78 Years Strong and Flourishing
I’m in Australia right now visiting family and friends (having a wonderful time) and trying to think of an “inspirational” message I can share as The Orinda Association’s (OA) incoming co-president that hasn’t been shared previously. After all, historically we’ve had an exemplary slate of OA leaders with vision, enthusiasm and eloquence. It’s all been said, hasn’t it? Or has it?
I recall one of the first few 4th of July celebrations in Orinda when our kids were toddlers. We walked our little red wagon with both kids tucked into it down the hill and into town to be greeted by the friendly chaos of the starting celebration.
The parade was a bit less organized in those early years, but colorful and festive it was. The parade started and we just walked alongside it, eventually becoming part of it. We hadn’t filed an application to walk in the parade (I don’t recall if we even needed one in those early years) but we did so, encouraged by many applauding our cute, decorated red wagon with our two cute kids.
We were sold – small town feel, friendly folks, beautiful weather and an opportunity to mingle with many other families.
It’s been well over 30 years since that 4th of July celebration, but Orinda still continues to amaze, evolve and inspire with an influx of new families, cultures, views, expanding opportunities and a giving heart.
The Orinda Association, fostering community events and programs since 1946, boasts a number of signature events – the Classic Car Show (20 years), The Orinda News (40 years), 4th of July celebration (40 years), Seniors Around Town (18 years), community forums (40 years), Volunteer Center (20 years), and a few “one-off” initiatives (i.e. local restaurant/hospital worker food program during COVID-19, which also included our school children’s personal gratitude notes to hospital workers).
Our community’s “secret sauce” for getting so many things launched and sustained is the interconnected web of collaborations, which exist amongst the many non-profits, both within Orinda and with the broader Lamorinda community of partners.
We can’t accomplish what we have, absent the leveraging that goes on each day with organizations whose goals are generally aligned and complementary – the local governing councils, five local Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis, Lamorinda Presents, Lamorinda Arts Council, Scouting organizations, Lamorinda Village, local schools, Lamorinda Community Foundations, American Association of University Women (AAUW), local theater venues (Orinda Theatre, Town Hall Theatre and Cal Shakes), Chambers of Commerce, churches, women’s groups, White Pony Express and many more.
I believe that:
• Collaborations are powerful enablers (helps us to introduce like-minded organizations share their visions and abilities to help each other be better at what each does).
• One person can truly make a difference! Believe in the power of one!
• Wherever you go, do so with all your heart!
The Orinda Association folks at the Volunteer Center are here to support the community. You will not be disappointed!
