The Basis of Community

Successful communities are made up of relationships among people and businesses who respect one another and mutually benefit from their complementary strengths. These relationships also serve to perpetuate a small-town feel that contributes much to the quality of life in our part of Florida.

I have observed that in much of the state south of Ocala, businesses have become “all business” and people in general are less likely to engage in their communities and neighborhoods. That is not necessarily wrong. It is just what some areas evolve to become.

This issue of Tallahassee Magazine includes stories about organizations that are working to establish relationships for the betterment of young and old: Westminster Oaks retirement community, Holy Comforter Episcopal School and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In a story by editor Sara Santora, we learn that Westminster Oaks and Holy Comforter are fostering a relationship that is resulting in meaningful exchanges between residents at the former and students at the latter.

Ida Thompson, who serves as the director of advancement at the school, had much to do with bringing this relationship about. It is consistent with the school’s mission — “to nourish the spirit, challenge the mind and strengthen the body of each student so they are inspired to be the difference in our world.” In addition, it aligns with the school’s community outreach program, which is designed to give students opportunities to partner with organizations to support people in need.

Choral groups from Holy Comforter have visited Westminster Oaks and entertained and interacted with residents there. And, retirement community residents, including retired professors with a lot of knowledge and experience to share, will be enlightening students during visits to the school.

All of this brings to my mind the work of Jack Levine of Tallahassee whose heart would be warmed by the Westminster Oaks/Holy Comforter project. Levine is the founder of the 4Generations Institute, which aims to cultivate the exchange of wisdom and energy among children, youths, young adults, parents, grandparents and elders.

“The key objectives of the Institute are to identify model intergenerational programs and projects, expand the impact of quality mentoring and volunteer initiatives, and to cultivate an environment to nurture communications across the generations,” Levine says.

It’s as if Thompson and Levine read one another’s minds.

Also in this issue, we profile the work of the 40-year-old Make-a-Wish Foundation, which is newly active in Northwest Florida with the support of Kathleen Hampton, its director of development for the area. The foundation grants wishes that boost the spirits of children with critical illnesses and sometimes help bring about returns to health.

Those wishes may be elaborate or relatively modest, but they represent the big dreams of the children involved.

Iris Mitchell, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 9, loves the movie, Frozen, and wanted to experience snow.

Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida made it possible for Iris and her family to visit Vermont, where all took skiing lessons. The trip coincided with Iris’ triumph over cancer.

Quan Livingston was a junior at Godby High School when he suffered a stroke. He is a big fan of NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and wanted to meet him. Make-A-Wish made that happen, and Quan was re-energized in his fight to overcome his illness.

All around us in our community are reminders and examples of the power and value of relationships. Please cherish the relationships that you currently enjoy, and think about establishing new ones with organizations or people who could use your help.

Enjoy the spring,

Brian Rowland, Publisher
browland@rowlandpublishing.com