Dan's Work at the Institute for Sustainable Social Change

 Many clients inquire about my work in Prescott with the Institute, which is affiliated with--but is separate from--Prescott College.  I spend perhaps 10-12 hours per week on projects there when I'm in town.

The Institute seeks to sponsor programs that are in line with the mission of the college--but which don't have a natural "home" in the academic side of the house.  I am a Fellow of the Institute and have been designated its "Coordinator" of activities, which means that I handle much of the behind-the-scenes "back-office" work which exists in any thriving organization. 

I'll touch on just two of the Institute's programs to give a flavor of our activities: our longest-running program is acting as the administrative arm of the VISTA program for northern Arizona.  VISTA is the branch of the federal Americorps program (akin to a domestic Peace Corps) which seeks to build capacity in those non-profit organizations dedicated to alleviating the conditions of poverty in the US.   A tall task to be sure; but our program has been a leader in creating innovative structures and generating effective leadership tools that may be adopted by other VISTA programs throughout the country.

The second program is one that I'm spearheading in cooperation with the Office of Student Life at the Prescott College.  It is oriented toward facilitating volunteerism and civic engagement as an everyday part of the student experience at the college.  As many of you know, Prescott College is first and foremost all about experiential education--and as such, students (and faculty) are often engaged in real-world activities and challenges outside the walls of academia.  However, these activities are not always easy to connect to, nor are they tracked in any organized way.  We hope to put the pieces in place to facilitate connections and enhance the effectiveness of these efforts. 

Other programs and sponsorships take place under the aegis of the Institute.  Feel free to ask if you're interested in more detail!

Reflections on Gratitude

 Gratitude combines the awareness of unbidden blessings in our lives (gratefulness) with the ability to articulate this awareness to ourselves and to others (thanksgiving, with a lower-case "t"). In my own life, I have been uncommonly blessed to be born in a strong, loving family; to have had a great education; to have found my vocational calling; and to have had the opportunity to share my passions with others who care about them. It doesn't get much better than that.

Most often, gratitude is seen as a virtue because of its connection to generosity--an outward display of this inward "feeling". As I reflect more deeply, however, perhaps the most significant impact of an "attitude of gratitude" is in how it changes the one experiencing it.

To realize a moment of the sheer beauty in a November sunset, or to receive the unqualified forgiveness of someone you've unintentionally hurt, or to experience the joy of seeing someplace entirely new--these change the lens trough which we see the world, how we interact with others, and how we see ourselves in relation to others. In short, it changes for the better how we experience this world.

This is the true gift of Thanksgiving (with a capital "T" this time). Gratitude is a gift that can keep on giving to each of us all year long.

Memories of Thanksgivings Past

 When I was a young child, my father liked to hunt small game.  There were a few Thanksgivings when we had rabbit.  We never saw the rabbit until it came to the table and it tasted like chicken to us.  He not only enjoyed the hunting but also liked the idea of being self-sufficient.  My mother was a city gal and dad understood the rules. The game was to be ready for the pot before she saw it, looking just like it came from Kroger.

One year dad decided to raise a turkey in our basement intended for Thanksgiving dinner.  He was smart enough not to let us name the bird.  We simply called it “turkeyboy”. My sister and I fed and watched “turkeyboy” grow to be a nice fat bird.  The big day came and dad brought the bird upstairs ready for the oven. A few hours later, we all sat down for the big feast.  My mother ceremoniously brought the turkey to the table for carving.

The only one who ate turkey that Thanksgiving was dad. My sister and I ages 4 and six sat there and cried.

Years later, while living on the Connecticut sea coast town of Mystic, Ron and I decided to have lobster for Thanksgiving dinner as a treat for visiting Grandma Gunther.  Ron let the lobsters crawl around the kitchen floor before throwing them into the pot.

The only one who ate lobster that Thanksgiving was Ron.  Our two little girls sat there and cried. 

Some lessons are never learned!

Heard Around the Thanksgiving Day Table

 

 Thanksgiving Day Traditions

Thanksgiving day memories make me smile in gratitude for all of the blessings I have in my life.  The tradition of gathering together to share a meal, stories, laughter, love and the good natured rivalry over football games seemingly coming to life out of the TV are all part of the experience. 

