Notes from Peter - August 2010
Throughout its 50-year history, our Center has been a community of
friends who do for themselves, for each other, and for our community. Our
small staff is able to coordinate a wide array of excellent programs
because our members, guests, volunteers, and community partners take so
much responsibility in developing and managing all we do.
As part of a 36-person contingent of Center members and guests who
toured Tuscany as part of our 50th birthday year, I was pleased to see how
well our values and holistic approach to wellness transferred halfway
around the world.
First, our partner Mayflower Tours and its representative Carolyn Bossi
did an outstanding job planning and coordinating the trip. Equally
important, those on the trip took responsibility to be on time each
morning to explore Siena or Florence. And when someone needed help with
luggage, or to get up a staircase, a fellow traveler was always there to
lend a hand.
Our travel coordinator, Linda Hahn (doing her always remarkable job
ensuring all was going smoothly!), and I didn’t have to arrange any of
this; it happened naturally. It was several of our guests who were the
most helpful and, indeed, our guide was most impressed with how well our
group “gelled.”
On my first extended trip with the Center, I also saw first-hand how
travel meets our mission. What a fresh perspective and fun way to keep the
mind sharp by seeing the thousand-plus-year-old towns, artwork, and
cathedrals! Walking up and down the streets of hill towns like San
Gimignano is certainly a physical workout. It was also a wonderful way to
get to know longtime friends better and to make new friends. One couple
noted that one reason they took the trip was to meet people. And the
Center has always been about having fun and we certainly did that while
taking photos together at Pisa, breaking bread over a leisurely lunch in
Chianti, and during an eye-opening cooking class led by a Tuscan chef. We
were even able to do some civic service by touring the historic Medici
Villa in Charlottesville’s sister city, Poggio a Caino. We met the
Councilor of Tourism and helped to develop this mutually beneficial
33-year relationship.
Many who enjoyed the trip noted that they could never take such a trip
on their own or even with a group they didn’t know. But traveling with the
Center they felt safe and enjoyed the camaraderie that our Center
community provides.
Yet another example of why our Center thrives in our 50th year serving
our community! The Center is a place where you see long-time and close friends. But
you also have the opportunity to make new friends from a diverse community
of people who are active here.
As our community grows, the importance of a vital community center
that, in particular, meets the needs of those 50 and better grows more
important. Our Center is a national leader in our field because throughout
our 50-year history, we have always grown and adapted to our community’s
needs. I look forward to working with you as we plan an even more vibrant
future
for our Center community!
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