 Jamestown, N.Y. – Loneliness and isolation are some of the heaviest challenges facing the aged.
Two years ago, a group of individuals in the greater Olean area who were united by one thing – the desire to age well at home – incorporated as the Enchanted Mountains Village. On Sunday, October 22, Cattaraugus County resident and retired social worker Kristin Chambers will share their story in her message “It Takes an Intentional Village” at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s (UUCJ) 10:30 a.m. hybrid service. Enchanted Mountains Village is a “village” without a physical presence, without streets or a brick-and-mortar presence in any one place; it is a village identified by its voluntary membership. Its mission is to support its members through their later years by fostering connections to each other, community resources, and social activities, thus encouraging the development of a vibrant, involved, and mutually supportive community. Chambers has been a member of Enchanted Mountains Village since Day One, and in this reflection she discusses how the worn-out phrase “it takes a village” – normally applied to meeting the needs of children – is also perfectly applicable to the aging. “Going Batty” by Gramma K is the Story for All Ages. The message most closely relates to the first and seventh of the seven Principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person, and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. A former Chautauqua County resident, Chambers now lives in Hinsdale, N.Y., with her husband, Ed Miner. She was a professor of social work and spent many years as a youth and family counselor. In 2017, she retired from writing training programs in the social services for the Center for the Development of Human Services at Buffalo State College. While Chambers is the vice president of the board of UUCJ, an active volunteer at the Olean Food Pantry, the Health Care Access Coalition, and the summer Veggie Wheels program, her favorite thing is being a grandma of three. A social time follows the service. Participation can be in person at 1255 Prendergast Avenue in Jamestown or online. To join virtually, use the link at UUJamestown.org/calendar. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is a progressive, liberal religious community serving the southern tier of Western New York and Warren County, Pa. The UUCJ’s mission is to support and celebrate each other, encourage spiritual and individual growth, and serve the wider community. Comments are closed.
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