July 21, 2021 —Who is raring to go? According to Paul Cormier, chairman of the resident’s Culture and Entertainment committee, Kendal at Lexington residents are ready to go – to festivals, museums, concerts, parks, restaurants, and any new adventure that sounds interesting.
One of the advantages of living at Kendal at Lexington is the input and participation of residents in planning activities. Various resident committees actively coordinate with staff and administrators on everything from dining choices to sustainability. The Culture and Entertainment committee is no exception.
Adventures On and Off Kendal Grounds
With eight people, it is one of the smaller committees, but also one of the most active. Members discover activities of interest, arrange travel and admission, recruit participants and coordinate logistics during the event. Like many other committees at Kendal at Lexington, the past year of social distancing and quarantine presented some challenges for a population that was always on the go.
Thanks to Zoom, there were still opportunities to hear speakers or special presentations. Now, fortunately, in-person programs were brought back to Kendal Hall. One favorite was a country music concert by The Sunrise Ridge Boys – a quartet of Kendal men.
Recently, 24 residents eagerly ventured out for the first official off-campus outing since Covid to the Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farm in Rockbridge County.
Upcoming Events Added
Plans for the summer are being made as some venues open and others may have limitations, but Paul says the goal is a weekly event, whether it’s a museum visit or just a drive in the country. “We have so much in the area, it’s a great source of entertainment and culture.”
Already scheduled is a visit to Boxerwood Nature Center & Gardens, Miller House, and a small French restaurant in Clifton Forge, Café Michel.
Travel Open to All Kendal Residents
Many trips are taken by the Kendal bus, which can accommodate 14 passengers and is accessible for those who have limited mobility. If there are more signed up, others can carpool to the event.
There’s also plenty of great entertainment on the Kendal grounds. Residents share their experience and expertise on everything from poetry to piano concerts. These presentations by Kendal residents always go over well, according to Paul.
As new residents have recently moved into the new Sunrise Ridge cottages and throughout the community, Paul says it’s a great opportunity for the new folks to sign up for one of the various activities and get familiar with the area, the people, scenery, and attractions.
Activities are announced on the resident online portal, CATIE Web, email, and posted in various locations around campus. Those residents who don’t have internet in their homes can access the portal in the library iPad kiosk.
He also encourages residents to share their ideas and recommendations for events with committee members or share at the monthly resident association meeting.