Local musician, and traditional folk arts educator Rose Sheehan will lead an all-ages seasonal program focused on the "twilight of the year"—the quiet threshold between the autumn harvest and winter’s arrival. Rooted in seasonal folklore and traditional song, this participatory event offers a quiet pause for participants to explore three timeless themes of late autumn: Remembrance,Gratitude & Generosity, and Enduring Light.
Remembrance: While modern society often avoids discussing death—especially with young people—children naturally observe it in the falling leaves, the resting earth, and the loss of loved ones or pets. Twilight of the Year offers a gentle, straightforward space for all ages to consider death as part of life's natural rhythm. By bringing photos and naming those who have passed, we teach our children—and remind ourselves—that remembering those who have died is a healthy, peaceful, and shared human custom.
Gratitude & Generosity: While many of us are familiar with Thanksgiving as a seasonal marker, our gathering grounds gratitude in active community care. Gratitude is not just an internal feeling; it completes its cycle when it turns outward as generosity. By coming together to collect non-perishable food for the Open Door food pantry, we practice the time-honored human tradition of sharing our harvest so that every neighbor is nourished as the cold weather approaches.
Enduring Light: As the sun sets earlier each day and the evening shadows lengthen, we meet the natural phenomenon of dwindling light and shorter days. In the face of this gathering dark, human beings have always felt the deep impulse to kindle and tend fire. Our twilight lantern walk is more than a simple walk—it is a physical enactment of kindling light within ourselves and carrying it together, serving as a quiet, steady symbol of hope and warmth that sustains us through the winter ahead.
What to Bring:
- For Remembrance: A photograph of a departed loved one or cherished pet to place on our Remembrance Table. You will be able to take your photo home at the end of the evening. (We will also provide paper leaves if you prefer to write a name).
- For Gratitude & Generosity: A non-perishable food donation for the Open Door food pantry to help nourish our neighbors as cold weather approaches.
- For Enduring Light: A small lantern (or flashlight) to carry during our brief dusk walk into the autumn evening. We will also have extra lanterns to share if you don't have one!
There is a suggested contribution of $10 per family or individual to help defray expenses.