Every year when mom says, “Time to eat!” we all know what comes next . . . . . you can see the pride and joy in mom’s eyes when she asks all of us to hold hands around the table so she can take it all in and say out loud how much it means to share the day together. Laurie Renchik 

I am thankful for adoption and marriage!  I’m living my happily ever after with the three loves of my life. Kimberly Wyman

Thanksgiving frames family memories from times gone by and challenges me to make the lasting special memories for my family today.  I think of North Texas Novembers and large family gatherings as I was growing up. There was the annual family picture on my grandmother’s front porch, sneaking a seat at the adult table (always closest to the mashed potatoes), syrupy, delicious pecan pie, and always Dallas Cowboys Football after a big meal.

This year, the Detroit Lions will take priority over the Cowboys.  My scenery has changed from dusty open Texas ranges to a quaint northern Michigan village sharing the day with my husband and our family. I will always be grateful for the special memories that keep me close to family near and far, here and gone, and savor the opportunity to continue to experience priceless moments entwined with a truly American holiday. Melissa Joy

I am thankful for both of my families…my personal family and my Center family.  I cannot imagine being able to do the work that I love or being able to pursue my passion for financial gerontology without the support of both of my families. I am thankful for and truly cherish my relationships with my husband, children and parents, as well as my co-workers and clients.  I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Sandy Adams

Center Kids Trick or Treat!

Witches and goblins and ghosts oh my! It's the time of year when Halloween costumes take over and kids of all ages dig in for some serious trick or treating time. Don't be spooked as you check out some of our own Center family kids wearing their Halloween best. If you look closely there is a four legged masked crusader who thinks she is a kid, too. Happy Halloween to all!

Tim Wyman Attends Leadership Oakland Class of XXIII

 Tim Wyman, CFP® recently began participation in Leadership Oakland - just as Laurie Renchik, CFP® did one year ago.  The program is intended to help selected participants (about 50 per year) learn about Oakland County, our region and state in order to be informed contributors within our communities.

Tim recently attended a 2.5 day Retreat with 50 of his newest friends.  He traveled to Roscommon Michigan to the R. A. MacMullan Conference Center. The group spent their time getting to know more about Oakland County, each other, and themselves and their leadership potential.  The rustic camp setting provided a great learning and relationship building container.  Although Tim commented that the bunk houses made college dorm rooms look spacious!

Tim and the other participants will engage in future sessions including; Economy & Government, Human services & Non Profits, Health & Environment, Diversity & Inclusion, Justice System, Education, Arts & Culture, Shaping the Future, and finally a class project.

Head of the Class: Back-to School for Center Kids

 It’s back to school time and our own Center families were busy getting students ready for another year of fun learning.  From preschool to high school we helped our kids stuff their backpacks with brand new supplies and special treasures. 

Check out the abundance of smiles as our kids said "cheese" and we parents captured yet another special “first day of school” experience.

Where in the World is Dan Boyce?

 When I’m not spending my week each month in Michigan or travelling to see the “kids” and grandchildren, you can usually find me at our home in Prescott, AZ (pronounced by the locals as “Press’kit” rather than “Press-caht”).  People think of Arizona as unbearably hot in the summer months; but our locale in the Central Highlands of the state (at 5,800’) actually boasts more comfortable summers than Southeast Michigan.

My weeks in Michigan consist of multiple client appointments each day—many of them in tandem with another Center planner.  It results in long days.  Other than keeping fit, I don’t have much time for a life outside work there.  In Prescott, I typically spend 2-3 hours per day keeping up with the financial planning field, talking with the office, reading about industry trends, doing research, etc.  Otherwise, I’m working on several other projects that have unfolded:

