Sometimes, in my capacity as a writer for this newspaper, I get invited to community events. And sometimes, as a longtime community member — 20 years this December — I choose events to attend on my own.
Recently, I got to do both.
Sierra Senior Center held a Resource Fair on Oct. 2 and for the second time, the fabulous Georgia Kopel asked if I’d take a table on behalf of the Mariposa Gazette. I gladly agreed.
The nonprofit senior center in Oakhurst is a tremendous resource itself and seems like it’s always growing and getting better. It’s great to see all the entities come together to provide information, opportunities and some swag to local residents.
Social services, healthcare, other area nonprofits, the visitor’s center, county transportation department, the library, veterans, insurance services and more were present to engage with the community. The afternoon was festive and lively and the food was tasty.
Speaking of food, the senior center not only provides a hot and delicious lunch each weekday but also the board of directors and Georgia are regularly coming up with new ways to get people involved. From painting classes to mahjong and yoga, there’s always something fun going on.
Bearing in mind that “seniors” in this case are 55 and over — and chances are since you’re reading this with an actual newspaper in your hands you’ve hit that target — if you’re interested and haven’t been to Sierra Senior Center, check out their newsletter to see what’s coming up. Visit www.sierraseniorcenter.com
Now, when it comes to fun, put me in a room with a decorated table, flowers, tea with all the trimmings and a bunch of ladies (and a few gentlemen) in hats — a good time will be had by all. And that’s how it was at the Fresno Flats Old Fashioned Afternoon Tea party on Sept. 26.
Led by the inimitable Kathy Zingrich, who is both a Master Gardener and a master crafter of beautiful birdhouses, tables were individually decorated to the nines. The setting did not disappoint and, if you haven’t been to Fresno Flats lately, I’d say go and take a look. Wonderful things continue to happen at the old village and park in Oakhurst.
The tea and treats were abundant, as was the chatter and laughter in the room. Being so well received, it’s a wonder we’ve let the idea of afternoon tea get away from us so often.
Hot and scented, served with fine china, delectable snacks and good friends — this must be returned to the regular schedule immediately.
Kathy gave a quick talk about the origins of tea and high tea in particular — royalty, of course — and Paul Adelizi recounted some of the interesting history of Fresno Flats. This was a fundraiser (successfully) so there was a silent auction and I picked up something I’m treasuring already.
It’s a little single-person tea pot which sits perfectly atop a tea cup. The pot holds enough water for two cups of tea and so you can fill it and then pad back to bed or your office (today it’s both) secure for an hour or so.
What is so darling about this solo set is the pattern. It’s an exuberant print called “Strawberry Thief” by the British textile designer William Morris. It repeatedly depicts a bird stealing a berry. He’s the one who famously said things must be useful or beautiful or, preferably, both.
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Lucky for me, this little tea set is both.
The weird thing was, a couple of days later I was goofing off on Facebook and what do you suppose comes along my feed? It’s the William Morris “Strawberry Thief” print … on tights. Leggings, if you will.
I haven’t quite figured out how Meta figured out I was into the Strawberry Thief motif. But I just might order those tights and wear them while I sip my damn tea.
One more thing, since I have the floor for a moment. Last night the temperature dropped to perfect not long after sunset and we turned out all the lights to see the Draconid meteor shower. We let our eyes adjust to the dark and the sky was magnificent.
Sure enough, we were rewarded with a bit of glorious streaking — three for my husband and two for me. Not long after, the clouds rolled in and dimmed the stars but created an incredible view toward the heavens.
So, that’s my story — a community gathering, an afternoon tea, a delicious night looking upward. It’s not my job to write the headlines but if it was I’d call this, “Life is good.”
What have you done lately that you love?
Kellie Flanagan is a staff writer focusing on Eastern Madera County and can be reached at kellie@mariposagazette.com
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