David spent 42 years as a physics teacher at Mt. Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts. But David has always been a Vermonter at heart, having grown up in Norwich. So when the time came for his retirement, David wanted to come back to the Green Mountain State. David came to Strode Independent Living to visit his sister and brother-in-law who had recently joined the community.
“I looked at the view and said this is it. This is where I want to be,” David recalled. “It’s absolutely beautiful. My family is right next door and I have family close to Randolph. So, essentially I was coming home.”
Although he didn’t meet many of his neighbors at first, having moved in during the pandemic. Once the residents received their vaccines and restrictions loosened David made friendships fast.
“I’ve spent my life around older high school students with such youth and energy. So, I thought coming to a senior community with people who have lived a complete life would be a difficult step,” David said. “It turns out that’s not true. The minds of the residents here are active, they’re funny and are quick to share family experiences.”
David also shared family experiences, but what he was really eager to share with the community was his passion for classic movies. It started when he was a kid growing up in Norwich and developed why teaching at Tabor. He even started teaching a classic film course at Tabor on top of his physics classes.
“I just really enjoyed the idea that in two hours, I can get into a worldview that was so different than my own and I learned a great deal from that little piece of presentation,” David said.
The movie collection in David’s apartment is endless and runs the gambit of genres, from thrillers and comedies to romance and history. Two nights a week he shows these moves to the Strode Residents.
“This is a very personal selection, but these are really good movies,” David said. “I have to know my audience. I can’t show a bunch of war movies. Romance comedies and musicals are very popular.”
He sends each resident a copy of the cast list and reviews of the movie so it gives whoever attends, a better understanding of what they’re seeing.
“I’m surprised many of the people haven’t seen the classic movie I’m showing,” David says. “It’s a new adventure for them and that’s fun for me, opening new doors of appreciation and understanding.”
Strode’s movie nights have become a weekly staple and join a growing list of fun activities. When you combine that with the other features Strode has to offer, it’s no wonder why David Pierce took action and became part of the community.
“I can judge things almost immediately,” David said. “I saw the view, the loveliness of the apartment and I said this is where I’m going and I’m going to do it now, because someone’s going to eat this up in a second.”