• Working (volunteering) as Coordinator for the Institute for Sustainable Social Change (the “Institute”—see below), which is affiliated with Prescott College
• Making music—I just finished a year as choir director of the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation;  in addition, Sue and I rehearse weekly with a high-quality vocal a cappella octet
• Working on behalf of Prescott College as a Trustee—I can unequivocally state that being Past Chair of the Board is a much cushier position than being the current Chair!
• Acting as a school board member for a charter school here in Prescott
• Chairing a task force for the Unitarian Universalist Association which is laying the groundwork for a curriculum focused on creating healthy relationships and attitudes towards our money, using it to and intentionally reflect our values and empower our lives

So I’m keeping myself well occupied.   Many clients ask me about the Institute.   In brief, I am involved in both behind-the-scenes work—the “business” end of running the organization—as well as working on a project to create a culture of civic engagement, community involvement and volunteer service throughout the Prescott College community.  This is a joint venture of the Institute and the Office of Student Life at the college; we just brought on a full-time VISTA member to work on this initiative during the coming year.  Watch for a separate blog coming soon which will describe my work at the Institute in more detail.

Woodward Dream Cruise Stirs Special Memories for The Center’s Brenda Spencer

 The Woodward Dream Cruise is exciting for Motor City car enthusiasts and sparks a special memory for The Center’s Brenda Spencer. Brenda, describes herself as a long time car enthusiast and reminisced with fond memories about her first car; the Ford Edsel. She couldn’t help smiling when she said, “It was one of my very favorites because it was my first car.” Coming in a close second in the favorite race was Brenda’s red and white 57 Chevy.  

Brenda’s story doesn’t stop here. She says, “the only way cruising down the road in one of my favorite cars got any better was when Elvis tunes were playing on the radio. “ Unless of course she was sitting in a crowd of concert goers listening to The King perform live. Her first experience was at the Motor City’s Olympia Stadium.  She remembers being “way up there” and wanting all of the screaming girls to tone it down so she could here Elvis sing. Later she sat fifth row at the Pontiac Silverdome, and without a need for opera glasses, marveled that the King was “handsome hot stuff”.

Today Brenda loves driving her Ford Escape and feels a special pride keeping her wheels spotlessly clean inside and out.  While the rides have changed over the years Brenda hasn’t lost her enthusiasm for fast clean cars. Brenda concludes, “Most women like shoes and purses (don’t get me wrong I do too) but I love cars as much today as I did when I owned my Edsel.”

Betsey Schrock Elected President of Stagecrafters in Royal Oak

 The Center is pleased to announce that Betsey Schrock, Office Manager/Bookkeeper, has recently been elected president of Stagecrafters, a large community theatre organization located at the Baldwin theatre in Royal Oak.  Stagecrafters recently celebrated 50 years of providing quality performances to children and adults in the southeast Michigan region.  Each year, Stagecrafters presents five productions on its 372-seat Main Stage and three contemporary productions on its more intimate 100-seat 2^nd Stage.  Stagecrafters is unique among community theatre groups because it owns the building where it performs and where, later this year, the Baldwin is expected to be awarded Michigan Historic Building status.

Betsey joined Stagecrafters in 1996 after being involved as the wife of an actor and the mother of two budding theatre aficionados.  She began her involvement as producer for several Stagecrafters Youththeatre productions (SYT). From there, Betsey also experienced producing on the Main Stage and more recently the 2^nd Stage.  Other experiences include manning the box office, ushering, house managing, and working on such committees as human resource, membership, production, and budget.

Betsey is most proud of the SYT which presents two productions per year.  SYT is theatre for youth and by youth.  Children ages 8 – 18 can join SYT for a small fee and can be involved in a production, from acting, to set building, to painting, ushering, and even producing or directing, all of which are supervised by caring and experienced adult members of Stagecrafters.  Some of our youth have gone on to professional acting, including the popular Kristen Bell!  More importantly, the youth have the opportunity to work with adults and feel comfortable around adults who are valuable role models.  Whether on-stage or backstage, one can see how involvement at Stagecrafters helps youth develop their interests and their confidence, which are useful later on in life.

Betsey’s term as president is two years.  During these two years, she plans to help Stagecrafters celebrate SYT’s 40th year and to seeing to fruition a multi-year campaign to fund and renovate the theatre’s restrooms.

 "There’s always something we can do to make Stagecrafters even better." Betsey