Staging a Seniors Expo as part of the NSW Seniors Festival, demands a reasonable amount of time and brain-power – especially the brain-power. But – by putting our collective heads and shoulders together, we did it. Today was the day we opened our doors and our hearts, to show off where we live, and what we do. Was it worth it?
You had better believe it!
Hours before the official start time, the room was buzzing with presenters and talented residents, setting up their displays.
I don’t think I was the only one who was a little nervous at the start of the day. Would anyone show up – would it all work – would it be worth it?
Severe weather warnings of Cyclone Oma looming over the coast, didn’t help.
By noon, the answer was crystal clear.
Not only was it worth it, but it exceeded most expectations. Due to start at 11.30, people congregated around tables long before then. Once their table was set up, presenters circled the room, greeted other presenters, and exchanged comments and information.
The buzz got louder…
Visitors mingled, and presenters talked about the services they could offer seniors. Talented residents and friends proudly showed off their labours of love. It was a great feeling to sit back and watch the success of the Seniors Expo, as it happened around us.
Christine’s fantastic bookmarks and cards, made with flowers that grow here in our beautiful gardens. Tapestries; card-making; technology displays; quilts; knitting; wood-carving; paintings; clocks; jewellery – all made by our talented residents. All we need to do now is convince these talented people to teach the rest of us.
(Photos courtesy of W. Powell)
So, what else happened today?
The creative talent was phenomenal, but what impressed me the most, was the level of support the residents of Mountain View offered those who were visiting. Nothing was too much trouble to ensure questions were answered, and appropriate connections and introductions were made.
Tireless workers provided food to sustain visitors, residents and presenters. Liquid refreshments rehydrated them. Nobody seemed flustered or bothered by the amount of work that goes into preparing enough food to sustain hungry crowds. It just happened, seemingly effortlessly.
The chefs who demonstrated how quickly and easily you can create a nutritious meal, had a captive audience – and the food smelled divine.
It made me even more proud to be part of Mountain View – my retirement community. Not that you have to be retired to live here – you don’t. As long as you have celebrated fifty-five years of life – you qualify to be part of this great community.
Oh, and you don’t need any special talent to live here. We have plenty of teachers who can take you from ‘I’d love to be able to do that’, to ‘Wow, look what I’ve created!’. Trust me, I know. I signed up for Julia’s quilting class and after just one lesson, my new quilt is only weeks, and a lot of stitches away.
It’s the sense of belonging to a supportive extended family that makes living at Mountain View so special. And it is the combined effort of everyone that made the difference.
