The doldrums of summer have set in. I want nothing more than to revel in the sun and heat (when we have it), and watch my flowers bloom (even when it rains).

But, there is news you should know this month: Our initial venture into the crowd-funding scene has netted us over $5,000 toward the creation of the art studio. This effort is alive until the end of July so hurry and be a part of it. Go to the website gatheringplaceCS.org and click on” donate.”

The Gathering Place will host “A Gathering of Givers” event at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 23 to recognize the project’s many sponsors and supporters. Significant donations are listed on our website under “news.” The Gathering Place will unveil a series of banners which will hang over the former Clarks Summit Fire Hall doors depicting the façade after renovation – a great way for you to envision the completed project, at least from the outside. Board members will conduct public tours and showcase the updated renovation plans. We welcome one and all to help us celebrate.

Later this month, Pat Martin will bring his improv troupe, “Here We Are in Spain,” to The Gathering Place at 7 p.m. on July 29 for a hilarious night of fun. Pat will be back at the AACC teaching more about improv in the fall. Come out and see what makes this troupe the premier improv group in the region. Also, Brent Stouffer will offer a free week of Tae Kwon Do to special needs children and adults and their caregivers held at Clarks Green United Methodist Church Monday through Friday, July 20-24. Please register for this.

Fall schedule

AACC members recently went over the fall class schedule, collectively writing and rewriting class descriptions for the fall 2015 brochure. This is one of the mundane but necessary jobs involved in presenting each semester’s classes.

First, someone suggests an idea for a class Thenm we must find an instructor, ask the instructor, obtain the instructor application and description of the class, negotiate date, time and fees with the instructor and, finally, create the calendar of classes and trips which covers roughly a tw- month span (classes begin in early September and usually run through mid-November).

From this point, it’s off to our brochure designer, Lindsey Hardy, then the printer, and finally into your hands via mail, or at drop-off locations like the Abington Area Community Library.

We aim for a wide variety of classes. We know we want four or five cooking classes each semester, some to address healthy eating or cultural cooking. We continue the ballroom dance classes which promote a healthy and fun way to exercise. We plan to address several health-related topics: CPR, a physical therapy fall assessment, and osteoporosis; and provide guidance with investing, a class taught by Jamie Kresge — all topics of concern.

Computers continue to be a source of fun, but also frustration for many and we will continue to offer more computer classes. Six or seven arts and crafts classes will be offered, as well as a class on essential oils. A five-week women’s journal writing class with Cathy McAndrews, a six-week “French for Travelers” class with Bonnie Alco and a four-week course entitled “Is There an Afterlife?” with Kevin Creegan round out the fall schedule. That being said, expect some surprises.

Our bus trip to New York City will be Sept. 26, which will be a day to play in New York City planned by you. We will get you there and back. The day begins with an 8 a.m. departure time and ends with a 7 p.m. departure time from New York, usually arriving back home around 9:30 or 10 p.m.

Look for AACC at The Gathering Place brochure in the coming weeks – and don’t forget to check our website for the latest news.

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Adult Education

Emily Rancier

Emily Rancier is the registrations secretary for the Abington Area Community Classroom. She can be reached at 570-563-2402 or by email at news@aacclass.org.