staff that we will continue to improve, evolve and innovate to provide the newest offerings to meet the needs of current and future residents.

If you’d like to know more about the way we enrich the lives of our residents, send us a message on our contact page.

Life Care Services received the highest score among independent senior living communities in the J.D. Power 2019-2020 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study of resident/family member/friend’s satisfaction with senior living communities. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

Summer Safety Tips for a Healthy and Happy Season

Summer is finally here – one of the best times of the year to take advantage of the beaches, activities and beautiful weather in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. This year, thanks to nationwide vaccination efforts and the reopening of businesses, summer will be particularly enjoyable. Most of us are already making plans to get out of the house, enjoy the beautiful weather and reconnect with friends and family.

“Summertime is an incredibly fun time in our area, but older adults should take precautions to make sure they’re staying as safe and as healthy as possible,” says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, a premier active senior living community just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches. “As we all know, this area can get pretty hot, which can mean danger for older adults if they don’t pay attention to what their body is telling them. Fortunately, staying healthy and happy during the summer months is fairly easy. All it requires is a little extra preparation and a dose of common sense.”

Charles says the most important thing for seniors to remember is to not do too much at once. “Take it slow, take precautions and give yourself plenty of time to do the things you want,” he says. “Although it’s tempting to get out and do everything all at once, remember that you don’t have to cram all the enjoyment of summer into just one week or month. Better to be safe than sorry!”

Fortunately, staying safe in summer is relatively easy. Here are some common-sense tips that older adults can follow in order to stay healthy, safe and happy all throughout the warmer months.

  1. Stay hydrated. Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated? Most Americans don’t drink enough water, and that goes double for seniors. Older adults can become more easily dehydrated than younger adults because their bodies aren’t able to conserve water as well. As we get older, our sense of thirst deadens as well – meaning that older people aren’t always aware of when they’re thirsty, and they’re more likely to be dehydrated. Older bodies are often more susceptible to fluctuating temperatures, and certain medications can crank that sensitivity up even further. All this spells a recipe for dehydration, heat exhaustion and unhealthy conditions. The best way to fend off dehydration is to carry water with you while you’re out and about, and make sure there’s hydration easily available at home. If drinking just plain water isn’t enjoyable to you, look for flavored waters or stock up on hydrating foods like watermelon or soups. Try different things to see what you might like – for example, perhaps you find you like sparkling water or water that’s been infused with fruit. Anything that gets you drinking more is a good thing.
  2. Talk with your doctor. While certain medications cause older adults to become more easily overheated, there’s also the risk of medications not working as effectively as possible. Schedule a checkup with your doctor to discuss the medications you’re taking, as well as any hot-weather watch-fors you should be aware of. The last thing you want this summer is to have to deal with a severe medical issue just because the thermometer has risen a few degrees.
  3. Keep cool. The easiest way to not get overheated (and thus risk heat exhaustion) is to stay cool. Obviously, staying inside in an air-conditioned space is a great way to do this, so make sure to get your AC serviced before the heat of July and August really hit. However, you don’t want to be cooped up in your home all summer long. In order to keep yourself safe, choose to stay inside during the hottest times of the day and do outdoor activities either earlier in the morning or later at night. Sipping an iced beverage is also a great way to help cool yourself and keep your body temperature down. Don’t forget to stay in the shade whenever possible.
  4. Dress appropriately. The clothes you wear can play a huge role in helping you stay cool and safe this summer. Opt for natural fabrics like linen or cotton, as they are cooler than man-made fabrics and also have wicking properties to help you be less sweaty. Light-colored options in a loose fit are the best, as they help maximize air flow and don’t absorb as much heat. And while you may think that shorts and sleeveless shirts are the best choice to stay cool, these clothing options can actually make you hotter. That’s because these types of clothes expose your skin to the burning sun and can cause sunburns as well as causing you to be overheated. Instead, opt for longer, flowy pants and shirts that leave you feeling cool and comfortable.
  5. Shield yourself from the sun. The sun doesn’t just make you hot and sweaty. It also causes sunburns and increases your risk of skin cancer. Seniors particularly are more susceptible to melanoma, so it becomes more important than ever to shield yourself from the sun’s rays. Make sure that you have a strong sunscreen that you wear every day on your face and any other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. When you’re out and about, be sure to wear sunglasses, hats and long sleeves and pants that keep UV rays off your body while keeping you cool.
  6. Know what heat exhaustion looks like. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are caused when body temperatures rise to an abnormal height. This can become life-threatening, so knowing the warning signs and what to do when you see them may help save your life or the life of someone you love. If you or someone you know is sweating profusely, having muscle cramps, experiencing headaches or weakness, is nauseated or is vomiting, immediately get to a cool place. Have the person experiencing the symptoms drink something cool and do everything you can to cool off body temperature quickly. Soak washcloths or towels in cool water and use those to help quickly cool down. Once you or the other person has stabilized, visit the hospital or your doctor to get checked out. However, if you or someone you know suddenly stops sweating, has heavy breathing and a rapid pulse, has dry and flushed skin or is experiencing sudden personality changes, call 911 immediately.
  7. Steer clear of bugs. No one likes getting bit by mosquitoes. Not only is it itchy and uncomfortable, but bugs also carry diseases like the West Nile Virus. As we get older, we become more susceptible to these forms of diseases, so be sure to use bug repellant when you’re outside and burn citronella candles if you’re dining al fresco.

