GROWS
[Grass Roots Organization for the Well-being of Seniors]

May 5, 2006

Dear Mark,

Your "Practice Safe Stress" program for GROWS' monthly meeting was a huge success.  People loved it. I loved it!  Your energy, enthusiasm and humor were infectious.  You provided solid information, but also created fun, engaging exercises that everyone enjoyed.  Perhaps most importantly, you created an atmosphere that encouraged safe sharing and connection.  The energy and laughter in the room, both for the power struggle exercise and especially for the stress & conflict team drawing exercise, were wonderful to see.  As I handed out markers to all the groups, I was struck by the excitement and sheer enjoyment in the room.  That delight continued as people walked around the room, viewing the other groups' pictures.  The exercise was fun, but it also gave everyone an opportunity to work as a team, be creative, and feel a real sense of community. You had rapt attention throughout your presentation.  Unfortunately, the time flew by, leaving many people with the feeing that the program was far too short.  Frankly, it was one of the best presentations I've experienced in years.

As we have discussed, in the not too distant future I look forward to GROWS and the Stress Doc formally collaborating to provide what I know will be equally engaging, longer, educational seminars for professionals and organizations in the senior health community. You are a delight to work with and I sincerely look forward to working with you again in the future.

Phyllis Elperin, Executive Director
Grass Roots Organization for the Well-being of Seniors (GROWS)
301-765-3325
grows@growsmc.org

[There were around 100 attendees.]