An Evening with Deborah Szekely (with Sarah)

Enjoy Deborah Szekely’s 101 years of wisdom and insights as she discusses her methods of staying engaged and empowered at any age, but especially after your 60s.  From achieving optimum personal wellness, to caring for the well-being of others, a long life depends on bravery, fearlessness, charity, creativity, and living in the moment. Deborah’s own long life includes being known as the co-founder of the modern spa and fitness resort movement with her famed resorts Rancho La Puerta and the Golden Door, plus others careers as the president of the U.S. government’s Inter –American Foundation, diplomat, political candidate, member of the President’s Council on Fitness, philanthropist, creator of the Congressional Management Guide, and founder of numerous not-for-profit organizations dedicated to helping the disadvantaged. Deborah still lectures weekly, is a sought–after inspirational speaker, and is active in San Diego and beyond, including founding the New Americans Museum in San Diego. She is the recipient of “The Order of the Aztec Eagle,” Mexico’s highest honor bestowed to a non-citizen. Deborah’s latest book, 100 Lessons from a Grasshopper, was debuted on her birthday. This little artful, tree-green book contains various aphorisms, epigrams, and humorous sayings gathered from her many talks with Rancho La Puerta guests. Now available at Mercado.

Sarah Livia Brightwood Szekely is President and CEO of Rancho La Puerta.  For forty years she has designed the gardens and cared for the wildlands around Rancho La Puerta.  As the keeper of the vision and long-range planner she has preserved the soul and culture of Rancho La Puerta while bringing new programs and reviving the earth honoring traditions that inspired the early years at Rancho La Puerta.  She is also President of Fundación La Puerta through which she guides Rancho La Puerta’s non-profit work in the region.  In 1984 Sarah established Agrícola Tres Estrellas, a diverse organic farm that provides food to Ranch La Puerta’s guests year-round and in 2007 she designed and opened La Cocina Que Canta, a culinary center and cooking school to teach commitment to healthy eating and to embrace the joy of harvesting and cooking in community.   She is the daughter of philosopher and visionary Edmond Bordeaux Szekely and community organizer and philanthropist Deborah Szekely, the founders of Rancho La Puerta.

Barry Shingle is the Director of Guest Experiences at Rancho La Puerta and greatly enjoys his experiences with the guests and staff. Most guests would say his specialty is Bingo. Barry has taught fitness classes for over 20 years and has been at the Ranch since 1999. He enjoys being a father to his daughter, staying active and interacting with people.