October 2022 Newsletter
Reflections on 100 - 25 - 5
100- Francis Cloud Schellinger
Tuesday, October 25th would have been Francis Cloud Schellinger’s 100th Birthday. Francis’ legacy looms large at the Avon Hills Folk School (AHFS). Some would say he is at least part of the inspiration and we often find ourselves asking, to ourselves or out loud, “What Would Francis Do?”
By his own admission he tried to do what came naturally to him. Didn’t try to push too hard, just used and shared the gifts he was given. He enjoyed a party, knew how to build community, even if that wasn’t his goal. He often encouraged others to do what they didn’t think they could or supported them in what they did want to do, learn or experiment. “You can do that”, was how ventures into the unknown began for many with Francis showing them how, loaning tools, providing support and encouragement. We often say that he was practicing the tenets of a folk school without knowing it.
Tuesday we’ll probably mix a martini - Bombay Blue Sapphire gin (the only way Francis would say), dirty, with a couple of olives. Look for some Francis oriented activities coming up during what would have been his 100th year. Cheers
25 - North House Folk School
A few weeks ago a couple of us made a quick run up to visit with Greg Wright, Executive Director of the North House Folk School (NHFS), certainly my early and ongoing inspiration as we built the Avon Hills Folk School.
NHFS just celebrated their 25th anniversary. It was so inspiring and affirming to be reminded of what is indeed possible! From humble beginnings with big vision and tons of passion they have created a model for how to build and enrich a community through a folk school.
Thank you Greg for the visit, tour and seeing all the new things that have happened in just the last five years. North House remains a guiding light for us and many others.
5- Avon Hills Folk School
And finally us! The AHFS recently celebrated our 5th anniversary on September 29, 2017 - which is when we were officially “birthed” as a 501(c)3. We often don’t count 2020 as not much of anything happened here - or anywhere in terms of programming- traditional programming anyway.
We are encouraged by the growth over the past two and a half years, the support and push we have received from an increasing group of supporters. Thank you!
Bouja 2022
We had near perfect “bouja” weather with many wearing sweaters and light jackets. The colors were at peak, the 32 foot dessert table was filled by many who brought their treats to share- and the bouja was, by several accounts, “the best ever!”
While we don’t keep track of how many attend, we feel confident that over 200 people came together on Saturday, October 8th to share in nature, food, friends and the community that is created when we gather around a common interest and place.
Get next year’s Bouja Party on your calendars- October 14, 2023, always the Second Saturday in October. We go from the earliest possible second Saturday- the 8th - to the latest possible Second Saturday- the 14th.
Magnifi Financial @ the AHFS
On Monday, October 10th we were blessed with the presence of #30 volunteers from Magnifi Financial. Team members from Albany, Cold Spring, the Admin offices and those working from home came to help out for the morning.
This group got an incredible amount of projects done that we had been unable to get to- really helping us out. We are immensely grateful for their time, support and wonderful attitude.
We hope to see many of you back out at the Avon Hills Folk School in the future.
Watch for your opportunity to support the Avon Hills Folk School during this year’s Give To the Max Day. Coming up soon on November 17th this year.
2023 Classes and Experiences
We are actively building the class roster for 2023 and we want to hear from you. What would you like to see offered? Do you know of someone who loves what they do and is interested in sharing it with others?
Like what, you ask? Great question! Generally we look for traditional skills, craft, art, trades, interesting practices considered creative, making things with your hands. What is considered Traditional has changed over the years. 100 years ago Chainsaw use and maintenance would certainly NOT have been considered Traditional - but today it often is by many.
Currently we are considering the following: Timber Framing, weaving of many genres and methods, candle making, soap making, paper making, bee keeping, wild food foraging, forest bathing, yoga, assortment of woodworking projects and MUCH more.
