Page 16 - New England Condominium November 2021

16 NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM -NOVEMBER 2021 NEWENGLANDCONDO.COM Building EnvelopeYour Restoration Specialists Since 1981, Alpha Weatherproofing Corp. has served building owners and property managers throughout New England with comprehensive weatherproofing and building envelope restoration services. AFTER BEFORE • Concrete Restoration • Façade Inspection & Repair Specialty Coatings • Masonry Restoration • Sealant Removal & Replacement • Parking Garage Repair & Traffic Coatings • Historic Restoration • • Waterproofing Systems • Roofing & Roof Maintenance • Structural Repairs • Emergency Repairs 617-628-8888 www.weatherproofing.net • Request a free consultation • View projects • Sign up for our e-newsletter ddlevy@roofmaxx.com 5 0 8 -4 4-4 7 66 3 DON’T REPLACE YOUR ROOF… REJUVENATE IT WITH ROOF MAXX! for many—which, I can tell you from a pro- fessional perspective, leads to a low level of pervasive depression—a feeling like you’re alone, perhaps abandoned.” What Comes Next? “Coming out of the pandemic,” says Greco, “we are seeing something of a hang- over. I’m seeing this both in my practice and in my building. There are many people who are afraid to meet others in person. They want to continue to do things virtu- ally. The truth is that even for therapy ses- sions, my colleagues and I are still seeing many patients through telehealth video sessions on our phones or laptops. As a mental health professional, I suspect some are relieved and welcome the isolation be- cause they just don’t want to have to go out. They’ve got a lot of fear. In the elevator, they won’t let others in, some- times even with a mask. People distance them- selves when walking dogs. It’s creating a lot of tension.” Others, ex- plains Greco, are the polar opposite. “They hate the masks and are ready to return to some level of normal life. When they see other people now engaging out of the house on social media, they find it a psychological relief and it encourages them to do the same, though I stress to both my patients and neighbors that they must be smart about it and observe the necessary precautions where required.” The next step, explains Greco, is to give positive reinforcement that we need to move forward and learn to live with the situation. “People \[will\] need a ‘memo’ say- ing it’s over,” she says. “Some don’t think it’s ever going back to normal. They think this is forever. They have to feel secure— so given a positive path, they will social- ize with other like-minded people. Put out that memo for those who want to partici- pate. Tell them to please feel free to attend and let them come out slowly—see who emerges. It’s baby steps. It’s a trust issue. Do people feel secure? We have to ask if they do. Is it safe to sit on the green, or by the pool? Only time will heal.” A Look at What’s Happening in Real Time Perhaps the most affected segment of the market in terms of social interaction has been over-55 communities. Seniors choose these communities, known alter- natively as Active Adult communities, because they offer a high level of social programming for their members. The pan- demic has hit this group hard. George Borsuk is a longtime resident of The Greens, an over-55 community in Melville, New York. He is the president of the men’s club there and has been for many years. Overall, he says, “Our group did well during the pandemic. We used the library in our community, and were able to Zoom every week through them. The clubhouse is now open again. The gym is open to five people at a time. Tennis courts opened for singles and doubles, with a one-hour play rule. We are wounded, but working and healing. Ours is still the best community on Long Island. “People need community,” Borsuk points out. “Otherwise, you’re alone all the time. The downside from the pandemic is that people are more isolated. Death is a reality here; it’s an aging community. But everyone helps each other out. We need the community feeling.” Michael Valente of BRIGS, a real es- tate management firm based in Boston, agrees that many resi- dents in the associa- tions he manages are still fearful of group activities. “Some are still afraid to leave their houses. But those who are not,” he says, “are beginning to use the clubhouse and the pool. Book clubs, movie clubs, and card clubs are meeting. These events are posted on com- munity website calendars, and notices are sent by email to the residents or through our web portal to let them know. We are encouraging masks, and some clubs are requiring them. If vaccinated, no mask is required.” Finally, Greco suggests that boards con- sider consulting with therapists to get some good ideas about how to bring back social interaction and how to approach residents in a helpful way. Consider bringing coun- selors to a community event; give people an opportunity to talk about how the last 20 months have been for them. Perhaps a printed memo and some in-person situa- tions where residents can ask questions, vent, etc. with mental and physical health professionals. If that doesn’t seem like a fit for your building, then perhaps a resource list of support professionals, organizations, or hotlines posted to the building website or chat group could be useful. One thing is for sure: the past 20 months have been difficult. Hopefully the next 20 can be used to get back on a positive pathway, both for individuals and their communities. n A. J. Sidransky is a staff writer/reporter for New England Condominium, and a published novelist. He can be reached at alan@yrinc. com. “The downside from the pandemic is that people are more isolated... We need the community feeling.” —George Borsuk REBUILDING... continued from page 9