Whether intentionally or not, the Shortes have figured out a blueprint for retirement that works for them and perhaps for other retirees as well. Both Monte and Cecil have continued activities that they enjoyed prior to retirement, each has developed new interests and activities during retirement, and they have a mix of both shared and individual activities. As a result, they have built a rich life and have “acquired many new friends” with whom they play, travel, dine, and “generally hang out.”

Monte and Cecil enjoy traveling and cruising together. They have attended jazz festivals all over the country and have traveled aboard many jazz cruises including Hamilton, Bermuda; NorthSea Jazz in Amsterdam; and Capital City Jazz, to name a few.

They are also both outdoor sports enthusiasts. Monte is still on top of her tennis game, playing often. According to Monte, “At the end of January 2023, my 65+ team played in the [USTA League] National Championship in Surprise, AZ. We came in 15th among teams from across the country.” Monte also has served as team captain for Suburban Tennis. Cecil, newly “addicted to golf,” according to Monte, plays around the country. He is the Secretary of RNNGA, which plans group golf outings. Monte has taken up golf in her retirement as well as biking. Monte rides on long bike tours of Midlothian and Chesterfield County, as well as throughout Central Virginia, including on the Capital Trail, with her buddies. 

After a career in biological research, Monte has been learning more about horticulture as a Chesterfield County Master Gardener. She volunteers through the Master Gardener program, teaching children about pollinators as a Bumblebee Jamboree butterfly team lead for several years, for example. Monte makes time for other volunteer and philanthropic organizations. She has been a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., which emphasizes leadership development, cultural heritage awareness, and community service; and The Woman's Club of Bon Air. In addition to serving the community, she’s also been picking up the intricacies of playing bridge.

Cecil, a retired engineer, keeps a full calendar as well. In retirement, he added ornithology (i.e., birding) to his interests. Cecil is the Treasurer of Club 533, a local men’s social club, and a member of the Theban Beneficial Club.

Monte and Cecil both volunteered with MEGA Mentors, an award-winning non-profit, mentoring students in the Chesterfield County Public Schools. They have each kept up with their college Greek-letter societies with Monte’s being a member of the Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Cecil a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

As advice to future retirees, the Shortes recommend “the Nike slogan ‘Just Do It.’ Do not wait for things to develop; make them happen. Do not be afraid of adventures and trying some things totally different and new. [The joy of retirement for] both of us [is] being outdoors, traveling and seeing the world, enjoying the foods and music of different cultures, meeting people, and having adventures.”

If you’re interested in more than the Shortes’ blueprint, you might like their list of local favorites: Belmont Food Shop and Palermo's Trattoria; the James River Park System and Maymont; The Diamond, ACAC, and Spring Creek Golf Club; The Tin Pan and The Richmond Forum.