by Linda Heistman
In our northern home, it often feels like an endless wait for warm weather to come around. At the first signs of spring, people start getting excited to get out and enjoy the sunshine and witness the birth of the new, bright season.
Here in Old Forge, summer is our heavy, most demanding, most productive and extremely busy time.
Ironically, it often feels like summer comes to an end either way too fast or not soon enough.
On August 2, I climbed Bald Mountain with a friend and we both were a little surprised to see the ends of the maple branches showing small-but-sure tinges of red and orange.
Even the winter lovers among us who enjoy snow sports and the fairy-like beauty it brings to our backcountry feel a twinge of melancholy at the sight of fall’s impending arrival.
After all, we wait so very long for this lovely time of year to arrive and here it is leaving us already!
As the geese announce the end of the season’s warmth, creation gifts us with its brilliant colors as a way of easing us through this sad moment to the next phase. We can be sure that, yes, we will face some hard weather ahead.
Yes, we are leaving behind the cookouts, sandy beaches, and hours playing on or in the water. Yes, we must search for jackets and gloves and hats and put away shorts and bathing suits.
But here, look, there is beauty to be seen! Don’t miss it! While mourning the end of summer, and dreading (or looking forward to) winter, don’t let the wonder and brilliance of autumn fall from our trees without first witnessing its glory.
All seniors are welcome to join the participants of the Senior Health and Activity Program (SHARP) as we take advantage of the fall season by riding up the chair lift at McCauley Mountain next week on Wednesday, September 23rd.
We will be taking a picnic lunch and will dress in layers to enjoy the view in comfort. We will not let fall slip away unappreciated!
SHARP is a free program offered to all independent senior citizens from Woodgate to Raquette Lake.
We meet at Niccolls Memorial Church in Old Forge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday.
Lunch during our regular Wednesday sessions is provided by the Community Health & Wellness Fund (formerly the Town of Webb Health Center Fund).
For more information, call or text (315) 225-7553, or email activitiescoordinator4seniors@yahoo.com. Check our Facebook page anytime for updates. Search: SHARP