There’s no mistaking that autumn is peeking out of that mask of green. Roadside bushes and plants are changing color daily, and a hint of orange on the hill is a sure sign of things to come. Some leaves have fallen; I have more apples than I know what to do with. The bridge on our road is operational again — in time for school, just when they promised. Our summer idyll is over and life goes back to “normal.”
The Abington Area Community Classroom is up and running, too. Ballroom Dance started this week. French for Travelers and Organizing and Creating with Digital Photos begins next Monday. Sign up soon for these if you are interested, since the deadlines have already passed. Many people are coming out for the tasting tour of Thirteen Olives on Tuesday. That should be a fun and informational event, which will also give exposure to one of the borough’s new businesses.
Cooking classes get off to a spicy start with Indian Vegetarian Cooking, taught by Leela Baikadi on Thursday, Oct. 1. Can’t wait to see the menu Leela has planned.
Plant-based cooking returns with a theme of international cuisine this time. Jean Hayes prepares a complete meal and offers tips for a healthy lifestyle. Even if you took this class last time she has a whole new menu for you.
Marie King will be back teaching canning; hopefully those of you who couldn’t make it last time will get the chance to learn the age-old, tried and true method of preserving your harvest.
Finally, what a dinner Sarah McCully has in store for you with her Fish Story: scallops, oysters, and salmon — seafood served with flair. Don’t miss this one!
We are so excited that members of the Scranton Brewers Guild will be at The Gathering Place on Wednesday, Oct. 7 to walk you through the brewing process. Whether you are new to brewing or an old hand, you are sure to learn information at all skill levels.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, you will have an opportunity to visit a unique animal sanctuary in our area called Indraloka. You may meet and carpool from Clarks Summit, or meet the tour at 10 a.m. in Mehoopany, but please register.
Kevin Creegan will explore the subject “Is there an afterlife?” for four Thursdays, Oct. 8-29. Consider a number of perspectives and engage in friendly discussion of this profound, often controversial subject.
Have you questions about osteoporosis? Dana Maida, professor and practicing physical therapist, will offer prevention strategies, exercise and basic information about medication and supplements on Thursday, Oct. 8.
Jamie Kresge from Abington Financial Group will present an overview of the financial planning process and answer your questions about investing on Thursday, Oct. 15. Learn the ins and outs of managing your money.
Improv is back. Pat Martin wants to continue where he left off. There will be an hour class for beginners at 6 p.m. followed by a class for those with some experience at 7 p.m., starting Thursday, Oct. 22. Improv is recommended as a strategy for improving your brain function. Try it — you may like it and feel sharper, too.
We are running a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, Sept. 26. Let the AACC know if you want a seat so you can make your plans, buy tickets, etc. This is a family-friendly trip and is such a comfortable way to travel to the city, seeing old friends and meeting new neighbors along the way.
The AACC is hosting a fundraiser from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at the new fire hall on Bedford Street. Don’t miss the Twice-Admired Emporium, an upscale tag sale and all-around good time with family, friends and community. Come out and help make the Gathering Place a downtown reality.
Until then, see you in the community classroom!
