Subject: RE: Old Folkies' Home/Retirement Village
From:
BBJfla
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:41 PM
So here is the vision I have:
There is a large central common building with a stage and a sound system, a music library, and places to sit and listen as well as participate. Here you can expect to find music being made at almost any time of day or night, if you go looking. There are scheduled events, which are publicised in the community, including concerts, contra-dances, etc. There is an area for other crafts to be pursued, but never to the exclusion of music. Singing sweet harmony why quilting on the large frame, that sort of thing.
Nearby, still very central to the complex, is the rest home, rather like a hotel, with a dining room serving regular meals, etc. A professional staff of nutritionist, housekeepers, etc., run the place. Preference is given to residents of the complex, as
Spacious lawns with large trees surround this area, to facilitate the holding of outdoor festivals and events, and to be the site of many spontaneous musical gatherings.
Around this perimeter there are the houses, small but cozy, built to modern standards of insulation and accessability. Many are duplexes, owners occupying one part and enjoying a little income from renting out the other part to visitors. There are, within the community, people skilled in almost any repair work you can require, all done at reasonable charges.
Beside the housing area is the garden, and beyond that the RV hookups. There is even a workshop building for the woodworkers and luthiers to enjoy. The convenience store charges outrageous prices, but there is shopping nearby for those who still drive and bus service for those who don't. The cost of living is exceptionally low in the area, so those pension checks go a long way.
Within an hour drive there is a wide variety of recreation; fishing, golf, sightseeing, etc. But also within an hour drive there is a respected hospital for those among us who need it.
The weather is moderate, with warm summers and crisp autumns, winters that are short and rarely bitter.
It makes a great deal of sense to lead the evolution (slow kind of revolution) of an existing facility, but first we have to find it. Either that or we need to figure out where to build it. Who knows of a place that fits the description?
I think we could look in the vicinity of White Springs, Florida, just south of the Ga border. The Steven Foster Memorial is there, hosting many folk events annually. Where else should we look?
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sj
