Eudaimonia May 14, 2011

Click to register http://summers-knoll.org

in japan, my thoughts, my family, my friends

With a disaster, the first need is to gather together with those closest to us, or, if not possible, to be in touch with our immediate family and friends, to be reassured that each is not in danger or hurt. While many of us have been actively reaching out over the past few days, and have been reassured, we are also impacted by learning of the terrible devastation and the loss and destruction that others are experiencing.

I am struck by multiple emotions at the same time. I am amazed at the technology that allows us to have almost simultaneous information across great distances. International news, facebook, skype, email, telephone across computer lines, all give immediate news. Relief that our closest are alive and well. Great concern about the continuing aftershocks, disruption of basic needs, water, transportation, foods, fears about radiation. Admiration for the reaction of the disaster teams. Desire to assist in some way. And always, gathering closest to family members, the solace that it provides.

Gratitude is high on the list, including gratitude for being associated with the organization and the family of Summers-Knoll School, a community made up of so many people working every day to create a better environment, a beautiful space to learn, and most important, creating compassion and hope in the newest generation.

The Russians of Pavel Lebedev-Lastochkin in Japan,
with their ships tossed inland by atsunami, meeting Japanese in 1779

winter break and camps

During the wonderful Winter Break, I spent time, as many others are doing now, preparing my taxes. But at the same time, I visited old friends, relaxed and read, watched delightful movies. Other than my taxes I actually stayed away from the computer, most unusual.

Meanwhile, Shan ran the Winter Break Camp with much snow provided by Mother Nature, almost too much, since we had to cancel the first day (refunds pending!). Sledding, skating and indoor activities abounded with this very popular week. Now back at regular school, planning for the Spring Break Camp in April is underway with half the spaces already filled up. Many are enrolling for Summer Camp, also, with the delightful array of offerings. Please see summers-knoll.org/camps/summer for detailed information.

We are utilizing for the first time an on-line registration system for the summer camp and also for the upcoming Eudaimonia, our May 14th gala evening and auction, this year to be held at the beautiful Matthaei Botanical Gardens (summers-knoll.org/support/events). Of course new systems bring occasional glitches, and we welcome your comments, positive and otherwise, about this new system and any problems you might encounter, so that we may quickly attend to them. Feel free to email me. pcorbett@summers-knoll.org

The groundhog has told us that Spring is around the corner. We shall see.