An Evening on the Mountain
I really enjoy talking walks on the Mount Sequoyah property. One recent evening the weather was outstanding, so about 7:30 I went for a stroll. It was a great walk, not only due to the weather and beautiful sunset, but also because of what I experienced. As I walked around Cottage Circle, there were people sitting on the porches of the cottages laughing, talking and even playing games. It felt alive.
Housekeeping Fundraiser
Hello, friends of Mount Sequoyah –
It’s that time of year when things are really bustling on the Mountain!
Please look at the picture on the left of the Mount Sequoyah Center housekeeping staff. From left to right they are: Lucia, Vickie, Maria, and Becky. Among them, they have close to 30 years serving guests to the Mountain. That is a long time. Do you know what has been here longer? The washer and dryer behind and next to them. The set is 32 years old.
The pool at Mount Sequoyah Center, Inc. is now OPEN!!!
Even though Fayetteville Public Schools’ last day isn’t until May 24, Memorial Day takes place May 28, and the first official day of summer isn’t until June 21, the pool is ready for YOU right now!
Our maintenance staff, mainly John Eggestein, has been working hard to make sure the water is safe and ready for swimming.
Emily Gentry, director of programs, has spent countless hours arranging an optimum schedule that allows for camps, Boy Scouts of America, Marlins Swim Team, AquaHawgs swimming lessons, and OUR members to all have ample time in the water.
Employee Spotlight: Vickie Doss
WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Vickie Doss
WHAT POSITION DO YOU HOLD AT MOUNT SEQUOYAH? Housekeeping
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE ORGANIZATION? 15 years
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING FOR MOUNT SEQUOYAH? Meeting new people, making sure guests are happy.
Employee Spotlight: Marlo Priest
WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Marlo Priest
WHAT POSITION DO YOU HOLD AT MOUNT SEQUOYAH? Director of Guest Services
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE ORGANIZATION? 1.5 years
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING FOR MOUNT SEQUOYAH? Working in such a peaceful setting on the mountain. A very close second, is having the opportunity of greeting and meeting all of our guests!
Have You Ever Taken a Personal Retreat?
There are times when we all need to get away! Take a break, unplug, and push the reset button on life, right?
With two kids of my own, a busy schedule juggling our day to day obligations, carpool lines, meal planning, sports practices & games, and all-in-all kid chauffeur – I would recommend a personal retreat for anyone, but particularly for moms and dads. As a parent, you’re always “on.” When your children are young, the cries for help are constant as they are learning how to do things independently and how to be independent. It’s a precious time, but an exhausting time as well. By the time dinner has been made, kitchen cleaned, baths, and children are all in bed, you’re usually too exhausted to do anything productive. A personal retreat gives you a whole day, weekend, or more to plan activities around you and your own preferences. Again….reset that button on life!
If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else” – Yogi Berra
I love baseball, but I hate the New York Yankees. I am of the opinion that unless you are from the “city that never sleeps”, a true baseball fan would never like the Yankees. I am one of those, as the Yanks have hurt my team many times over the last 100 years.
However, there were Yankee players I have respected and followed. One of those was the great catcher Yogi Berra. For Yogi, it was more about his words than his play. He is credited with many statements that makes one think. The one I opened this article with is a prime example of his wisdom. When I read Yogi’s statement recently, it reminded me of a quote from author Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There, please see picture above (1872).
Both Yogi and Lewis are speaking words that we, here at Mount Sequoyah, need to hear. Without a clear direction, we just might end up someplace else. A place that might not be best for this organization or community.
Employee Spotlight: Emily Gentry
WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Emily Gentry
WHAT POSITION DO YOU HOLD AT MOUNT SEQUOYAH? Director of Programs
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE ORGANIZATION? 5 years
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING FOR MOUNT SEQUOYAH? I love the people I work with and the team atmosphere that we have about everything we do here.
Making a Mark on the Mountain
Mount Sequoyah Center, Inc. is one of hundreds of non-profit organizations in northwest Arkansas, and we are proud of the unique thread that we weave in this tapestry of good. While other non-profits have straightforward goals to aid refugees, help victims of abuse on their road to recovery, or boost the literacy skills of our citizens, Mount Sequoyah aims to strengthen our community through providing the space, services and environment that foster the realization of these missions. We do all of this in a very cost-effective way in order to help those who are helping others, and keep that circle of good going.
A short list of humanitarian heroes that we have had the honor of hosting or directly supporting recently includes:
Mount Sequoyah, a newcomer’s perspective
I am the newest staff member of Mount Sequoyah Center, Inc. My role as director of development started December 4, 2017. But I am hardly a newcomer at all.
Born and raised in Fayetteville, I have always known that Mount Sequoyah was more than just a clump of buildings. Unfortunately though, I didn’t know what the “more” was. I do now…
Employee Spotlight: Christina Karnatz
WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Christina Elizabeth Thomas Karnatz
WHAT POSITION DO YOU HOLD AT MOUNT SEQUOYAH? Director of Development
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE ORGANIZATION? Two months; December 4, 2017 start date
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING FOR MOUNT SEQUOYAH? Besides being a beautiful environment to work in every day, it brings so much value to our town and our region. There are very few places that have the history that Mount Sequoyah has, let alone the natural setting in the middle of the city! I am a Fayetteville girl and representing this Fayetteville institution and destination is awesome.
Recent Posts
The pool at Mount Sequoyah Center, Inc. is now OPEN!!!
Employee Spotlight: Vickie Doss
Employee Spotlight: Marlo Priest
Have You Ever Taken a Personal Retreat?
If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else” – Yogi Berra
Employee Spotlight: Emily Gentry
Categories
Blog
I really enjoy talking walks on the Mount Sequoyah property. One recent evening the weather was outstanding, so about 7:30 I went for a stroll. It was a great walk, not only due to the weather and beautiful sunset, but also because of what I experienced. As I walked around Cottage Circle, there were people sitting on the porches of the cottages laughing, talking and even playing games. It felt alive. As I approached Millar, I could hear active conversation and music, as an extended family and friends celebrated a graduation inside.
My next stop was the cross overlook. I always enjoy seeing the folks there, and I sometimes talk with a few of them. On this evening there must have been 10 or more cars parked, and mostly young adults sitting, talking, taking photos and just enjoying the sunset.
From there I went over towards the office and Parker. Walking by Young a few of our Tyson guests were cooking on a grill and playing a bean bag toss game. Several young people were on the porch of Parker just enjoying each other’s company, deep in a conversation. Over on the Louisiana Plaza a wedding reception was taking place outdoors on this nice evening. It was easy to see the joy in the couple’s smiles. Their wedding, earlier in the day, was also an outdoor event. They picked the right day!
As I circled around the pool and courts, there were college age men playing basketball, both tennis courts were being used and folks were also enjoying the pool.
That evening, there was not a corner of this property that was not being enjoyed by someone. It warmed my heart to see this place active, alive. Mount Sequoyah Center is doing just fine. People love being here and we are welcoming more all the time. Plus, there is something special about this place that seems to bring out the best in those who visit. During that walk I saw joy, smiles, and heard laughter. I felt proud to be a part of such a special place. Thanks for your part in helping make this a place where joy, growth, connection, and so much more happens. Come visit and see it for yourself.
