What is Ageless Dreamer?

The mission of Ageless Dreamer is to make long held, heartfelt dreams come true for our oldest generation, encouraging them to dream out loud, enhancing their quality of life.

A 501(c)3 non profit organization, Ageless Dreamer is of the mindset that just because someone is part of our oldest generation it doesn’t mean they still don’t dream. In essence, we act as a catalyst to remind adult children and caregivers to remember to ask their elders: Do you have a dream?   And then listen closely.

The “Why” Behind Ageless Dream

(In Laurie’s words)

Sometime late in  2000, I went to the mailbox and pulled out my invitation addressed from AARP – no definition required.  Friends had joked about it earlier when they, themselves, received what was noted as the first piece of dreaded mail alerting you to the fact that you would soon turn the ripe old age of fifty.

Even though I didn’t feel or look any different, the message became clear:  AARP had found me.  I couldn’t identify with it and certainly wouldn’t acknowledge being a member of it.  It was then that I knew there had to be another way to bridge from age 49 to 50 and feel confident there was energy and life beyond. If I didn’t or couldn’t do it, who would?

As I pondered possibilities, I was keenly  aware of my Dad’s words when I was in my twenties:  “You’re a dreamer”.  And it sure didn’t sound to me as though it was a complement.  In my forties, spending time with my women friends, they would sometimes look at me with love, of course, and laugh with me at my dreaming.  I had many failed entrepreneurial adventures before, why would they hold out any hope for this one?

Deep down inside I knew I was a dreamer despite, or in spite of my age.  A short few years (that really felt like decades) after loosing my youngest daughter to suicide at the young age of 23, I knew that there was nothing that could squelch my own dream except any fears I let fester.

To keep a longer story short, one day, after struggling to move the kernel of an idea forward, the name fell into place, more out of self identification than selflessness: Ageless Dreamer®.  I envisioned a socially responsible company that moved its net profits into a foundation that would then shed a different light on our oldest population.– which, dare say, I was quickly becoming a part of.  In my mind: What if they gave up the possibility of dreaming?  Who would I be at age 85 or 90 or 100?

The history and original concept for Ageless Dreamer® goes back to 2001 and, although the idea and research proved it could be “brilliant and cutting edge”, it lacked the mechanism to make it work. Boxes of file folders filled with research and a brief business plan were tucked away to “nest awhile”, but not to be forgotten. Those patient business folk who I had review it finally said: “…but how will it become self sustainable?” It was a stab of entrepreneurial truth that left a gap of bewilderment and gratefulness at the same time. After all, that’s why I had invited these” wise business men and women” to review it in the first place.  But it still felt like a mosquito that sucks the blood out of you and leaves you with an itch for days.

In 2004, the idea for Ageless Dreamer® as a business was again discussed over and over again, until an “Ah Ha” moment occurred, that seemed so simple. It wasn’t meant to be a for-profit business after all, but rather a non-profit organization – Ageless Dreamer Foundation.

Over the years, it became even more important to note that the present definition of the word Foundation, (borrowed from the unabridged edition of the Random House Dictionary) is:

1. That on which something is founded;
2. The basis or groundwork of anything;
3. The natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests;
4. State of being founded; and
5. Superstructure.

In the future we anticipate our definition of the word Foundation will expand to include:

A donation or legacy for the support of an institution or organization; an endowment.

Four years, six months, and approximately 26 days later, we venture on to mold and remold the future of Ageless Dreamer.  Magical dreams unfolding continue to happen although the strong economic current is taking her off course and is trying to take the wind out of her sails. Ageless Dreamer takes to the helm. We tighten down the hatches and continue to navigate through these choppy economic waters. The black hole is still and scary as the bills arrive in the mailbox and the donations slim. We reef the sails (pulling down to a minimum to reduce the wind), so it doesn’t rock us to death, and continue to manage the ship using a modern day GPS to get her back on course.

Old age will always be around. And like a captain with his sturdy ship, Ageless Dreamer will sail on into the horizon looking back only to see how far it has come – one day at a time, one dream at a time.

About Laurie Widmark

Laurie Widmark is the founder and currently the volunteer CEO of the Ageless Dreamer Foundation, Dover, NH.

A licensed NH Real Estate Broker, she owns and operates Three Crowns Real Estate (Dover, NH). In June 2008, Laurie received the New Hampshire Association of Good Neighbor Award for her work with Ageless Dreamer.

Selected as one of five Hero’s by Family Circle Magazine, Laurie was featured in the July 2008 edition.

A Rotarian, Laurie received the Paul Harris Fellow in August 2008.

Laurie is often asked to speak at various hospital and caregiver associations, Rotary Clubs, Retirement and Assisted Living facilities, Churches, and other places that yearn to hear of inspiring stories on ageing well.

A new author, Laurie is currently writing a book for caregivers and adult children that  will be published before the end of the year.

Married to an amazingly supportive husband, Peter, they blend five children and four grandchildren.  Laurie dreams of being able to travel this country with their motor home and opening Ageless Dreamer affiliates in every state.

It seems like whenever the topic of elder care or “seniors” come up, the discussion immediately turns to medical, caregiving and financial issues. I was really happy to meet Sheldon Krechman and learn about his focus on keeping seniors engaged in the community.  Sheldon and his wife, Carol, have put together a wonderfully creative organization that is poised to make a measurable impact in the community – a better sense of purpose, more senior independence and a chance for seniors to give back to the community the wisdom of their years.  I think everyone will enjoy this interview.  Sheldon and I had a great time (even though his mom is a Dodger fan!)

