"in the original plan"

It was a bit of a chortle in my family that ~ back in the late '60s & through the '70s ~ whenever the powers-that-be met resistance to something they wanted to change re: the cathedral, they'd bring up the big guns ~ ~ "Well, it was in the original plan."

I've been thinking a lot recently about what was in the original plan for our hometown senior residence, located in the heart of our little boro.  

Mom was one of the people who lacked enthusiasm for the plan. A lot of guests - mostly men - stopped by our house & did their best to win her endorsement, or at least mute her reservations.  

The way it was described to Mom, the plan was for a place that would bring social life to older people.  Why, there would be this wonderful social room  - complete with full kitchen - that could serve as the perfect venue for small wedding receptions, for family parties, concerts other special moments.  Anyone could use it, not just residents & their families.  Why, it would go beyond being simply a retirement community ~ it would be a place that welcomed & nurtured the entire community.

That image of Cairnwood Village that I had from it's beginning, my impression of it's "original plan,"  is what I still believe in.  Expanded even more.

It is a delight to take a grannie client there for dinner every Tuesday.  It provides such a lovely opportunity for her to play "catch up" with loved ones & friends.  Each time, I leave wanting more.  

They advertise the suppers in the hometown newspaper, but I can't recall seeing a notice for their Friday movie night.  What fun it would be to take her for a flick with friends!  Dinner one night at C.V., movies later in the week - my grannie client would be over the moon.  And maybe we could pick up a couple other olders on our way - comfortable room for two more! 

There's a challenge - to bring together volunteers to offer a ride to & from for any older who wants to go to dinner, but lacks the wheels.  

That's at least one small part of the "original plan" that I CAN put in motion. Will place a notice in this week's Post about room for two people to & from Tuesday night supper.  Not this week - on the last Wednesday of the month, we head down to Philadelphia's Square on Square restaurant for great Chinese food & cool jazz from the All-Star Jazz Trio.  Next week - August 5.  It's a start.  

Other dreams for helping get back to the original plan for our hometown senior residence, located in the heart of our little boro?  Stay tuned!!