OWA 2009 Annual Retreat
Our 2009 Annual Retreat took place
September 11 to 13, 2009 at the
Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma County. Accommodations were shared rooms in rustic redwood cabins set among landscaped grounds including pool and hot tub. The towns of Sonoma and Glen Ellen are minutes away.
The weekend included conversation, recreation, yoga, hiking, swimming, hot tub, massage, art, music, good eating, and laughter.
Thanks to the enthusiasm of OWA retreat attendees and the thoughtful donation of several scholarships from OWA and retreat attendees to assist the unemployed and recent graduates, the retreat enjoyed a full house.
The program this year was to learn more about our own varied interests and experiences and to give everyone more time to converse with the group than the usual gripping but limited 3 minutes on Friday night.
The presentations turned out to be as engaging and unique as we had hoped. Those with a professional focus included the design of a green home (Judith Wasserman), a discussion on "how big is a building", about programming for large institutions for greater efficiency (Christie Coffin), a description of planning for equestrian facilities for the National Parks Service (Andrea Lucas & Carolyne Orazi), interfacing with the community over a major Kaiser medical facility development in Oakland (Cameron White), the energy pros and cons or repair versus replacement of windows in a historic home (Rosemary Muller) and new approaches to contracting for construction of university buildings (Alicia Rosenthal).
Several members bought paintings, sculpture and photography (Judy Rowe, Leslie Allen, Linda Corbett, Stacy Webb, Julia Bergren and Betty Woo). Gisela Leuchel and Kirsten Kruse showed their beautiful knitting which offers a respite from professional tasks, and Ann Wright brought a stunning quilt.
Several members talked about where they are in their professional life and shared their thinking of future interests, priorities and opportunities.
Jamie on the guitar
2009 OWA Retreat Flier.