Introducing the Peacemaker Corps

The Peacemaker Corps concept grew out of the United Nations mission to promote peace, tolerance and conflict resolution. A collaborative effort between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Friends of the United Nations (FOTUN) and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) launched the preliminary Peacemaker Corps trainings in fall of 1999 with the aid of a $ 1MM U.S. Federal Discretionary Grant from HUD. After a successful rollout to 11 cities coast-to-coast and positive feedback obtained in follow-up interviews in the year 2000, the Peacemaker Corps training was incorporated into HUD’s ongoing budgeted programs in 2001, only to be eliminated later due to budget shortfalls.

Since its inception, Carole Sumner Krechman, President/Chair, has played an integral part in the Peacemaker Corps. As the Chairman of the Board of FOTUN from 1995 to 2001, Mrs. Krechman collaborated with HUD and SYF to bring the Peacemaker Corps program to youth across the United States and around the world. Following the budget cut, Mrs. Krechman began down the path to reform the Peacemaker Corps and continue its mission of empowering our young with the art of making peace. In 2002 she obtained written consent from HUD to utilize the curriculum, established 501(c) 3 status with the State of California and the US Internal Revenue Service, and in 2003 helped the Peacemaker Corps Association receive the high honor of being one of 26 organizations worldwide, and one of two domestically, named a Non-Governmental Organization with the United Nations.

Proven Success

In late 1999, through the combined efforts of HUD, FOTUN, SYF, 12 trainings were beta-tested in 11 cities coast-to-coast including Indianapolis, Seattle, Dallas and Miami. A total of 220 teens, ages 13-17 participated in the two-day training. An average of 18 young people of varying ethnic backgrounds were chosen by the local Public Housing Authority to participate in each training. The chosen students were selected based on their leadership qualities, demonstrated commitment to their community and their willingness to apply their newly acquired peacemaking skills in future situations.

Following the training, students were asked to evaluate the training on several levels:

• 87% of participants responded that they learned a lot about mediation and conflict resolution after taking part in the Peacemaker Corps training
• 87% gave the training an “Excellent” or “Very Good” rating when asked to rate the overall Peacemaker Corps session
• 76% stated that they would “definitely” like to learn more about the Peacemaker Corps.

SPARTA Consulting, HUD’s national public housing security contractor, conducted follow up phone interviews in 2000. These interviews provided qualitative and quantitative data regarding the benefits of the training. In Pittsburgh, the mother of a graduate stated the program had a visible impact on her son and his friends. She said the program “changed his whole outlook” on how he relates to other youth. Youngstown, Ohio Peacemakers reported they were using their training to breakup fights in school and to avoid fighting with siblings and friends. SPARTA Consulting also identified that following the training many graduates of the Peacemaker Corps had been empowered to join organizations that utilized their new peacemaking skills for a positive effect on their communities. Organizations included: Youth Crime Watch, Drug Free Youth in Town (DFYIT), Boys and Girls Club, City Youth Council and the Youth Crime Commission.

About Sheldon Krechman

Sheldon was Executive Vice President of Martel Electronics and was solely responsible for concept, sales and marketing and directed a 250 member national sales force. Martel maintained offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tokyo Japan and Bremen, Western Germany. Martel Electronics was one of the first importers and distributors of Japanese and German High Quality Electronics. Martel Electronics was partially financed by Chinese investors from San Francisco and Vancouver.

Sheldon was CEO of FKM, Inc. a computer software development and consulting company. Under his direction (NAMES), Name and Address Management System Software was developed, utilized and marketed to the Direct mail industry.

Sheldon was the developer and President of World on Wheels. An Inner city Family roller-skating entertainment center, located in the inner city of Los Angeles. World on Wheels has served the community as a wholesome family entertainment center for over 20 years. The center was the largest revenue-grossing center of its type in the United States.

Sheldon was Chairman of the Board, and Technological Director of World China Trade, Inc. a California Corporation formed to do business in the Peoples Republic of China. WCT developed the Asia Hotel, a world-class hotel office apartment complex located in Beijing China adjacent to the workers stadium. Sheldon developed the first interactive computerized global network communication system between China and the USA. Between 1982 and 1990, Sheldon spent over 1500 days inside the PRC. Sheldon worked very closely with Ms. Zhang Xia Lu, who was Manager of American Affairs for World China Trade. Sheldon and Ms. Zhang have kept a close relationship and friendship to this date.

Sheldon served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Technology Officer for Recreation World, Inc. During this 5-year period, Sheldon implemented state of the art computer systems and interacted with over 1000 employees throughout the United States. Sheldon, as Chairman of the Board, was responsible for communicating with the three different classes of investors in the Company. Recreation World owned and operated 22 Ice Skating Entertainment Centers in 11 major cities throughout the United States, including the roller skating center in Central Park in New York City, which was managed by the company.

Sheldon is the Executive Director of the Peacemaker Corps Association. The Peacemaker Association is a California Non Profit Corporation. The Corporation has a Curriculum that teaches At Risk youth how to resolve their problems in a not violent manner. It is a national organization that runs their programs in major shopping malls throughout the USA. The Peacemaker Corps has NGO status at the United Nations and periodically runs workshops and seminars at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Sheldon worked as a volunteer for the Pico Youth and Family Center in Santa Monica California for 5 years. He worked with Latino youth and adults and taught them how to use and service computers.

Sheldon worked for Angel View Foundation. Angel view is a non-profit organization that houses adults that have serious diseases and cannot be kept at home, such as Spinal Bifida. He set up their computer systems for the State of California reporting purposes and worked with the patients teaching computer skills, so they could access the outside world regardless of their disabilities.