Marcia Chertok

Board Member

Thirty years ago, our friend Sarah Reynolds Ward invited my husband, Allan, and myself to a benefit to support Animals As Intermediaries (AAI), now known as The Nature Connection, being held at the deCordova Museum. At that time, all I knew about AAI was that their programs brought nature, animals and the arts inside to people who had limited access to the outside world.

After a lovely luncheon and presentation, Sarah announced, “Now we are going to bring around samples of the natural materials used in AAI programs for folks to have an opportunity to experience what an AAI program brings to the people it serves.”
Sarah handed me a stone.  I said, “But I don’t know anything about stones”
Sarah replied, “It’s from Nantucket,” as if this was all I needed.

With that knowledge in hand, I approached my first person and said, “This is a stone from Nantucket.”
She exclaimed, “Oh my gosh – my family and I spent all our summers when I was growing up on Nantucket.”
My “stone” opened the conversation for fond, long-ago joyful memories. A very special moment for myself and the women I was with….

Nature Connection programs are more than nature facts – they connect with who we are as individuals. They highlight each person’s experience, giving everyone a chance for their stories to be witnessed, for them to be seen and heard. There’s healing and connection in that. For what are we other than a collection of our experiences, and what better way to feel whole than to have someone to share those with.