VILLAGE MEMBER STORIES
Each month, we share the story of one of our members. Past Member Stories can be found in the archive at the bottom of the page.
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Jim & Midge Kelley, Dover Why did you decide to relocate from Hollis to Dover? Seeking a location closer to our recreational property in Maine spurred the move. Remaining in NH where we could stay in contact with friends and continue easy access to children/grandchildren in Andover, MA and Falmouth, ME was important. Meeting those goals (as well as proximity to a university, the coast, mountains, and Boston) made Dover an ideal fit. Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves? A guy from Portland, Maine and a gal who’d lived ‘round the world met, married, and (after a few years in Ohio), settled in New England. Fifty-six and three-quarters years later (but who’s counting?), we enjoy retired life in Dover. The intervening years brought us through graduate degrees, satisfying careers, established families, extensive travel, and decent health. In retirement, we find too many things competing for our time and energy. Out of necessity we get to the gym regularly … can’t say we love it, but the rewards are positive. We still enjoy hiking, kayaking, tenting, traveling, and political activism. On the quieter side, we enjoy reading, music, and learning. Jim takes pleasure in “puttering,” genealogy, history, and balancing the checkbook. Midge gets lost in research, attending to others, and a good piece of chocolate.
Can you elaborate on what you both did professionally before retiring and what aspects of it you found most enjoyable and rewarding? (MK) My career was spent in secondary education as a school counselor and guidance director. Never a dull moment crept into my day as I engaged in personal, academic, and college/career counseling as well as administration. I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with students, their families, and our staff. Realizing I have made a positive difference in the lives of many is sweetly rewarding. (JK) Starting in 1964, I spent my entire career associated with the emerging world of computers, including programming, systems analysis, marketing and business management. My employer for the bulk of those years was Digital Equipment Corporation. Enjoyably, there was never a boring day working for a company that treated its employees and customers with total respect. Work travel to Europe and other areas of the US was a bonus. Why did you join the Village and how does it fit into your long-term plans? Like many, we’re determined to age in place. Through peers we recognize the importance of maintaining social interaction as we age and that we may need assistance and counsel at some point. A community of others in the same passage was a strong draw. Although we are not yet in the position of seeking support, we are comforted to know the Village neighborhood is available when needed. What motivated you both to become Village volunteers? Volunteering has always been a part of both of our lives. It only feels natural to give some of our time to support the Village. In addition to assisting in activities when asked, Midge routinely volunteers in the Village office and Jim fills members’ driving requests. What aspect of Village membership are you finding the most enjoyable or valuable? Opportunities for social engagement and ongoing discussions/education concerning aging considerations are most enjoyable and valuable. We have particularly enjoyed social events such as musical performances, trivia potluck, presentations, hikes, men/women’s groups. Volunteering (even in small measure) is rewarding also. Given other involvement and commitments, we can’t always participate in many of the Village offerings that interest us. What would you say to a friend interested in joining the Village? The breadth of knowledge and experience in the Village membership is interesting and valuable. Members are welcoming, active, engaging, and supportive. Give it a try! Read more member stories by clicking on the names below. |
Our most memorable travel experience was trekking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago from Saint-Jean-Pied de Port, France to Santiago, Spain at ages 68 and 72. We look forward to continued adventures.
