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EAT – PLAY - LEARN - GIVE
Once again the Annual Retreat is a huge success! We started the weekend on the right foot by having a wonderful time at Steve's condo where the food was absolutely amazing. I don't think we could have crammed another person in there and it was fabulous! Everyone from the bus came and joined in and a good time was had by all.
Friday was a beautiful day for outdoor activities and I don't know of anyone that didn't have a good time, whether they chose to lounge by the pool, or partake in a more active pursuit. Some of us bike riders on the Paulina Plunge created our own route for part of the tour which didn't bother us too much but really threw the guides for a loop. (I hope they didn't get in too much trouble. We really didn't mind at all.) The cooking class got to ride in giant white stretch limos and had a blast cooking Spanish tapas. The canoe and kayak group had a peaceful paddle on clear waters with interesting geological features. The golfers really enjoyed the Ridge Course, some so much, they turned right around and did another 18 holes! Jerry Titus even got a hole in one! Dinner outdoors on the lawn Friday night was really fun and more than one person commented that it felt like they were at a wedding reception.
Saturday's Common Ground experience was unprecedented. Once again we learn so much from this event about ourselves, others we are working with, and how open channels of communication and information sharing can foster trust and ultimately success. Although this experience is uncomfortable for many, and I am one who is uncomfortable, it is essential to move out of your comfort zone to grow and learn new things. And boy, did we learn new things! After lunch we had some great CEU classes and a little rest time. Dinner Saturday night was prime rib and salmon and we had Lindy Gravelle entertain us after dinner. Once again a rousing rendition of “Those Were the Days My Friend” ensured a good time. (I heard the limbo was fun too.)
Capping off the success of the weekend was the champagne breakfast benefit for ReFIT. There were eight (8) tables full of all kinds of goodies people had donated to be raffled or auctioned off. The benefit raised over $4,200.00 for such a great local organization!!! Yahoo!
For anyone who has gone to this retreat, it is impossible to put into words, the incredible feeling of bonding and community you share with the others who are there. I only wish we could bottle that magic and give it away. It is truly special. I come away simultaneously exhausted, refreshed, renewed, and inspired and always with new friends who I am mysteriously already so close with. Awesome!
Thank you,
Heather Stinson
NWSID PRA Representative
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