Academy member Paul Hennekes led the group on an interactive, hour-long tour, during which they listened to our members’ stories and really made the most of this opportunity to gain insight in the recovery process.

The Culinary Arts team further impressed our visitors by serving a delicious, nutritious lunch: Greek salad, mushroom soup, and a salmon entrée with quinoa, squash, and purpled potatoes.

We thank Ava Ehde, Director of Neighborhood Services, for organizing the visit and allowing this chance to connect.

From the moment we walk through the door, the screener (the staff or member who takes our temperature and asks CDC-recommended questions about symptoms and possible COVID-19 exposure) is protected behind Plexiglass. At the front desk, receptionists are kept safe as they sign in members, staff, and visitors. In our dining room, servers communicate with the Culinary team through a protected barrier, and work areas in the kitchen are sectioned off so that members and staff can work side-by-side without risk. Similarly, on the technology side of the building, Plexiglass has been installed between each computer workstation.

We continue to be vigilant during this pandemic, and we are always looking for ways to lower risk of infection and improve on our safety measures. We are indebted to Sarasota and Manatee Counties for their financial assistance in keeping our community safe, so that we can focus on our mission and shared work.