One more tip: have fun. Yes, staying safe is important, but so is enjoying the beautiful summer months. Take precautions but be sure to get out and relish the warm weather and activities.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer. From opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

New F.D.A. Approved COVID-19 Vaccine Released at Harrogate

Harrogate is pleased to be able to offer the COVID-19 vaccination to residents and employees through our partner pharmacy. Residents and employees will be in the initial distribution group in the CDC phased allocations and among the first in the country to have access to the vaccine once it is available. Specific vaccination distribution and delivery plans, including the prioritization of residents by level of care, will be determined by each state. Click here for the most recent state plan for the rollout of vaccine access.

Harrogate and other communities managed by Life Care Services® are partnering with CVS and Walgreens to provide the vaccine to residents and staff free of charge. Vaccinations will be carefully administered by a licensed professional at Harrogate, offering the peace of mind that comes with not having to venture out in public to receive the immunization.

Harrogate is dedicated to mitigating the spread of COVID-19. We continue to put residents first by utilizing enhanced infection and disease control protocols, while still providing exceptional experiences for residents.

If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the CDC website here. Please contact us at 866-606-0178 for specific information about the vaccination plan at Harrogate.

To review current FAQs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, please click here.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer – from opportunities to engage, enrich and challenge yourself to the peace of mind of future care, socialization and so much more.

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are worry-free for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Making the Move: 3 Signs You or a Loved One Is Ready for Senior Living

Does the idea of moving to senior living make you or your loved ones wince? If so, it’s time to flip the script, says Charles Benjamin, Executive Director of Harrogate, New Jersey’s premier active senior living community, located just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches.

“Senior living is the place to be for today’s older adults,” Charles says. “Thanks to the Baby Boomers, senior living has become very similar to resort-style living. It’s maintenance-free, worry-free and all-inclusive – making it the perfect springboard for active, independent adults who are ready to enjoy their retirement to the fullest.”

A community like Harrogate, a Life Care Community that provides full-service health care for seniors of all ages and stages, makes it easy for today’s seniors to live an engaged lifestyle while also receiving everything they need to age well. “Ask any senior what they want their life to look like, and you’ll probably hear the refrain I want to grow old in my own home,” Charles says. “Well, Harrogate has been designed to help seniors do exactly that. We strive to be a community that older adults are excited to move into, because they know that they’ll receive the assistance they want and the independence they deserve. We’re definitely not your grandma’s nursing home – Harrogate is a destination for a harmonious, fulfilling and experience-rich life.”

