Dear Main Street Members,

As we enter the seventh week of our corona quarantine, I am reflecting on the many lessons I have learned. Instead of sharing those with you, the list of lessons learned below was forwarded to me by a loved one. The list, that was claimed to be written by CBS commentator Andy Rooney is in fact a compilation of thoughts of several people, not any one person. I enjoyed reading these lessons learned and I couldn’t have said them better myself (haha!).

Enjoy the lessons learned and please see Main Street updates and new programs at the end of this email.

I’ve learned…
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I’ve learned…
That when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve learned… 
That just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.

I’ve learned…
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
   
I’ve learned…
That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned…
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned…
That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in any other way.

I’ve learned…
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I’ve learned…
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned…
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I’ve learned…
That life is like a roll of toilet paper – the closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned…
That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned…
That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned…
That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned…
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve learned…
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned…
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned…
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned…
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned…
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve learned…
That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned…
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned…
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned…
That I wish I could have told my mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I’ve learned…
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned…
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned…
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you’re hooked for life. 

I’ve learned…
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done. 

I’ve learned…
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

So, let’s continue to climb that mountain and learn together – and perhaps carry these lessons with us in the future. To learn, to connect and support each other, join Main Street for our May virtual offerings!  And stay tuned for our summer virtual membership launch on June 5!

Main Street Educational Miniseries – if you missed last week’s session on Zoom etiquette and safety, it was recorded and can be shared. Be sure to join us for this week’s session on social distancing and hygiene presented by Dr. Robin Allen. Our Miniseries occurs every Tuesday @ 5:00 pm.

Mom’s Coffee – Join us on Friday May 15th for coffee and conversation @ 9:30 am.

Virtues sessions – Join us for our last two virtues sessions with Dara from the Virtues Project on Wednesdays @ 4:00 pm.

Main Street Book Club – Join us for our first Book Club on May 14th at 5:00 pm. We will be discussing WONDER by R.J Palacio, which will be facilitated by our very own Main Street Member and author extraordinaire Karen Leggett.

Game Day! – Our next game day will be held May 17th @ 3:00 pm. Join us for trivia and prizes!

Bake with Sharon! – Join us for a sneak peek on Thursday May 21st from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm for our first Bake with Sharon lesson. We will be starting with GRANOLA!!!!

Main Street Buddies – Join us for a class together. Sign up with your buddy today!

I hope we all continue to enjoy good health, to play, and to learn lessons together! In closing, I want to wish all of our marvelous Main Street Mommas a very peaceful, joyful, healthy and Happy Mother’s Day!

Well wishes to all,

Jillian

Community Resources 

“Let’s Talk Transition” is a new Facebook group now available!

The Road to Independence Resource Fair sponsored by the Transition Work Group and Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is now virtual. Register for ‘How to Be Social Media Savvy’ webinar to be held on Sunday, May 17 at 1:00 pm here.

Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30-8:00 pm – Join CORE Foundations at Kennedy Krieger Institute for a Virtual Technology Workshop – Google’s G-Suite: Tips and Tricks. More info and register here.

Thursday, May 14 at 1:00-2:00 pm – CORE Foundations at Kennedy Krieger Institute is hosting a one-hour training session, Getting Started: Virtual Support Services, geared towards adult service provider agencies. More info and register here.