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This new e-newsletter is an abbreviated version of The Boynton Society Newsletter sent to Boynton Society members — those who donate $250 or more to Björklunden annually. For more information on The New Björk Times and The Boynton Society, please contact Carrie at carrie.a.garczynski@lawrence.edu or 920-832-6536. Visit the The New Björk Times homepage for other issues and to sign up to receive updates when new issues are available. |
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The Best of Adult Play In an old edition (fall, 2007) of Lawrence Today, I read an article by Gordon Brown titled “Björklunden extends its reach: When the need is there, bigger can be better.” It began with trying to define “What is Björklunden?” It had become the “northern campus” for Lawrence students, as well as a summer-long seminar series for adults, whether Lawrence alumni or not. Now, having attended five of these summer seminars, I would suggest that at least for us adults, can be defined as the best of summer play. Play is different for us older adults. As infants, we played with toys and made up imaginary games. As college students, play was often felt to be that which we did |
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outside of class. As adults, play sometimes occurs on weekends, but more extensively on vacation. Unfortunately, we in the USA are the only developed country that does not have governmental guaranteed vacations, but whatever we have, which is about half of European countries, we take less of that. Lack of vacation is somewhat distressing. Men who take less vacation are more prone to cardiovascular disease and to die younger and women are more prone to depression. Our minds need to relax and our bodies recover from the toxic effects of too much stress on our immune system and fight-or-flight responses. When we older adults reach retirement age, play takes on a different meaning. Whether or not we can do anything to stop the progressive loss of neurons in our brain, we can exercise our mind and become wiser. I can think of no other place to do this better than to take at least one week for a seminar at in Door County. In fact, make this a psychiatric prescription for the public! A topic of your choice will expose you to a Lawrence University faculty member who will stimulate the learning centers of your brain each morning. Each afternoon, walks along the beach or in the woods can stimulate your brain and body. Meals almost as delicious as those served by the 5-star restaurants will nourish you! And the bonus is that the modest fee goes to a good cause. It helps the education of Lawrence University students, who can spend school-year time at the Lodge. We know that giving to good causes makes you happier. So, what more can you ask for? Fill my prescription and sign up! ASAP! Editor’s note: Boynton Society Members receive early notification of the upcoming series of summer seminars. |
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| Making the Most of a Björklunden Opportunity by Laura Elyse Streyle ’11 The first night I ever spent at the beautiful, big-windowed, lakeside lodge, I enjoyed a warm cookie while I listened to Ben Meyer ’00 speak in his tour-guide way about the space we were all sitting in. It is a space that is shared by many people — young and old — that has a unique history and a strong bond with Lawrence students and faculty. It was during this talk that I first heard the Björklunden term “opportunity.” It was a nice word for chore, and I remember thinking it would be just as well if it was simply called as such. It was not until my last visit to Björklunden that I really came to appreciate the accuracy of the term “opportunity.” |
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At this point, I was a member of a budding theme house on campus, the Sustainable Lawrence University Garden (SLUG) House. Living in the house was a great experience, and it quickly taught me the challenge of working together to keep dishes clean, counters clear and public spaces tidy. I think that coming from this living environment, I really came to appreciate calling chores “opportunities” at Björklunden. These mundane tasks that will follow all of us for the rest of our lives: sweeping, scrubbing, dusting, folding. Each time we do them, we have a choice to either feel like a fly is continually flying up our noses, or like we are | ||||
getting closer with our environment and respecting ourselves and our community. The last time I enjoyed one of those famous cookies and listened to Ben’s speech, the last time I got to set up dinner at the lodge, the last time I got to scrub a Björklunden bathroom, it really felt good to be a part of a team that cares for a beautiful and enriching space. It truly did feel like an opportunity to work together to protect a place that is loved by so many. |
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In Celebration and Recognition |
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Following Afternoon College, Boynton Society President Bob Schaupp ’51 shared the year’s accomplishments. During the 2010–11 fiscal year more than 330 gifts to Björklunden raised nearly $215,000, a slight decline from the previous year. “Given the state of the economy it is still quite an accomplishment,” said Schaupp. “This feat shows that people care deeply about Björklunden and are choosing to sustain, and in some cases, increase their support.” In addition, Schaupp reported that more than 1,500 Lawrence students spent time at the lodge during the past 12 months. Former Lawrence President Rik Warch also spoke of his passion for Björklunden and encouraged guests to continue their pursuit of lifelong learning by participating in the Seminar Series. This year’s Boynton Society Gala benefitted from gorgeous weather and a wonderful member turnout. It was a fitting way to say thank you to Boynton Society members for their continued support of Björklunden. Interested in attending next year’s gala? Boynton Society membership begins with a gift of $250 or more to support Björklunden. |
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To learn more about Boynton Society membership, please contact |
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