Meet Your Neighbor
Gisela MacDonald
BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER
You read about islanders who are in the public eye all the time, but what do you know about your neighbors - those you see at the supermarket, the gas station, at school or just in passing on the street? Everybody has a story about how they came to be here, what they have done and how their experiences have shaped and perhaps changed their lives and added to the fabric of Nantucket's unique character.

This week The Nantucket Independent continues a new feature highlighting island residents. Gisela MacDonald is a dynamic woman full of ideas and enthusiasm for her work. That is why it will be hard to replace her when she steps down next year as activities director at Our Island Home.

Still speaking with a trace of an accent, MacDonald, who was born and raised in Mannheim, Germany, said she first came to the United States in 1963 with her husband who was in the Army. The couple settled in Winchester, Mass. and had four children. In that time, when she was primarily a stay-at-home mom, MacDonald began volunteering at her children's school and with their Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops.

"I learned a lot about arts and crafts and arranging trips. It gave me a nice foundation for what I'm doing today," she said.

After visiting a relative on the island a few times, in 1981, when her children had grown, MacDonald moved to Nantucket and decided to stay. For 10 years she worked as a front desk receptionist for Sherburne Associates at the Harbor House and White Elephant hotels, then she was enticed by a friend to go to Florida. She loved the weather and environment and bought a condo in Sarasota where she took a job in the activities department of a 120-bed nursing home. During the years she remained there she also spent a year as an activities assistant in an Alzheimer's assisted living facility.

But MacDonald's children started having kids of their own, and in 1997 her daughter, Heidi Holdgate, who was living on Nantucket, called to ask if she could come to the island for six months or so to help with her new baby.

"That was 10 years ago and I'm still here enjoying my grandchildren and my work," she said.

Shortly after arriving back on Nantucket, MacDonald learned of an opening for an assistant activities director at Our Island Home. She won the position and a short time later was given the title of full director, a responsibility she cares deeply about.

"We have to fulfill a mission to provide appropriate and meaningful activities for the residents that provide quality of life on all levels," MacDonald explained. "Bingo isn't just Bingo anymore, it is an eye and hand coordination. It's amazing to see the residents in their 90s playing Bingo, and they get a charge out of it. We could play Bingo every day."

MacDonald said her inspiration for program creation comes from her passion for the job. From that passion, as well as continuing education in her field, she has developed a well-balanced scope of activities that includes brain aerobics and spiritual activities, knitting clubs, van rides, exercises, art therapy, music therapy, garden parties, grandparents' day with pizza and visiting entertainers.

"It reaches everybody's needs," she said, pointing out the large wall calendars of events she draws up for the home's main hallway that are topped by the saying, "Activities don't just fill days, they fill lives."

"That is my job," she said, adding that she formulates programs three months in advance and coordinates necessary volunteers. "I can talk to you about Christmas - it's already planned. I am truly excited about what I do."

MacDonald also leads the home's monthly Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group and feels it is a vital service to assist people caring for an aging parent or spouse find ways to enjoy respite periods and learn they need not be isolated in what is sometimes a taxing role.

"I love my job because I can do so much good," she said. "When I leave at the end of the day I feel good; my work feels like five minutes."

MacDonald will be moving back to her Florida condo when she leaves Our Island Home, but she has not set a definite date, nor has she decided whether she will retire in the full sense of the word. She enjoys being with her eight grandkids - along with tennis, walking, spending time with friends and reading - too much to retire.

"I have to use my knowledge," she said. "In the meantime, I enjoy my work, I enjoy

my grandchildren and I enjoy life." I