First Posted: 8/28/2014

The summer is almost behind us. How did that happen? Whatever transpired with you during this glorious summer season, we hope you are ready to return to the “real world” of school and schedules and to think about a class this fall – a perfect time of year for learning something new.

Abington Area Community Classroom brochures are ready and waiting for you. Some have been mailed, some are in venues around town – think Duffy’s, Kost Tire, Abington Dental, Mannings and others – plus there is a basket of brochures at the Abington Library and a stack of them at the Dalton Library. See if we are offering something you would like to know about. We hope we are; but if not, give us some suggestions.

How to help you tell your story with animation and confidence is Dennis Boyne’s aim in his class Story Telling, Writing and Presentation. Find your inner raconteur on Mondays beginning Sept. 15.

For those of you in a crafty mood, try your hand at crocheting a necklace with Rachel Loefflad Oct. 2 or learn the skill of smocking with Pam Summa (and make that heirloom gift for a new grandchild) beginning Oct. 6.

Our cooking classes in September focus on health: Cooking Gluten-free with Laurie Waskovich will teach you how to prepare food that is delicious and nutritious as well as gluten-free. You can enjoy eating again. Janet Dunn will focus on the health benefits of cooking your own food in her class called Around the Healthy Table. Our chefs always prepare a delicious variety of foods for you to eat and you take home the recipes. The table in the kitchen at First Presbyterian welcomes you to a convivial night with food and friends.

Learn how to navigate Medicare’s website review and compare all the available plans and choose the one that is best for you. This class is presented by the staff of APPRISE, a free Medicare counseling service provided by the state of Pennsylvania. This class is free, but we would like you to register for it by filling out the registration form or you may call the number on the form to register by Sept. 18. The class meets Oct. 2.

Don’t forget AACC’s Book Club facilitated by Anne Armezzani and Paula Bailiie. We will read “Transatlantic” by Colum McCann for Sept. 16. Mr. McCann will receive the Distinguished Author Award at The University of Scranton on Oct. 18 so this would be a great opportunity to acquaint yourself with McCann’s work. The book club meets every third Tuesday of the month. A small donation is requested at each meeting and is given to SCOLA, the Scranton Council of Literary Advance. AACC gave $42 to SCOLA last semester.

This column would not be complete without mentioning The Gathering Place. The Capital Campaign Committee is hard at work contacting people and raising funds for the borough building’s transformation into a community arts and education center called the Gathering Place. It will be the home of the Abington Area Community Classroom as well as a place of endless possibilities. Every time the committee meets, more ideas for gathering and celebrating together present themselves. There’s music, poetry, dance, readings, drama, lectures, movies – all flourish in an intimate setting like the Gathering Place – a place for all to develop and share their talents. We hope you will share our vision and give generously to the Gathering Place Capital Campaign. With all our gifts, Clarks Summit can be the home of an inviting art and education center that welcomes everyone.

Until next month, keep your eyes on the prize and never stop learning.