The sunflowers are still holding their heads high in the park at the end of Depot Street. These stately giants were surrounded all summer by a colorful variety of flowers planted in this small, well-maintained garden for the enjoyment of our community.
Known as the Pocket Park, this tiny gem is one of the most peaceful, beautiful spots in the Summit. Volunteers from the Craft and Chat group at The Gathering Place team up with several Penn State Master Gardeners to prepare the gardens, plant the seeds, and tend the flowers that fill the area. We at The Gathering Place are especially proud of the hard work and time these groups devote to creating an oasis in the middle of town.
In the early 1960s , an old house that sat on this small piece of land was bought and became a furniture refinishing shop owned by Ky (Cataldo) Maria. Ky had a magical talent with wood. From this small shop, he worked in many fine homes and historical buildings repairing and restoring fine wooden railings, furniture — any wood that could be brought back to its original beauty. Area residents treasured the work done by Ky.
Ky and his wife Mariann, a teacher at Abington Heights, raised eight children. It was often difficult to care for the kids once Mariann went back to work, but the shop was just the answer. The front room was made into a play room for the youngest kids. All eight Maria siblings helped out at the shop or with deliveries. It was truly a “family business.”
Once Ky retired, the family donated this rather strange-shaped land to the Borough. All of us have the Maria family to thank for the present Pocket Park. It has become a wonderful gift to the community. When you see Ky, let him know you appreciate all that he did.
On to November! We have a lot going on. In September, several artists took part in the Plein Air Paint Out at the Countryside Conservancy. Their works that were created that weekend will be exhibited at The Gathering Place. On Nov. 8, an Artists’ Reception and fundraising auction will be held from 4 to 6.
Our next art exhibit featuring the work of Maria Gryzbowski will begin on Nov. 12 with an artist’s reception Nov. 14 from 6 to 9. Drop in and enjoy!
Speaking of dropping in, we welcome you to join any of the groups that meet regularly at TGP. Each Wednesday at 6, the Ukulele group strums away. They are very welcoming to beginners. Our Literacy Group meets every other Wednesday. This, too, is an open, welcoming gathering as is the Missing Socrates group that meets every other Wednesday for casual conversations on ideas central to American life.
Added to those groups are open meetings for Writers, Book Club , Game Night, Weaving Group, and our Irish Seisiun. Our Open Studio takes place on second and fourth Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can learn more about each of these groups on our website www.gatheringplacecs.org.
One of the best parts of our fall semester is that our classes for kids have been so successful. Erica Bailey will lead another class, Kids Thanksgiving Cooking, on Nov. 15. Even more for students happens with Children’s Story Time with Chris Arcangelo, Storyteller Emeritus, on Nov 19, and Needle Felted Ornaments on Nov. 15 and Nov. 19.
Of course, we have several adult classes this month. The high school CLEO Club will offer advice on technology on Nov. 13. David Ellioit will lead a discussion called History and Impact of Women in Jazz on Nov. 11, 18 and 25. Chef Sisile Maruzzelli can help you win praise with dessert over the holidays with her Pate a Choux baking tips on Nov. 13, and Terra McAuliffe will help your overall calm with Essential Oils Workshop on Nov. 6.
Speaking of calm, why not try a few art classes to get you away from the rush of everyday? Ceramic Jewelry Workshop will send you home with new creations on Nov. 4 and18. Spend a Friday night on Nov. 7 with Sip and Felt. Or create a Dried Flower Arrangements with Raisa Statuto on Nov. 8. Have fun with creativity with Cheryl Korb and Brooke Wandall in Found Object Sculptures on Nov. 12.
To get you into the holiday mood, come to the ABPA’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 22 at 6:30 and Shop Local on Nov. 29. Lots of great bargains await!
