Because the pandemic we has forced us to physically disconnect, we have had to get creative with other ways to connect with each other. And some students at a local college connected with a local elderly community by decorating the windows and patios at a nursing home.

KFYR-TV is reporting about a group of kind-hearted college students in Bismarck. This past Saturday, students from the University of Mary spent time bringing joy to Primrose Retirement Community. According to KFYR-TV, students with the Emerging Leadership Academy "painted windows and decorated the patios of those living in the retirement community." Get the full story here.

The pandemic has been hard for everyone. But can you imagine being elderly during this time? My great uncle lived in a nursing home, and I know that he would have been so lonely if we could not come visit him to play cards and reminisce about the "good old days." And it would crush my family's and my spirits if we couldn't hug him anymore. A phone call or Zoom chat is just not enough connection - especially with the elderly people in our lives.

What those University of Mary students did this past weekend was a selfless deed that I am sure put holly, jolly smiles on the residents and staff at Primrose Retirement Community. College students can do anything they want with their time, and these ones chose to spend a beautiful Saturday to give back to our community.

How can you spread cheer in the Bismarck-Mandan communities this pandemic holiday season?

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