May 2014
Volume 21 Number 1
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Photo by Kelly Perkovich
Alan Shadgett finds volunteering to be “an absolutely wonderful trade-off, and completely mutually beneficial.” He works for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Opera.
Allegheny County seniors find gratification in volunteering for Pittsburgh cultural arts and science organizations By Gina Mazza For Pittsburgh Senior News After retiring at age 65 from a 45-year career with Westinghouse, Alan Shadgett suddenly “didn’t have quite enough to do.” He was always interested in the cultural arts so he picked up the phone and called the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater to inquire about volunteering.
“After working in the industrial world for so long, I discovered the excitement, skill and artistic vigor of the ballet,” says Alan, 80, of Allegheny Center. “It transported me to a beautiful new world with a culture and skill that is quite different from anything in my industrial past. It’s a great pleasure to do this work
and it adds a fulfilling new dimension to my life.” Alan also initially thought of the PBT because his oldest son, Lane, studied in the company’s intensive program while in high school. “Lane’s heart belonged to ballet but he went on to study at Harvard and now Continued on page 6
2014 King Features Syndicate, Inc.