I have been exceptionally quiet on my blog lately. Part of the reason is because I don't view my blog as a journal of daily events. I try to write when something new is happening, or when something has provoked a Point of View. When I am quiet, it is probably a sign that either I am very contented, or perhaps bored. Most likely, nothing of great interest is going on. But sometimes it is actually because I'm very busy. In this case, that's closer to the truth. Lately, I've been having a lot of fun, but it has also had the effect of cutting into my blogging time.
Our church has a wonderful program for Seniors called OASIS. OASIS stands for Outstanding Adults Sharing In Service. For 8 weeks in the fall, winter and spring they provide a multitude of classes available for anyone over 50 for just $25.00. It has been going on for at least 17 years, maybe more.
Oasis is different from the traditional "over 55 social group" churches offer. It is open to anyone over 50 regardless of what town they live in or what church they might attend. There are classes in everything from chair caning, to writing, calligraphy to a music jam for musicians with an instrument, all led by instructors who volunteer their time. It changes from session to session.
Last session I took Yoga, but this time I stepped it up. I participate in two line dancing groups in the morning and then sit for two hours in the afternoon sharing stories with a writing group. That has interfered with my blogging. What I write about there doesn't really fit what I blog about, but it takes my writing focus. However, I really enjoy it, so perhaps, you lose, while I win.
OASIS isn't for all communities, but it is a great model for those people looking for a way to reach out to their senior citizens. My community has a high artisan population. We are rich with people who will share their skills with people like me who have little or only average talent. However, just imagine the ways you could reach your own community, with photography, computer, language, or business skills on both a beginner and advanced levels. It is affordable and provides a multitude of ways to keep 'retired, old brains' active.
Meanwhile, this old brain is learning new dance steps and sharpening her pencil. And I'm having a ball with it!
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Halloween
Last night was Halloween and it is a fun night around here. Many of the neighborhoods have adopted a terrific custom of sitting outside during trick or treat. The first year we lived here it took us by surprise and we thought perhaps it was a Pittsburgh thing, but I've found many people who still stay in their houses and let the kids come to them.
In our neighborhood starting around 5:30 people start setting out their chairs and readying the pumpkins. Then just at 6:00 everyone appears. If the garage is facing the street, people will turn on their garage light and sit there, but the rest of us gather near the sidewalks with our bowls of candy and a beverage or two. If it's cold, like last night, we just bundle up for awhile. (The Florida folks may be a bit more bundled than others!) If it's warm some neighbors may have a cooler by the candy bowl and pass out some cold beverages to the adults! Now, that's a neighbor! By half way around the block the dad's are usually ready for a refill!
Last night was cool, but clear. The sunset was gorgeous. The hill behind our house was picking up the colors with increased intensity. A small group of us gathered and just watched it change as the sun set. The sun's rays lit up the tree trunks, the fallen leaves on the hillside and the leaves still on the trees turning everything a flaming burnt orange. As the sun went down the orange turned to a rich burgundy. It was amazing. I wished I had a camera in hand but there wasn't time to grab one, and I doubt I could have caught the feeling so we just watched and enjoyed it.
Then we settled in as the first of the munchkins appeared. Maggie enjoys Halloween as well. Most of the kids like seeing her, but occasionally I back her away from the treat table while Larry hands out the candy to the more timid ones. A few people have parties after trick or treat and a couple of the visiting adults come by to make 'my annual visit to see Maggie'. She is famous in her own right.
Most of all what I love about Halloween here is the sense of community. A patrol car usually makes the rounds, lights flashing. Parents walk with the young kids but even the older ones are so safe. They are never out of sight of a neighbor as they go from house to house. Sitting outside for trick or treat has become one of my favorite new tradtions.
In our neighborhood starting around 5:30 people start setting out their chairs and readying the pumpkins. Then just at 6:00 everyone appears. If the garage is facing the street, people will turn on their garage light and sit there, but the rest of us gather near the sidewalks with our bowls of candy and a beverage or two. If it's cold, like last night, we just bundle up for awhile. (The Florida folks may be a bit more bundled than others!) If it's warm some neighbors may have a cooler by the candy bowl and pass out some cold beverages to the adults! Now, that's a neighbor! By half way around the block the dad's are usually ready for a refill!
Last night was cool, but clear. The sunset was gorgeous. The hill behind our house was picking up the colors with increased intensity. A small group of us gathered and just watched it change as the sun set. The sun's rays lit up the tree trunks, the fallen leaves on the hillside and the leaves still on the trees turning everything a flaming burnt orange. As the sun went down the orange turned to a rich burgundy. It was amazing. I wished I had a camera in hand but there wasn't time to grab one, and I doubt I could have caught the feeling so we just watched and enjoyed it.
Then we settled in as the first of the munchkins appeared. Maggie enjoys Halloween as well. Most of the kids like seeing her, but occasionally I back her away from the treat table while Larry hands out the candy to the more timid ones. A few people have parties after trick or treat and a couple of the visiting adults come by to make 'my annual visit to see Maggie'. She is famous in her own right.
Most of all what I love about Halloween here is the sense of community. A patrol car usually makes the rounds, lights flashing. Parents walk with the young kids but even the older ones are so safe. They are never out of sight of a neighbor as they go from house to house. Sitting outside for trick or treat has become one of my favorite new tradtions.
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