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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John Woodard, Brentwood How long have you lived on the Seacoast? My wife, Linda, and I have lived in The Villages at Three Ponds in Brentwood on the Seacoast since November 2020. We moved here to be closer to our daughter, Heather and her family, who live in nearby Kensington. We love our new home and the fabulous beaches, and have explored many areas of Maine and the White Mountains. In my free time, gardening and crafting, especially knitting, are my passions. When and why did you join the Village? We joined the Seacoast Village almost immediately following our move. I had learned of the Village through my involvement as a volunteer consultant for ESC (Empower Success Corps) and had been the lead consultant working with two other consultants on a strategic planning/board development/communications project for the Village highlighted by a one-day retreat in early March 2020 (just before the outbreak of Covid). What is your role in the Men’s Discussion Group? How did this recurring program become a reality? I am one of the three organizers in the Men's Discussion Group, but often I have assumed the role of moderator at meetings. The Men's Discussion Group was conceived at a meeting of the West Cluster in early 2023, in a discussion with Dick Siener, one of the organizers. He subsequently recruited Chris Brett. Dick and I discovered in a conversation that we valued the importance of discussion, particularly among men going through transitions (e.g., age, living situations, caring for spouses or partners). We now are completing our third year in March 2026. In the course of the past three years, over 40 men have attended at least one meeting with an average of at least 15 at every meeting. I believe it's served to build collegiality and friendships, not to speak of support, as we all face the uncertainties of going though transitions in our lives. Thank you for your valuable contributions to the Village, John! How can members become more involved in our programs? One way is to step up with an idea, as Dick Siener and I did, in a chance discussion at a cluster meeting. However, participation in Village events is the key that may lead to more involvement. Don't be shy. I had occasion to participate in an arts and crafts show this past year at which I displayed models that I had made. I had wonderful discussions with people attending the show inquiring about my interest and what led to it. Read more member stories by clicking on the names below. |
