VILLAGE MEMBER STORIES

Katharine "KK" Brown, Rye

In 2016, after seeing my Mum and Dad through their plan to "age in place," my (now late) partner and I found a wonderful house in Rye, which was sorely in need of TLC. That was a big and satisfying project, and I've never looked back. I love living near the ocean, and what an amazing place this is for volunteer opportunities.

How long lived in the Seacoast area?

My career was, as they say, checkered. I have a BA from Cornell in Government/Political Philosophy, and an MBA from Wharton. At heart I’m a dilettante artist. My work history was in non-profits and quasi-governmental agencies, then Project Finance for the Bank of Montreal in NYC. After my daughter was born, I had a home childcare/preschool for over 25 years, which turned out to be my real avocation. That was a very fun time, and that’s where my nickname comes from.

What did you do prior to retirement?

I'm a bit of a homebody. Working on house and yard projects, preferably with someone fun, is a joy. My day is not complete without time at the piano, a bit of reading, and finding something beautiful or fun to photograph. I sang with Contutti for a season before the pandemic interfered and may go back to it. On the volunteer side, I became a Marine Docent and have volunteered with the Seacoast Science Center, also serving on their Board of Directors. I try to keep tabs on the good work being done by the Seacoast Women's Giving Circle and volunteer on some of their "Act" projects. And I've just become a driver with the Rye Senior Serve group. There's one thing that's certain: there's not enough time to do everything I would like to do!

How does the Village fit into your long term plan?

The Seacoast Village Project is relatively new to me. It's part of my plan (so to speak, still evolving) to stay in my home as long as possible without becoming a burden. Experience has shown me that the desire to remain at home can result in an ordeal for others, no matter how much love there is. The Village Project concept can be one step in the plan. 

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