The final two ENCORE Mini Walks on Wednesday October 13 and 20 are canceled due to lack of participants.

Two indoor face-to-face classes have been canceled for Fall term 2021 due to covid concerns. The two classes are the Monday square and contra dance lessons at the Senior Center and the Thursday drawing class at Clatsop Community College.

Walking daily for just 15 to 30 minutes is good for you. Moving your body each day can improve your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones, reduce excess body fat, boost your endurance and energy, and increase your muscle power and tone. Continual walking over your lifetime improves brain function, promoting clear thinking. Taking a regular mini walk can reduce your risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Walking is a safe activity with less risk of injury compared to other exercises. Your body produces vitamin D when you are in the sunshine.

There are 4 mini walks in the ENCORE series, held each Wednesday afternoon, beginning September 29 and ending October 20, 2021. Each Wednesday at 1:30 pm we will meet in the Columbia River Maritime Museum parking lot, rain or shine. If it rains, bring an umbrella; roaming in the rain is fun! We will park our cars just east of the museum building and gather on the sidewalk in front of the building. Our group will stroll awhile, then stop for ice cream or a snack, then return to the museum lot.

People who consistently take short walks are happier, more attentive, and confident. We can talk while we walk and enjoy socializing.

Dory Lukas will lead the mini walks.

Dendrology (tree identification science) will be offered by Erhard Gross for persons who are interested in knowing what they are looking at when they see a tree on Thursday, September 16 and Thursday September 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The first session will take place on the deck behind Erhard and Elfi’s house, which is located at 36410 River Point Drive. Please park along the street, walk along the driveway and take a left to the deck.

Transportation is by private automobile. I will send out an email to identify persons enrolled in the class. Please secure rides from class members who volunteer to drive.

For additional information, please call Erhard at 503 468-0752, or email to: uniqhorn@charter.net if you wish to sign up for the class.

HUMANIST DISCUSSIONS is a group of individuals who enjoy exploring the meaning of events, as well as social, emotional, and philosophical questions. Any topic which pertains to human existence is fair game. At the end of each discussion we decide on a topic for the next meeting. Over the intervening week we contribute videos and written references on the chosen topic. Then on Monday we share our perspectives and explore implications of the topic chosen. Humanist Discussions will be held through Fall term, September 27th through November 15th. We meet on Monday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30. Sign up by contacting Tod Lundy at todlundy@gmail.com. You may also call. My phone number is 503-442-2446.

Tod

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

—  Maya Angelou

This quote raises a rather provocative question. About you. What wonderful stories and poems are there, inside of you, waiting to get out? If only you had a supportive team to help you overcome writing hurdles, and then to cheer you on to the growth and success you so richly deserve! Alas!

Fortunately, your cause is not yet lost. Our friendly ENCORE writing group, beginners and experienced alike, regularly focuses on encouraging writers – just like you – via constructive feedback. Come take part in our enthusiasm for writing; either listening or even sharing your stories with us!

Q: I'm a rather shy and beginning writer. I’m interested in writing a mostly true account of my life, but changing certain details, like the setting of my hometown (perhaps from Verona to Vernonia). I might also want to write an occasional poem or short story. However, it’s important that I do all of this at my own pace, with loads of support, but not feeling forced. What do you recommend? (signed) Juliet C from Vernonia

A: Good question, Juliet! Our writing group’s key function is to provide you with encouragement and constructive, honest feedback to help you improve. We’ll encourage, but never pressure you. On Tuesday mornings at 9:45, it’ll be fun to watch your literary skills grow, as your untold stories finally come to life. See you then!

ENCORE Fall 2021’s Writing Exchange Online Course begins Tuesday, September 28 (and runs just 8 weeks till Tuesday, November 16) from 9:45 to 11:45 A.M.

For more information about the Writing Exchange  online class and how to access it, please email the instructor, Eric Anderson, at EricCAnder@aol.com or call (503) 325-3131.

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