Community Reflections

Travels with Heart: By Annie Bowler, Vol 20. November 1, 2024

Fall might be my favorite season at Serene Lakes. It’s quiet, the air is crisp, and the leaves are changing; you can feel nature turning inward, preparing for the long winter season. But what makes Serene Lakes so very special is its strong sense of community that shines brightly during these quieter days when neighbors are happy to laugh and chat and no one seems to be in a rush. Generosity toward community is demonstrated by the many volunteers who take down the shared docks and boat racks, but also by the many adorable overflowing little free libraries, free items left on street for whoever wants them, and even a bucket of tennis balls for dogs that’s a memorial for one beloved pup named Buster who loved to chase balls. My Buster was delighted! And then there’s the wondrous morning views.

I bought my sewing box from a thrift shop about 45 years ago. I used to sew a lot and I’ve loved to keep my sewing tools in this lovely, now somewhat broken box, though honestly, it’s always been jumble of thread, needles, pins, buttons, crochet hooks, and you name it.

It felt great to get it organized the other night. I’m an organizer but I’ve never once felt the

need to organize this sewing box so as I worked, I wondered, why am I needing to do this at 10:00pm on a Friday night? I realized finally that it’s because the world and my life are packed with uncertainty. I can do little to change the election’s outcome, the wars that are erupting around the world, health concerns, or family challenges, but tonight, my sewing box is in order. I will sleep a bit better knowing that. Perhaps this is foolish, but it’s true.

Check out the prices on some of the items I found in my box. They’ve been kicking around in there for many a decade

The last weekend in October was fulfilling yet a bit too full! First, there was a Halloween/

birthday celebration for my good friend, Tiffany Sickler . We had lots of laughs, good music, and food and treats to die for. I needed some laughs, and this party filled the bill.

Saturday brought silly but still serious Halloween soccer tournaments. John and I are so proud of how much each of our four grandkids who played soccer this fall have improved.

I am sad to say that only John got to watch Howi play since he’s all the way in Indonesia. Come to America for college Howi!!

Between soccer games, we attended the memorial for Howard Hiemke, a friend, neighbor, and fellow teacher from our Georgetown days. Howard passed away at 93; he lived and breathed what was good for Georgetown and its people. I loved that Howard had seemly endless energy: for the amazing 85-acre Georgetown Nature Area that he was key to its formation, for Georgetown School’s 50-mile club, which he started, and Georgetown Rotary projects, he was often president of many times. I could name many more of Howard projects, but you get the picture: Howard was involved in anything that would help his beloved community. If only more of us had Howard’s community spirit!

Click here to read more about Howard.

To Howard, and to all of us, Georgetown was the center of the universe. We were in our own wonderful little world back then. And so, as always, it was lovely to catch up with our many dear, longtime friends at Howard’s memorial. Most of us were young, just starting our teaching careers, in this mountain hamlet in the early ‘80s. We worked hard but we sure had our share of fun along the way! Both John and I feel so lucky to have been a part of this beautiful community.

After the memorial, John and I hiked through the Georgetown Nature area, which looked

beautiful, by the way. I hiked these paths with my students often so hiking there filled me with nostalgia. I remember my students’ wonder as they watched frogs go through their life cycle and when they were able to identify different bird calls. I also remember Howard running down our street heading to the nature area with a pair of clippers strapped to his waist, in his endless effort to keep the blackberries at bay. He didn’t mind that he got scratched up. Howard was rarely without his clippers.

Sunday morning, John and I watched yet another soccer game and then headed to Makuni’s for a family lunch to celebrate Mateo’s 10th birthday. Mateo spun the wheel and won a bag of green tea, just what every 10-year-old dreams of. Lol!

I always move inward as the weather cools. I am especially pensive this year with so much going on in our county; we are so divided which had made me sad and isolated. I know how important communities are to us all; The gatherers I’ve attended this last month

revived me. We need our families, neighbors, and friends new and old, in order to thrive. I am trying my best to be kind as I know it’s good for my mental and physical health and its good for your health as well. Here’s to communities that look out for one another. Kindness is good my friends!