Still, some older adults or family members may be hesitant about moving into a community because of long-held beliefs of what a “home” looks like, says Charles. “The most important thing that seniors and their families should know is that senior living is a positive experience these days, instead of a place to be avoided,” he says. “Still, there are certain older individuals who may be hesitant about moving into a community, even if their lives could be greatly improved by the experience. If you’re an older individual wondering if senior living is right for you, or if you’re an adult child considering senior living for your loved one, here are some signs that moving to a community like Harrogate could be beneficial.”

  1. Home maintenance is turning into a real hassle.
    Homeownership is the American Dream, but home chores and home maintenance can quickly become the American Nightmare – especially for older adults. Dealing with the day-to-day drudgery of cleaning, cooking, laundry and other routine tasks can get dull and exhausting. Then, there are all the regularly scheduled tasks that need to happen throughout the year, such as maintaining the lawn, getting the house ready for winter (and shoveling snow), raking leaves, paying real estate taxes, dealing with furnace and air conditioner issues … the list goes on and on. Forget the price tag of all these tasks – the time suck that they cause can be enough to make even a young person throw up their hands in defeat.

That’s why today’s senior living communities are designed to take the hassle of homeownership off seniors’ plates, leaving them all the time in the world to do the things they want to do. For one monthly fee, residents at Harrogate enjoy the comfort of their own private home along with the benefits of a resort-style community. The on-site maintenance staff handles everything from clearing snow to landscaping to even changing light bulbs – you never have to lift a finger again if you don’t want to. And for just one monthly fee, you can say goodbye to real estate taxes, homeowners insurance and home upkeep. Living in a senior living community has all the benefits of home with none of the downsides.

  1. Staying social is more and more of a drag.
    As social creatures, humans crave and thrive on the connections we have with our fellow man. But as we get older, it can get more difficult to find and maintain meaningful connections. Friends and family move away. It becomes harder to get out and stay active. But at a senior living community, staying social is as easy as stepping outside your front door. Think of moving to a community like Harrogate as starting college – only without the homework and career angst.

Whether you’re an active and independent senior or an older adult who needs a little extra assistance, it’s easy to remain social thanks to the regularly scheduled activities and events that take place every day. From learning a new skill to practicing favorite hobbies to scheduled outings and more, there’s always something going on. Best of all, you don’t have to deal with managing the event yourself – all you have to do is show up. At a senior living community, you or your senior loved one can be as social as you’d like with classes, gatherings, social events, hobbies, classes and so much more. The hard part will be figuring out what to say “no” to!

  1. You (or your loved ones) desire peace of mind and security.
    Getting older, as the saying goes, ain’t for sissies. While the mind is willing, the body can be quite weak, and living on your own in a family home can be worrisome. Most houses aren’t set up as a safe and comfortable place for seniors to age. However, a senior living community is intrinsically designed to help older adults remain in a home they love with minimal disruption. For example, at Harrogate, private homes are equipped with safety features like pull bars, emergency alert systems, doorways that are wide enough for things like walkers or wheelchairs and a caring, responsive staff available 24/7. These amenities allow aging seniors to age safely and securely “in place” – allowing them to live their golden years in comfort without having to undertake a big move if and when they require additional assistance.

This Is What “Worry Less, Live More” Looks Like

Located near Toms River, New Jersey, Harrogate offers a worry-free, fulfilling and experience-rich life. Here, you’ll be free of the hassles of homeownership while having access to all of the best that life has to offer, from,

No matter what your needs may be, we can meet them, ensuring you are untroubled for years to come. With our Life Care, you can enjoy independent living, home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support and more for one entrance fee and a monthly fee that covers everything our lifestyle has to offer.

Worry Less and Live More at Harrogate!

Call for information at ​866-606-0178 or visit our website.

