PETER PHILLIPS says his upbringing in the British Midlands framed his lifelong values and philosophies that include a strong work ethic and a commitment to family and community.
“It’s always been important,” says Peter, who has given much time in his role as President of the Board of Brock House Society for the past two years.
The non-profit senior society offers a comprehensive scope of programmes that engage members from 55 to 100+ in everything from pole walking to issues-based lectures, music, cultural field trips, yoga, films and two well-attended annual community fundraising fairs (July and December).
Peter first joined Brock House after retiring from a career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor with Gastown Vocational Services, an organization that supports career entry of youth and adults with mental health disabilities. Initially, he joined the society to participate in a “Writing from the Heart” course, which resulted in an Around the World in 80 Minutes presentation of his own global circumnavigation.
Now, Peter is taking a break to explore Indonesia and Bali and hopes to bring travel stories back to his Brock House community.
For more information: brockhousesociety.com
*Update: Due to the March AGM postponement because of social distancing, Peter will continue as President of BHS for a little while longer.
KRYSTYNA NIZIOLEK, newly retired from a career in education, which included teaching art, running Montessori schools and, ultimately, serving as a Vancouver elementary school administrator, says it’s now her time “to look outward less and inward more.”
While continuing her commitments to the Boards of KidSafe and Catching the Spirit Youth Society, Krystyna emphasizes that her focus for a while is to sit still – by that she means focusing on her neighbourhood and being more aware of her immediate community.
Instead of “filling her retirement sack” with travels or big projects right now, she’s making herself available to her community by inviting neighbours for “walk and talks”; baking for busy new families; and starting conversations with those she feels would benefit from that connection.
“The biggest gift is the gift of focused time,” says the first generation Canadian from Montreal, who learned the value of travelling your neighbourhood with a box of cookies or kind deeds from her Polish mother.
“It’s easy – if you take the time – to find many opportunities in your own community,” says Krystyna, as she heads off to do just that, all the while clocking her daily 10K steps.
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