Someone asked me recently - “Now that you’ve sorta moved into your Carmel-like Monterey home - what are you doing these days?” So, this is a good opportunity to update lots of folks and my blog.
Aside from playing with my Grandson Edison for 24 hours over July 4th weekend, I’ve been volunteering. Volunteering is a way to get to know the community.
As in most good things, asking for what we want usually leads to getting more than we can imagine. I’ve been asking and receiving abundantly. Here’s a quick overview.
The Community Hospital of Montery Peninsula One day in early June I read in the Monterey Herald that there was an “urgent call for type O+ blood (after the Memorial Day weekend.) Since I was a regular donor the last year I lived in Lodi, I though it would be a good way to get to know a few people and contribute. What a friendly and animated group! While sitting there in that comfy chair I got to listen to M. Rau talk about her month long trip to Tuscany with her family. Animated and exhuberant about the villa they enjoyed and the great food she swept our imaginations to Tuscany for 20 minutes. As she got to know me a bit - she suggested that I volunteer at the CHOMP. Not knowing what the CHOMP was - I asked. “CHOMP is unlike any hospital. Thanks to the larghesse of the people of this region - it is more like a five star hotel than a hospital. You’ll meet very fine people and be treated very well! It’s a good start.” So, after background checks, TB tests and a two hour orientation I was assigned to the Gift Shop two evenings a month. Not wanting to keep the title “Provisional” I’ve signed up to volunteer six evenings by August 21st. M. Rau was correct. It’s a little bit of heaven within the resort like property called the Community Hospital.
The World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay (thanks to a friend of Les) may be my first board position in this region. I received a call just yesterday asking me to submit my bio for consideration in being nominated a member of the board. I’m delighted and honored to be consided - since this collection of people present speakers and a network of movers and shakers. The Defense Language Institute, Monterey Institute of International Studies and Naval Postgraduate School (all located here in Monterey) are well represented on the board and membership.)
This year is the 70th anniversary of the Carmel Bach Festival. A realtor showing me a home took the time to answer my question: “Which organizations or events would you recommend to get to know the “flavor” of folks in this region - who’d also appreciate me?” Her answer was quick: “The Carmel Bach Festival.” So, after a few visits with the staff, I’m the woman people meet on Monday and Wednesdays when they come to the box office for tickets to any of the 3 weeks of classical concerts. I meet friendly people from all over the world! Amazing to realize how much is going on - that’s world renown - right here!
The Summer of Love Concert in Monterey on July 28th & 29th (After attending an event sponsored by the Monterey Chamber of Commerce, I met the Publicist for the event. Wendy Brickman and I seem to be kindred spirits and after a white linen table cloth lunch in a closed restaurant (she’s well known by local restauranteurs for obvious reasons) she invited me to assist her with the event. I’ve always wanted to shadow Publicists and P.R. Folks!
Concours d\’Elegance August 15-19 in Pebble Beach - will be my final volunteer effort this summer. As September approaches - I imagine I’ll be moving toward the “for pay” efforts that are now simoultaneously appearing on the horizon.
I’m meeting with new friends to discover needs that I might fill in my “new business” venture - whatever that will become. Thank Goodness for the fine people I’ve met here. Seems to me the doors of opportunity are opening - more easily in this region - than anywhere I’ve ever lived. Amazing and encouraging.