Importance of the Continuum of Care for Seniors

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No amount of time spent reading tea leaves, tarot cards or your palm can tell you what will actually happen tomorrow. But although this moment right here is the only one we can experience, it’s good to have a general idea or direction you want to go tomorrow, with the flexibility to adjust.

What if there were something that let you maximize today while also giving you a smart plan for the unpredictable future? It’s that combination of today and tomorrow that’s drawing many seniors to Life Plan Communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities and their continuum of care. But why is a continuum of care important and can it help with aging in place for seniors?

“I moved here to anticipate that I MIGHT need extra help. I really may never use it, but the security I feel knowing that it’s available to me is more than you can place a dollar sign on.”

– Clare Papp, Harrogate independent living resident

What is continuing care?

One of the biggest selling points of continuing care senior living is aging in place: not having to move if the unexpected happens and you suddenly need help with daily activities or round-the-clock care. That’s because Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities) have higher levels of care – assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation – on-site, which provides you with a solid plan for the future. But what if you’re healthy today?

Perhaps the biggest reason an active senior like you should choose a continuing care retirement community – like Harrogate in Lakewood, NJ – before you need care is for their independent living. Designed for healthy, independent seniors who want more from their retirement than just home upkeep, independent living takes care of all the maintenance, cooking and housekeeping. They also feature thoughtful amenities like restaurant-style dining, community gardens, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a calendar full of wellness classes, speakers, events and more. With all their responsibilities taken care of, residents of a continuing care senior living community have the freedom to travel, dine with friends, go on outings, try a new hobby or reignite an existing one.

“If one of us gets sick, we’re still under one roof. That’s one of the big advantages of Harrogate: everything is under one roof.”

–  Frank Monaco, Harrogate independent living resident

Will I need continuing care?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of seniors over 65 will need some form of long-term care for an average of three years. If the unforeseen happens and you or your spouse need care, at a continuing care community, you’ll both have the benefit of aging in place. Seniors who are still living in their homes would have to make a move when they least want to deal with it.

As families gather for the holidays, now is a good time to talk about the future. A move to a continuing care community might be the perfect holiday gift for you and your family. You can join like-minded seniors, enjoying life while knowing one move took care of today and tomorrow. This time next year, we could be helping you host your senior friends during the holidays.

Learn more about your options

If you’re ready to learn more about Harrogate’s independent lifestyle backed by a continuum of care, call us at 1-866-606-0178. We’ll show you how we can help you Worry Less. Live More.

Find Your Purpose by Exploring Spirituality as You Grow Older

Have you ever thought about aging as a spiritual journey? For many people, aging creates different stages of self-identity and spiritual growth when seeking to find meaning at each milestone.

Retirement and later years in life offer the opportunity to redefine your purpose in life, and spirituality can contribute in creating a positive outlook, as well as bring you closer to achieving inner peace.

Spirituality has proven to be essential to many seniors as they seek new sources of fulfillment and joy after jobs, careers and family no longer define their central identity. When shifting out of a role that focuses more on production (providing for yourself, family and career), you’re able to focus your energy inward and find greater peace of mind.

What Spirituality Means

A common misconception is that someone must be religious to be spiritual. However, spirituality has to do more with how you see yourself in comparison to the grand scheme of life, and is a deep feeling of interconnectedness with all that is. Spirituality can also create a strong sense of meaning, purpose and connection, and oftentimes creates a more engaging life. According to research by Merk and Co., many seniors see spirituality as a positive force that helps them face life with more resilience and hope.

Benefits of Spirituality

As one of the health dimensions in Harrogate’s “Living the 8,” spirituality plays a big part in gaining holistic health and longevity. Through hundreds of studies, the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found spirituality and health are heavily linked. Mental and physical health outcomes were much better for those whose spirituality was at the core of their value systems.

The Mayo Clinic report states that if you’re connected with your spirituality, you’re less likely to experience cardiovascular disease, hypertension and high blood pressure. It also found that spiritual people tend to practice healthy living in other aspects of life, including exercising more, eating better, smoking less, and attending preventive screenings more regularly.

