The Holmes Health Initiative

The Holmes Health Initiative

By Donald Partelow
 
 
The Pawling Library held a special online Q & A panel discussion to and from the Holmes community. Three panelists offered their professional advice in response to the pandemic, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. The program took place on November 13, from 7-8 pm. Our guest speakers were Dr. Nancy Iankowitz, Director of Holistic and Integrative Healing LLC. Carol-Lee Kantor, MSW, now retired, worked professionally and also as a community volunteer in the fields of Education, Recreation, Community and Medical Social Work.  Gabrielle Semel, ERYT 500, Founder of Pawling Yoga & Wellness. 
 
There was a very kind and supportive interaction between our panelists and the audience which included an ICU nurse who also offered her advice to the group.
 
Following the program a participant wrote to us, “Thank you for putting together the amazing panel of women as well as insightful and kind participants that I was lucky enough to interact with tonight! It was a perfect night ‘out’ spending time with lovely, thoughtful, and intelligent people.” 
 
And another person who attended the program had this to say: “I wanted to take a moment to thank you for creating access for me to participate in the program on Friday called The Holmes Health Initiative. All three panelists were outstanding with suggestions, professional advice, helpfulness in response to the pandemic, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. I loved the way each discussed individual topics and naturally the others chimed in to broaden the answers with their knowledge and field wisdom. I looked forward to the program all week – not knowing what to expect but approaching the session with an open heart & an open mind. I respected and appreciated when one of the participants had questions about the  professional approach taken to not only respond but show such warmth and kindness. I found myself with eyes welled with tears with the love shown towards those dealing with pain in the form of grief or personal strife and sadness from family isolation. Their encouragement to speak with a friend to help overcome the challenges faced but also to rely on inner strength and determination to find courage, hope and light needed during crisis was amazing. I am very grateful to you and the Pawling Library for creating this program. I think even though it was not filled with lots of participants that the messages received were extremely important for those that attended and all of our families. Please know the value of all of the time, energy & insights  communicated by  yourself, and Dr. Nancy Iankowitz, Carol-Lee Kantor & Gabrielle Semel. Having them share their gifts with the community – and having you create the program for us was awesome!”
 
“This is just a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community,” said Dr. Iankowitz, “to give positive energy that everyone deserves.” Carol-Lee Kantor said, “I’m happy to be here tonight and help in any way I can.” “I’m grateful to be a part of this experience,” said Gabrielle Semel. These are some of the heartfelt words spoken at the beginning of the program by our guest speakers whose compassionate and insightful answers meant a great deal to all in attendance. How fortunate we are to have these caring professionals in our community.
 
 
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Author: Harlem Valley News