VILLAGE MEMBER STORIES

Walter & Emma Rous (Durham)

Walter and Emma Rous have lived on the Seacoast for forty years and built their house in Durham thirty-five years ago. Emma taught English at Oyster River High School, then served eight years in the NH House, four of those as chair of the Education Committee. During that time, Walter worked as an architectural designer/ builder, then as a designer and has not yet quite retired. They have a daughter and son and four grandchildren to keep them busy with visits. 

Walter and Emma like to travel, especially to natural areas. They hike, cross country ski, and kayak. They participate in book groups and enjoy photography, sketching, and painting. Walter plays tennis and is the cellist in, what they like to call, “The Alzheimer’s Prevention Quartet.”

Being a Village member has enabled them to meet new friends and participate in new, interesting activities--connections that help them get out of their usual routines. In particular, they have found the resources from the Lunch & Learn series (that are archived on the website) helpful for thinking about aging-in-place and end of life issues.

Both appreciate being connected to other people thinking about similar issues and find it reassuring to have a place to turn for advice when need arises.

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