“Have the passion, take the action and magic will happen.” By Bar Rafaeli
The last Post submitted was about 50 days ago. No…I have not been asleep and no there has not been a system breakdown or any other calamity. My Posts have slowed down because my attention has been diverted to several other active vocations, primarily public speaking.
Upon returning from Virginia in late June, I have been working mostly on my public speaking skills. This new passion is 
very engaging, time consuming, and darn personally rewarding. Several “friends” attended the June 22nd event in Marion, Virginia. Unexpectedley, “The John Broddy” peformance has continued to be of great interest on both ends of the country.
The Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) both in Washington state and in Virginia have completed interviews. An organization in South Carolina focused on slavery during the American Revolution is in communications with me. Most of these connections are part of the upcoming Ken Burns’ documentary covering the 250th Anniversary of the America Revolution.
The Copey Learning Center….!
Okay…now what about the Copey Learning Center? First of all, we continue to bath in the warm sun of joy and 
appreciation for the great time we all had in June. The students from Copey were exciting and as wonderful as all of the previous students we have hosted. So many volunteers are to be thanked for the time and attention provided to the students and hosts during their visit. There are many of you who financially made it all possible. I will admit, this year was the toughest of all prior years with raising the funds needed to cover all our expenses. But we did and the bills are paid and the books are closed on another wild success.
All the while the Copey Learning Center has continued its education mission. About 25 students are currently enrolled and doing well. They recently enjoyed a tour at the area observatory. The name of the observatory is the “Copey Mirador Astronomico” and fortunately I have a few photos to share.
I am sharing a group photo.
The end of the school year is growing close. The Copey Learning Center’s graduation is scheduled for November 26, 2025. I attended last year and unlikely will I be able to attend again this year. But it is too soon to tell. I had a wonderful time and any “Friend” who is planning a Thanksgiving trip to Costa Rica may want to consider this important event. The weather is nearly perfect that time of year.
We Need a 2026 Teacher…!
The all out effort is underway to recruit the teacher to get the Copey Learnigng Center up and running properly next year. Could this be you? Or could it be someone you know who has a strong desire to work in a rural environment and among some outstanding folks. Look around at your retired family and friends and ask …”Can You Make a Difference?” No spanish speaking, reading, or writing skills are required. You just need to know English and enjoy kids. Send me names or ideas at your earliest.
How interesting to read about all your public speaking opportunities! I was sorry to miss the Lincoln Theater presentation. I did tell friends about it when I was in Marion, so hopefully some were able to attend. Good luck with finding an instructor at Copey. If Ricky and I were a bit younger, it would be so tempting.