A number of years ago, pre retirement, at this time in August, I would be knee-deep in preparing my 4th grade classroom for the incoming class. The hot, humid, lazy days of summer would be a distant memory as I planned fun, community-building activities, created colorful labels for lockers, read detailed reports and files describing the personal learning styles of my incoming students and in general prepped for the upcoming school year. I was always excited for the new adventure - and that it was. After retirement for a few years, I experienced that same anxiety late August even though I knew those days were behind me. I knew logically that I could relax but the calendar spoke a different message.
Today, 7 years post retirement, I am over that - in fact so much so that the other day when Moie Moulton, Neck of the Woods, Executive Director mentioned that staff was on the week off between summer and the new year beginning, I was taken aback. "It can't be that time of year!" I challenged. "Summer is still in full swing!"
Here I am today, reflecting on a wonderful yet busy summer. Moving ahead on the various projects both personal and volunteer in which I am engaged is somewhat difficult as many folks are away. Many Rotarians have been traveling missing our breakfast and/or dinner meetings. I miss seeing them. Truth be told, I am a creature who benefits from structure. Life has slowed down as it should during these months. Yet having the connection with NOW, keeps me thinking of the school-year calendar.
The Labor Day Duck Race certainly is a project that reminds me of the beginning of fall. How could it not! The Valley will fill with summer families hoping to gather for one more grand summer weekend. Sign ups for volunteer opportunities and projects such as Community Pantry deliveries, NOW building projects and the new Meeting Greeter should be a bit more consistent. Upcoming soon is the Restaurant Raffle fundraiser and a building project or two that are in the works.
This story is part self reflection and part reminder to begin to think of what good work you might want to become engaged in this fall. What strengths do you possess that would be worth sharing? What fires you up? Is it the need for child care in the Valley or Senior Services or Food Insecurity? Do you want to engage in Hands-on work? There is no shortage of need here. If you observe a need not being met, all you have to do is say "I have an idea" and there is a good chance others will be at your side.