During pandemic shutdowns, residents of Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen found ways to take advantage of the lockdowns to accomplish long-time goals and find new hobbies.
Betty Hagel, a Somerby resident since 2014 who is legally blind, was inspired by her family to sit down and write a book recounting her life story. From April to November, Hagel compiled what became a 240-page autobiography with help from her daughter Lana Smitherman. She then gave her personally published book, “Pandemic Ponderings,” to her children and grandchildren as a Christmas Gift. Hagel hosted a book signing Dec. 22 at Somerby.
In April, senior citizens across the country
began collaborating on a new pirate radio station managed by marketing company
Luckie’s Atlanta office and dubbed Radio Recliner.
The station was created in collaboration with the company’s client Bridge Senior Living as a way to stay connected to others while confined.
Somerby residents have been in on the action, including Virginia Hawsey, known as DJ Ginger Bee, and Michael Newson, a retired lawyer whose radio alias is DJ Legal.
According to Somerby Executive Director Jamie Wise, the two DJs have had a great time working with their producer to create playlists.
“Somerby residents have enjoyed challenging each other with resident DJ’s and listening to some great music,” Wise said.
New shows air at 11 a.m. each day at radiorecliner.com.
—Emily Williams-Robertshaw
