As I prepare for Saturday’s NO KINGS demonstration I was moved to remember Morley as a champion of individual freedoms. I was unaware that he had passed away and wanted to join, no matter how late, in remembering him. I spent many an evening in his basement grotto, some days at Steph’s Pond, and at least one school year as a colleague at Franklin HS. Morley’s life is well chronicled here so I’ll simply add my salute.
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Love Love Love Love
Gratitude Gratitude Gratitude Gratitude❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Morley brought me in to give workshops and mentor at the kids camps as well as at the winter festival. He was always very open to my ideas of how to guide the older kids to Mentor the younger kids and I remember one time one of our teens had a challenging moment with one of the counselors and was quite disrespectful. I approached Morley and asked him if he knew what restorative practice was or restorative justice and if he is willing to approve me facilitating a restorative justice Circle with small group of people who were present at the incident. He was very open to it and once everyone voluntarily agreed to participate in a listening Circle with the goal of repairing the harm done, we went forward with it. The process worked very well. The camper and the staff person were able to hear each other's perspective apologies were made forgiveness was given. Many times it doesn't work out so cleanly but I think with us all being together for 24 hours a day and Morley's patience the harm done was certainly decreased.
He was always open to my crazy ideas one time there was a mannequin shot up with a whole bunch of holes in it at the front gate. Morley felt that it was supposed to scare us or something like that though we were all laughing at it and making jokes about it. He asked me to put the mannequin somehow into the variety show at the end of the kids camp.
we created a fake balcony and put the dummy in the balcony of the show and Incorporated it into a few of our skits.
He was always so open to bizarre ideas. One year for the variety show of the kids camp I suggested a shadow dance presentation like pilobolis. With a lot of extra effort by the kids and the staff it turned out to be really quite awesome!
lastly, With his support and compassion and kindness he always understood and listened to me. There was one particular hurtful event that happened between me and another parent. He was very helpful and supportive in listening to both of us. I suggested a restorative practice Circle facilitated by someone else though the other parent was not willing to work toward repairing the harm that had been done. Morally was great in helping me to navigate through the disappointment and while I still feel the pain from that event every day, I'll forever be thankful for Morley and a few other of the staff that took time to listen to my pain.
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2009, Sunsport Gardens, North Road, Loxahatchee, FL, USA
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https://tinyurl.com/19940820M…
Morley introduces the Opera/Musical Theatre Special Interest Group in its first performance at Empire Haven, August 20, 1994 - on Leonard Lehrman's 35th birthday.
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A "good spirit" and terrific supporter of the Arts. We all will miss him!
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My dear friend I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
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We are very sorry to hear of Morley's passing. When we were members of Sunsport (prior to the COVID pandemic) we knew Morley and thought he was a great guy. At just about anytime we could see him out playing volleyball. He was a fixture there.
We send our sincere condolences to Morley's family, friends, and everyone who knew him at Sunsport.
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Sabra, Lemecia, John and I are heartbroken over the loss of your father. We send our love to the family as they get together soon to celebrate his life.
Renetta Lindsey
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When we heard the news of Morley's passing, we were shocked and ❤️ heartbroken. Thank you for a life well lived. Blessings to all as we negotiate life with out him.
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Saddened to hear about Morley's Passing and we have lost a Monumental Soul on this Earth. My Sincere Condolences to His Dear Family. ... Harold Brammer
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Morley was a very kind and genuine individual that lived free and true to himself. I am glad I was able to meet and chat with him around the community.
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Morley was ahead of the times on many issues. In the late 90's he invited the Rochester gay group to his swims. Not everyone agreed with him and in fact some left the group. He just said all are welcome and he was not going to discriminate. I think it was a very brave thing to do back then and I aways respected him for that. Rest in peace my friend you will be missed. My condolences to his family.
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