From the Retreat Coordinator, Rev. Dr. Jenny Reece As I write this there is news of a storm on the way, but for now the sun is shining warmly through my window and the river is gleaming below me, still flowing swiftly down to Penobscot Bay with only a hint of ice along the reedy […]
The Dream Job
Many years ago someone asked me “What would you really like to do as a job?” or “If you were suddenly alone.” I said “I would go to a retreat center, and try to work my way up to being a cook.” It wasn’t until after Robert, Jenny and I planned the Oranbega Retreat Center, […]
Per aspera ad astra
Per aspera ad astra.* It’s a common Latin phrase of unknown origin meaning “through hardships to the stars.” It occurred to us as a fitting description of our first 9 months of the gestation of Oranbega Retreat Center. Yes, we have encountered hardships and stumbling blocks in our first months: Buying the house on Narramissic […]
Bird Life on the River
diane watches the birds adjust to fall on the narramissic river Bird life on the river is changing a bit as the wind blows us into fall. All the insect eaters departed with the insects to warmer climes. The Kittiwake tribe of about 28 departed after lounging on the river for about a week. Once […]
My Uncle Mike
In Memoriam Dr. Michael P. Reece, August 12, 1927 – June 3 2019 This essay about my Uncle, whose legacy makes Oranbega Retreat Center possible, is expanded from the words I wrote to be read at his funeral in London in June 2019. – Jenny Reece My uncle Mike was always a bit of a surprise […]
Obituary of Michael Reece
Michael P. Reece, August 12, 1927 – June 3, 2019 Michael Reece was the uncle of Oranbega Retreat Center’s founder and visionary, Jenny Reece. It his legacy that helped bring Oranbega to life. The following is from his obituary, published in the London Telegraph on August 16, 2019. Michael Reece, who has died aged 91, led a […]