Spiritual Activities for Seniors

To determine how strengthening your spirituality can help you age holistically, you first have to ask yourself what being spiritual means to you. Whether you’re looking to find deeper connection with yourself, others or the environment around you, there are plenty of spiritual activities for seniors that can help you with feeling connected.

Connecting with yourself:

  • Finding a greater sense of purpose through volunteering
  • Meditating and/or practicing yoga
  • Accomplishing a project that you’ve been meaning to finish

Connecting with others:

  • Lending a helping hand to a friend or neighbor
  • Expressing gratitude toward others

Connecting with the world around you:

  • Painting, dancing, or listening to music
  • Walking through nature
  • Taking time to tend to the earth or garden

At Harrogate, healthy aging is our goal, and we make sure there are many opportunities for residents to exercise their spirituality — in whatever way suit them best. If you have any additional questions about spirituality and health, or want to learn more about “Living the 8,” call us at 866-606-0178.

Sue Gallagher’s 16 Fun and Affordable Things to Do Around Ocean County

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If you’re Harrogate Community Life Services Director Sue Gallagher, you often get asked about interesting things to do, including when there’s a blog to be written about affordable senior-friendly activities in Lakewood, Toms River, and the surrounding Ocean County. Fortunately, Sue always has a long list of ideas. Here are her 16 suggestions:

Lakewood

  1. Strand Theater
    See live theater, enjoy a musical act or attend an educational talk at this historic Vaudeville-era theater in downtown Lakewood, New Jersey.
  2. Ocean County Park (Rockefeller Estate)
    This 323-acre park offers a wide variety of free activities, including tennis, pickleball, fishing, and even a driving range. There are also miles of biking and walking trails.
  3. Lakewood BlueClaws
    Watch the Phillies’ future stars at a BlueClaws minor league game. Seniors who are Silver Sluggers eat free on Thursdays, and the grandkids can run the bases after every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday home game.

Toms River

  1. Jay and Linda Grunin Center at Ocean County Community College
    Featuring acts from around the globe, venerated artists, hometown musicians and unique entertainers.
  2. Robert J. Novins Planetarium
    One of the largest and most active planetariums in New Jersey, they offer shows about the night sky, solar system and universe for audiences of all ages.
  3. Academy for Lifelong Learning
    Retired seniors receive a FREE membership to the Academy for Lifelong Learning, and enjoy discounts on campus activities as well as reduced course tuition.
  4. Ocean County Historical Society
    Focused on keeping the rich, proud history of Ocean County alive, it’s a great place to research your genealogy or review their wide range of local artifacts.
  5. River Lady
    Enjoy lunch or dinner on an 85-foot paddle wheel riverboat while cruising the Toms River and Barnegat Bay.
  6. Double Trouble Park
    Tour Double Trouble Village – a preserved company town, sawmill and cranberry sorting and packing house – built in the Pine Barrens.
  7. Farmers Market
    February – May: During the winter and early spring, the market is held indoors at The Downtown Shops @ 53 Main on the first Wednesday of every month. June – November: The Farmers Market moves outdoors and is held every Wednesday. See their website for specific dates and times.
  8. Cruisin’ Downtown – Second Wednesday June through September.
    Bring your pre-1993 car or motorcycle to show off, or check out the area’s vintage rides.

Downtown Festivals

Toms River, New Jersey, hosts a variety of festivals featuring local musicians, artists, food vendors, and activities and rides for the grandkids.

  1. Chili and Salsa Cook-Off – Third Saturday in May
  2. Summer in the Streets – Third Saturday in July
  3. Wooden Boat Festival – Third Saturday in July
  4. Harvest Arts Festival – Third Saturday in October
  5. Christmas Tree Lighting – First Friday in December

At Harrogate, socializing is a big part of Living the 8 – our program that brings together eight dimensions of wellness to help residents live happier, more balanced lives.

To see some of the interesting activities we have going on, check out our upcoming events.