As Keith Wynn said, “The world shall now turn into pumpkin everything.”
To most of us September means the end of summer. Schools are open, vacations are over and we catch our breath. But did you know that September is Library Card Sign Up Month. That’s right, from Sept. 1-30 we are encouraged to go to our local library and sign up for a card. Remember, a library card is a passport to anywhere. Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card because libraries today have more than just books. Live entertainment, speakers and virtual reality are just some of the things you will find at our local libraries. We are fortunate to have Roger Clark Memorial Library in Pittsfield and Sherburne Memorial Library in Killington, which are very accessible and offer a variety of programs.
On Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6-7 p.m., Kevin Graffagnino will be a guest at the Pittsfield library. If you are a history buff this is for you because Kevin will share his newly published book on Ira Allen. Yes, I am talking about Ira Allen — maybe not as famous as Ethan Allen, his brother — but nonetheless an important figure in Vermont history. A land speculator, revolutionary, pamphleteer, politician and empire builder, Ira Allen was a key figure on the Green Mountain frontier. Let the library know you are coming by calling 802-746-4067. Refreshments will be served.
Our own Sherburne Library is as busy as ever. The volunteers are working each Tuesday afternoon preparing for the 6th annual Fairytale Festival to be held Saturday, Sept. 21. Join the group if you can. Everything is doable and the conversation is great. And speaking of the Fairytale Festival… There will be costumed characters, photo opportunities, games, contests, the Vikings, free books, live music, craft vendors, scavenger hunts and food trucks! Admission is one non-perishable item for the local food shelf or the Humane Society.
Movies are on Mondays and start at 1 p.m. There’s comfortable chairs and popcorn.
Book Club always meets the last Wednesday of the month which is Sept. 25. The book is “All My Rage” by Sabaa Tahir. It’s a New York Times best seller and is brilliant along with being unforgettable and heart breaking. The book moves between generations and manages to include forgiveness, love and loss and, of course, the tangles of family. Everyone is welcome. The discussions are different and include every opinion you can imagine.
The Thoughts on Aging Group has been meeting on a monthly basis for over a year. Aging, no matter your own personal situation or challenges, is different for everyone but it’s comforting to know that there is always someone else who shares your concerns. Last month we had a lovely lunch at the Killington Golf Course clubhouse and talked about holding on and letting go. The crucial test of age is balance. The lifestyle we had in our 70s and 80s is much different than when we were in our 50s and 60s. Physical limitations can make life a prison and sometimes we reach a point where being productive is no longer possible. But we can always aim to hang on to the things that are meaningful to us. Shakespeare, who always had something to share, said praying, singing, storytelling and laughing are the rightful activities of the last stages of life. We ended our lunch meeting with the quote “Don’t slow down too much or you might stop.” This month we will meet as always on the third Wednesday, which is Sept. 18 and we will talk about survivor skills. Growing older takes courage and is not without peril but as challenging as it may be, it is doable. Please join us at the library and the only rule is everyone’s opinion is valid.
A recent article on Buzzfeed talked about older adults revealing the “hard truths” about aging that no one prepared them for and the comments were quite interesting. Many said getting older certainly comes with perks but it also brings its own set of challenges. Maintaining things like health, relationships and just staying organized takes more energy. It’s much more work than they expected. One person remembered asking his dad when he was a little kid what was wrong, and the dad would say, “I must’ve slept wrong.” That’s you now. Planning meals is a never ending chore day after day and not the pleasant task of maybe trying a new recipe like it used to be. Almost everyone mentioned the fear of falling and how they take extra care even when stepping off a curb. For each of us it’s different but for all of us, if we’re honest, there are changes and we have to adapt. In my own personal experience I never dreamed I would become a stay-at-home and like it. It’s an easy day when you have nothing you have to do!
Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact that I love quotes. Quotes seem to sum up thoughts in succinct ways and get the point across. One came across my desk just the other day that I thought was profound and I would like to share it. Someone once said: “If you get on the wrong train, be sure to get off at the first stop. The longer you stay on, the more expensive and difficult the return trip is going to be.” How many times have I stuck with something for whatever reason and realized early on that it was a mistake. Almost the same day a book arrived from a friend full of words of wisdom. But they were not from famous people or learned individuals but from a man who on his 68th birthday who decided to share his accumulated wisdom with his young adult children. His name is Kevin Kelly and he realized he had so much wisdom to share that he did this on his birthday every year. His friends and other family members liked his habit so much that he turned it into a book called “Excellent Advice for Living.” He doesn’t claim any of it is original but he did try to put everything into his own words. Here are some of his thoughts that I found in his book on a purely random basis.
“Being enthusiastic is worth 25 IQ points. Recipe for greatness: Become just a tiny bit better than you were last year. Repeat every year. You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. Gratitude will unlock all other virtues. Tend to small things. More people are defeated by blisters than by mountains. Release a grudge as if it were poison. Be more generous than necessary. There’s no point in being the richest person in the cemetery How to apologize: quickly, specifically, sincerely!”
Think about it: What words of wisdom would you like to share with the young adults in your life?
If only they would listen it would save them so much grief. But I guess that grief is part of learning things on our own.
Most of you are familiar with Sherburne United Church of Christ (better known as the Little White Church). I have said before, it is small but mighty and helps our community in countless ways. To raise money to pay expenses like utilities and keep up the good works, they host home cooked dinners for the many bus tours that come through our community each fall. In order to do this they rely heavily on donations. Right now they are asking for donations to purchase the cider that is served before each meal. It is either a pork dinner or a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. If you would like to donate to this cause please call me, 908-783-1050 or Nan Salamon, 802-422-9244.
In September we also celebrate National Senior Center Month. We don’t currently have a senior center but the town is planning to dedicate space in the old town hall once the town offices move into the new town hall. How we will use this space is yet to be determined but it is something we can look forward to. Meanwhile we have access to the Thompson Center in Woodstock and the Godnick Center in Rutland. Both offer programs in health, economic security, social engagement, nutrition and most of all social connection. Here in Killington, we offer our senior group social connection through a weekly lunch held at The Lookout.
It is important to note that starting in September we will meet on Wednesdays. All are welcome. We meet at 11:30 at The Lookout and the cost is $5. Please let me know if you are coming so I can give The Lookout a chance to prepare. Our group has grown significantly from maybe 12-15 attendees at lunch to 25-30 each week. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow seniors and share everything from trips recently taken to grandchildren or maybe a “I need help” situation. Please let me know if you can join us 908-783-1050 or email me,grussell40@yahoo.com.
There are spots of color now as we ride down the Killington Access Road. It won’t be long before the spectacular show is all around us. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place. Remember reach out to each other and be grateful. Love who you can. Help where you can and give what you can.
