Center. I believe we have seen some amazing changes; However, I want to
accent that we have only just begun. I see a light in this Center and it
comes from the special people within. Together we have the opportunity
to continue to make this a one of a kind place. A game changer for the
Senior who wants to live a full life with opportunity for active living and
the support from community. A true community gem.
Later in the newsletter, I continue a series on intentional living and the
process of change. A key note in this article is the statement...”99% of
change starts with just showing up”. Learning new things, embracing what
we love, and developing meaningful relationships is the cornerstone to
living successfully in what should truly be our “Golden Years.” We simply
need to show up. The Center is gradually bringing on a full calendar of
classes and events. Keep an eye out as this fall we will be at full capacity.
The Blaine Senior Center has embraced Kindness. This is the foundation to
this Center. I want to thank everyone for embracing this “Mantra” and for
opening your arms to the many new members joining the Center. To our
wonderful volunteers. You have been amazing. July 4th was a perfect
example of the joy and fulfillment volunteering brings. Great team spirit!
Finally, Laurie Donaldson, our Kitchen Master and Board Member, has
announced his retirement. I want to thank Laurie from all of us for being a
constant team player and a joy to be around. Whether it’s his
volunteerism, friendliness, or hard work...Laurie always shows up. Please
extend a big thank you to Laurie. He is not totally of the hook...as I hope
to see him often. Love you My Friend.
Finally, everyday someone says to me “Please do not quit Pete”. To all my
supporters ...I am here and happy. The joy my new family brings to me
has been life changing. We have a wonderful staff, an amazing Board, and
the best members I could ever ask for. For those of you who would love to
see me go...I’m sorry. I am not going anywhere for a very long time.
Cheers and look forward to a great month..
Pete
world we often get caught up in our routines and forget what is important to
ourselves. Intentional living helps us clarify our values and strengthen our
commitments to the things that matter to us by making conscious decisions
based on our goals and values. These values can be centered around anything
deemed as important in our individual lives. Intentional living gives us clarity and
a path to follow.
Everyone, at any stage in life, should take the time to contemplate their wants and
desires in life. We also need to be honest with how we are doing in following our
path and the authenticity in our efforts to reach what we value. After we identify
these values and goals it is important to establish a clear game plan for how we
reach them.
The Blaine Senior Center...is an intentional Living Center. A place where every
member has the ability to intentionally choose to learn, find health, and overall
wellness. Our center offers a safe place where we can learn and grow alone or
within the Center’s community. This is a place where kindness rules, exploration
is endorsed, and life takes on special meaning.
My goal is to take this one step further. I want you to not only challenge yourself...
but challenge me. Have an idea? Let’s start a class. Have any interest? Let’s start
a group. Want to learn a skill? Let’s find others with the same desires. This is our
time to follow our wants and desires. Let’s start the conversations that enable us
to lead richer lives and establish paths to the values we hold near and dear. We
will all be better for it.
My challenge to you is to take advantage of this beautiful facility. Embrace a Staff
and Board of Directors that support the exploration of life. Connect and be active
within our community...a place founded in support and kindness.
I have made an intentional decision. It is to be the best Executive Director I can be.
To help you and our community grow. To be kind and compassionate...and to
embrace every senior as I strive to understand and support the values you believe
in. The Blaine Senior Center has the ability to be the hub for great fun,
exploration, and community.
Finally, I have an open door policy. I want to not only support you but to learn
from you. Let’s open up the conversation as we learn to support each other and
gain a clear path to all the benefits our Center can offer.
Cheers, Pete
The Blaine Senior Center is Alive and Growing. Programs and events are being created. We have established a gameplan to be a community resource and have begun to develop some amazing partnerships within the community. We have a facility we can be proud of and a robust membership that is diverse and versatile.
There has been lots of thought to creating a “Mantra” that helps to establish a mindful rule of thumb for the culture of our center and supersedes all others at our membership. This Mantra will be “Kindness”.
On a personal level, kindness not only feels good but also does us good. To begin with, connecting with others through kind deeds allows us to meet our basic psychological needs of relatedness and belonging. Performing acts of kindness can also increase life satisfaction, positive mood, and peer acceptance. It can stimulate the release of serotonin and oxytocin, which can increase trust, reduce fear and anxiety, and help us understand our intentions better.
More importantly, we are strengthening our culture. To be a center that offers a wide variety of opportunities to help us strive for wellness, education, fun, and most importantly, community is amazing. The intention is to go one step further: The Blaine Senior Center will be a place where we are mindful of each other… mindful of our community. We will simply be kind to each other.
Kindness is important because it makes the Senior Center a safe place. A place to play, cry, explore, and have fun. A place where we accept each other and celebrate our differences. A place where we greet every person who walks through our door and get excited about what others can offer our membership. A “Kind” Community that leads by example and strives to be its best.
-Pete Nelson