Clinton Township Newsletter

3 a u g u s t 2 0 2 3 Oh, the places you'll go! For the last couple of years I've begun to think of the August issue covers as being devoted to imagination and summer reading, as that's when my children used to catch up on theirs before the start of school (and those summer reading tests!) in early September. This particular cover is devoted to the idea of Marrakesh – a place I've only visited in my imagination, and probably enhanced for me by the song Marrakesh Express" by Crosby, Stills, and Nash, which I heard throughout my childhood. I'm guessing the reality is different than the fantasy version? Isn't a lot of life like that? We human beings, for better or for worse, have been blessed with the ability to use our vivid imaginations. While analytical and intuitive thinking are important, the creative arts elevate us from the mundane aspects of life. I'm reminded of the children's classic tale, Frederick, by Leo Lionni, winner of a 1967 Caldecott Honor:" Winter is coming, and all the mice are gathering food . . . except for Frederick. But when the days grow short and the snow begins to fall, it's Frederick's stories that warm the hearts and spirits of his fellow field mice." Speaking of creativity, I have to give a shout-out to one of our most devoted fans, Evelyn Breheney Glynn who, like me, has a design background. Evelyn, like many of you, regularly sends me words of appreciation and the support makes all of the difficult parts of this job worth it. For example, she sent me this wonderful message for the June cover, "This may be a dated expression but it was what first came to mind: That cover is THE BOMB!! Great look for summer. Congrats, and thank you so very much for keeping us in with the 'in crowd'. Stay cool, Evelyn & WF " Six years ago Evelyn had the idea to share her love of aesthetics, poetry, and all things creative with a larger audience of local women, and so she created a discussion group called the Women's Forum in Tewkesbury. Women's Forum is a program founded to "foster cultural and intellectual growth in a non-political and non-sectarian atmosphere of enjoyment and camaraderie." Sources such as feature films and documentaries, lectures and performances, literature, fine art, history, and pop culture provide the topic material for viewing and subsequent discussion at their gatherings. Their motto and mission of Sharing Wisdom endures! And so, back to the quest of the Marrakesh Express: Sweeping cobwebs from the edges of my mind Had to get away to see what we could find Hope the days that lie ahead Bring us back to where they've led Listen not to what's been said to you Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express All aboard that train! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer! Carol Beder's –Julie Flynn DAYS TO KEEP IN MIND Tues August 1 Tu B'Av (in modern-day Israel is celebrated as a holiday of love. It has been said to be an auspicious day for weddings.) Mon August 7 Purple Heart Day Wed August 9 National Book Lovers Day Sat August 12 Middle Child Day August 14, 1945: Victory Day (commemorates the end of World War II with the surrender of Japan during the war.) Tues August 15 Assumption of Mary Mon August 21 Senior Citizens Day Sat August 26 Women's Equality Day (in the United States. It is a day to commemorate the 19th amendment of the Constitution which, in 1920, gave women the right to vote.) Thurs August 31 International Overdose Awareness Day

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