by Linda Heistman
During our Wednesday, January 13 gathering, the Senior Health, Activity and Recreation Program (SHARP) participants had several conversations prompted by a lamp created by Bernard Hemmer.
It was loaned to us for the day by the Goodsell Museum, the home of the Historical Association in Old Forge.
The lamp is just an example of Hemmer’s artwork.
While he is not particularly well known for his art, he is known for building the Hemmer Cottages (1937-1960).
How can one lamp generate light on a variety of conversations? Well, we got into the details of the Town of Webb School’s property and some interesting history as told by the seniors.
This conversation prompted Gigi Hollister to talk more about her interesting family history. Her father was Leroy (Curley) Wakely Deis and his mother’s name was Bertha Bell Wakely Deis.
Bertha’s father was John Wakely, who owned Van Auken’s Inne from 1895 to 1904 when it was called Wakely House of Fulton Chain.
That was before it was moved across the street to where it now sits.
Ruth Brussel told of how the ladies from the Arts Center made gingerbread houses in the shape of the now-demolished Hemmer cottages near the Maple Ridge ski hill.
On January 27th, SHARP celebrated the Chinese New Year with colorful decorations and some Chinese food for lunch.
It is a tradition during the Chinese New Year to give out red envelopes with money in them.
But the red envelopes our SHARP participants exchanged contained something arguably more valuable than money…compliments and praise.
The seniors enjoyed reading their fortunes out of fortune cookies and received “good luck” bracelets.
The highlight of the day was the dragon dance performance! Here at SHARP we sure know how to have a good time!
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