Ray Lewandowski Benefits from the Marsellus Sabbatical
Last Updated Mar 2008
When Ray Lewandowski, the Executive Director of Madison Cortland ARC for over 30 years, was selected in 2001 as one of the first Marsellus Sabbatical recipients, he was deeply honored. Four weeks of reconnection, renewal and reflection felt like a dream come true form him.
Ray spent a week as a crewmember aboard an 1882 schooner, taking (instead of giving) orders, and working at hard, physical labor – a remarkable experience. Another week was spent at the Delaware ARC, participating in innovative programs for the developmentally disabled – a refreshing education. And a week was spent on documenting the experience and getting ready to go back to work.
His most treasured memory, though, was the week spent with his adult sons, Christian and Joshua, drifting on the St. Lawrence in a houseboat. Ray recently lost his son, Joshua. He is very grateful to have spent that week together with him, thanks to the Community Foundation and the Marsellus Sabbatical. Life can sometimes be unfair, but it can be generous, too.