By Setarreh Massihzadegan
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The people of Brooksby have long been jetsetters, but their last big trip marked a milestone: the community’s first overseas group expedition—and not the last.

A taste of Tuscany
The November trip to Italy brought together 43 people of varying ages and travel experience for a memorable weeklong journey through Tuscany.

The travelers stayed in Montecatini, Italy, and ventured to new towns almost every day. Their itinerary, put together by Durgan Travel Service of Stoneham, Mass., featured day trips to Florence, Venice, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano.

For Joan Hoxie, who lives at Brooksby and attended the trip to Italy, the  excursion “whet the appetite to go back and do some things more in depth.”

Fortunately, Paula Frew, special trips coordinator at Brooksby, reports that she and the Transportation Department will be putting together about 25 trips a month and at least one trip out of the country this year. That may be just enough to satisfy the community’s wanderlust.

Back at home
Brooksby’s travelers may not be headed back to Italy this year, but they should keep their passports handy for a trip to the Canadian Rockies by rail in May and possible trips to Austria, Ireland, and the Caribbean.

Of course, while the desire for exploration keeps residents going, at the end of any trip, they gladly unwind back at Brooksby. “It’s always good to be back home,” says Joanne Averay.