Mother’s Day gift of poetry

Poet shares his talents with Forsgate residents.

By: Al Wicklund
MONROE — A staff member who doubles as a poet brightened Mother’s Day at The Residence at Forsgate assisted-living community Sunday.
   Bob Jeannotte, director of environmental services at The Residence, enjoyed a double celebration.
   He gave a reading of his poetry on May 9, just before Mother’s Day and The Residence published his book, "Thoughts and Feelings."
   "I’m sure we are the only assisted-living community to undertake a publication of poetry," said Carolann Koerner, director of The Residence.
   To give the The Residence community an added dimension of involvement, artist Manny Grossman, who recently relocated from Arizona to The Residence, did the cover art for the book.
   Ms. Koerner said a special social hour was held for Mr. Jeannotte’s reading and that a public reading has been scheduled 2 p.m. June 4 at the Monroe Township Public Library.
   Mr. Jeannotte said he enjoyed reading to the residents and many of those in the audience have asked him to have another session.
   "They said they want more. I have some 70 poems that weren’t included in the book which gives me the material for another reading," he said.
   Mr. Jeannotte, who has worked at The Residence for four years, said he started writing poetry about 10 years ago when he took a literature course in an adult education program at Old Bridge High School.
   "As part of the course, I had to write a poem. That was my start. I’ve been writing ever since," he said.
   Mr. Jeannotte said he carries paper and pen with him all the time.
   "You never know when an idea will come. It can be an ideal thought or something that you see that triggers an image or a feeling that you want to capture," he said.
   As director of environmental services, Mr. Jeannotte manages a staff of 13 maintenance people and laundresses.
   He knows every resident and brings a cheery attitude to the building, singing and sharing a laugh. His poems often appear in The Residence’s monthly newsletter and calendar of events.
   He said there are two secrets to doing his job right.
   "The first is attention to detail. I tell my staff, ‘Pretend you’re in your own home.’ The second secret is ‘Have a sense of humor,’ " Mr. Jeannotte said.