Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Senior Moment | It's time for your '2nd Act!' Connect now!

Grice Connect's Senior Reporter Michele LeBlanc was recently asked to speak at a local meeting for retired educators. She and her new-found friend and collaborator from the library shared information about GC and technology training. With more than 40 years in the corporate staffing and sales world under her belt, Connecting Seniors through her role at Grice Connect has become the perfect '2nd Act' for Michele.
080423-michele-speaking
Grice Connect's Michele LeBlanc speaking to Alpha Beta/Alpha Delta Kappa

Several articles ago, I wrote about ‘Starting Over’ and meeting and getting NEW friends. Well today, it's about MY/YOUR/OUR '2nd Act!'

A 2nd Act  is defined by Google and uses the word ‘CAREER’  in its definition. Well, I was thinking about that and YES, we have entered a NEW CAREER in our lives. This career is unlike our first career but a 2nd Act career. Google says, ‘2nd Act (also known as an encore career) allows you to shift from a longstanding job late in life to one that allows you to GIVE BACK, FUEL your passion, or simply LEARN something new.’

Starting again with our 2nd Act can be FUN, EXCITING, and INTRIGUING. It can mean doing something that you enjoy while also giving back. Here are a few great ideas that can help get you RESTARTED in Statesboro. Find your passion, get equipped, meet people, use your people or analytical skills, and reconnect your OLD talents with NEW ones. Move ahead and BRING joy back into your life.

Alpha Delta Kappa

A few weeks ago, I received an invitation to talk about a Senior Moment article, ‘Cell Phone 101’, that I had written about the Statesboro-Bulloch County Library. It's one of their training classes. Well, what an honor and privilege it was to be invited to Alpha Beta chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa for their monthly meeting in August.  

Alpha Delta Kappa is the International Honorary Organization of Women Educators Dedicated to Education, Excellence, Altruism and World Understanding. The Statesboro Bulloch County chapter consists of 13 retired Educators that want to become CURRENT technology-wise, or in other words be able to use their ‘Cell Phones’ independently.

Marie Woodward, co-president, called and was intrigued by a couple of articles and said they were "very encouraging.” 

The article on computers/cell phones in particular had great interest to her and her sorority sisters. Marie wanted me to SHARE my technology knowledge. I happily accepted and offered to show her and the sorority sisters the benefits of using Grice Connect as their primary local media platform. I chuckled to myself when she said ‘technology expertise’ since mine is so minimal.

I invited Caroline Johnson, Manager at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Library, to talk about the computer/cell phone classes. They have now increased classes to twice a month for computers, cell phones, and iPads.

Caroline and I walked through a PowerPoint presentation. I shared with them what Grice Connect has to offer them.They could have the News, Obituaries, Events, and of course Senior Moments articles at a touch. Caroline asked for their ‘cell phone challenges’ and signed up and scheduled those that were interested for the classes at the library.

YES YES, this was a GREAT learning opportunity for everyone. Fun, interactive and educational. I know the sorority sisters left feeling excited and anticipating their class. Thank you, Marie, for the invitation and Caroline, for being so willing to share this great information. 

Grice Connect my 2nd Act

As many of you might know, I have a huge 40-plus year career as a Corporate Staffing Recruiter and Sales Manager. Now, I am in my ‘2nd Act’ as Senior Reporter for Grice Connect. I am now writing articles to get Seniors out and enjoying Statesboro and Bulloch County and what it has to offer for FREE or for LITTLE money. Starting again for your ‘2nd Act’ can be a CHALLENGE or it can be fun, exciting and intriguing. It might be both! But getting started is easy! Find your Passion, get equipped, and meet new people that are in the same situation and want to enjoy their '2nd Act.'

Go Volunteer - wonderful non-profits need you

Some ideas for you: volunteering at EGRMC, Bethany, or any of the other nursing homes/facilities; Church Luncheons for Seniors; Bowling; Library Programs like Bingo; joining the YMCA; attending events with the Bulloch County Rec Department and many other places. This is just a BEGINNING. Statesboro wants your talents. Reach Out!!

Connecting resources

Last week, I received a call from April Smith, Social Service Coordinator at Statesboro Summit Apartments. She was thanking Senior Moments and Grice Connect for introducing them to two great programs that she gained knowledge from: ‘Cell Phone 101’ and the Cottages at Bethany’s article on the ‘Virtual Dementia Tour.’ Caroline is scheduled to do 'Cell Phone' training at the Statesboro Summit Apartment location on August 18, 2023. April said, “Our residents want to become more technology savvy. They have planned ahead with questions to ask Caroline when she arrives." It sounds like they are excited to learn how to use their ‘Smartphones,’ which one resident apparently refers to as his ‘Dumb Phone!’

In closing, want to have your ‘2nd Act?'  Caroline and I are VERY excited to come speak to your organization and introduce the BENEFITS of Grice Connect’s media offerings.  We will also show you how you can become more technology savvy in using your 'Cell Phone, iPad, or Computer' to stay connected. The library knows the needs of seniors, and they are thrilled to serve you and the community. Caroline said they try to accommodate you within the Library’s business hours. Email ahead and schedule at [email protected] or call 912-764-1336.

Caroline said, “I am appreciative of speaking opportunities to promote the library and I'm seeking more opportunities to do this. The library's mission is to connect the community through information, imagination, and ideas. We want to provide resources that the public needs and wants. Connecting to other groups and organizations in the community helps us identify these needs and wants.”

YES YES, you can start your ‘2nd Act’ now. BE APPRECIATED. Learn, Grow, and Flourish in Statesboro and Bulloch County, with your new technology/cell phone talents and media knowhow. Get familiar with the current events on Grice Connect including the weather, gas prices, and even current sports scores. There is so much here to keep you current.

Connect and Enjoy your next great Senior Moment!