Serene Karplus, Nederland.  In the veranda’s cool shade on a bright summer evening, we sipped fine wine and shared agrodolce and lemon-zest roasted appetizers. We raised a glass to toast our new friendships. After our elegant meal, we ambled past exotic flowers to the historic wooden structure. Inside, dozens of top-notch musicians from around the world gathered on stage to bring to life the intricate and soaring melodies of Brahms. The crisp crescent moon against the midnight blue backdrop guided us to the musicians’ post-concert tales, snacks, and conversations around the outdoor firepit.

This perfect evening was hosted by Mountain MidLife, the award-winning, hugely successful program that brought us all together a year ago to get to know one another over breakfasts, dinners, hikes, books, brunches, wines, and more. We have met hundreds of new friends there and have enjoyed many get-togethers since.

NAS is proud to sponsor this opportunity for folks to find new friends in the Peak-to-Peak region, others with common interests whom we just didn’t know were out there for us. At each meal, we set out interest group sheets and people list their names so they can find others with similar hobbies and step up to start a small group to pursue those interests together. Groups have formed around hikes, books, wines, and brunches, and small group gatherings have launched around meeting friends with hobbies like astronomy, walking, wildflowers, butterflies, and more.

Over the course of the year, our undefined term “midlife” has settled in to attract mostly people over the age of 50. We hear from some of our supporters that a few of their friends have not attended only because they don’t like the name of this social group. Some people love the name; some don’t. Please don’t stay away because of a word. We can change the name someday – just get involved to help make that happen. Centuries ago, even a teenaged Romeo recognized that “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. We welcome everyone to swing by anytime and check out the great people and food here, regardless of whatever their preconceived notion of what “midlife” means. It has no relationship to any sort of “crisis”, which some people oddly think is automatically a part of midlife (huh?). We just wanted to get together as people whose kids may have grown and gone – or maybe we’re even gaining grandkids. The age range of folks who attend is not about a chronology or a birthdate, but a spirit of feeling vibrant and active and wanting to meet others who feel that way and like to do the things we like to do.

Whether you’ve been meaning to come check it out, or have hesitated to jump in for any reason, our celebration launching our second year is a great time to become a part of this wonderful gift to each other.

 *****  Mountain MidLife First Anniversary Dinner:  Friday, July 22, 5:30p.m. meal, Doors open 5:00p.m. Nederland Community Center

***** If you are not receiving our newsletter for advance announcements of our discounted ticket opportunities, please contact us at NederlandAreaSeniors@gmail.com or 303-258-0799. You may also find our full newsletter online at NederlandAreaSeniors.org or visit Meetup.com/Mountain-MidLife-Social-Group for outings details.

***** All adults are welcome at all Mountain MidLife and Nederland Area Seniors events, attended mostly by folks over age 50. Everyone is invited to luncheons every Monday and Wednesday, breakfast on most second Saturdays (exception – third Saturday this month), and dinners on fourth Fridays through summer (third Fridays in fall) at the Nederland Community Center. Please call two days ahead for lunch reservations and a week ahead (whenever possible) for dinners and breakfasts to 303-258-0799. (Missed the deadline? Call anyway.)

Cost shown lists first the over-age-60 requested contribution, then the cost for under-age-60.

Monday, July 11, Noon, $4/$8.25: Trout Almandine, Green Beans, Wild Rice Blend, Cole Slaw, Peach

Wednesday, July 13, Noon, $4/$8.25: Chef Salad w Ham/Turkey/Cheese, Tomato Bisque, WW Roll, Fruit Salad

Saturday, July 16, 8:30am (Doors open 8:00am), $5/$8: Mountain MidLife Breakfast: Mexican Casserole (Pork or Black Bean w Egg/Cheese/Corn Tortilla), Potatoes, Yogurt, Granola, Fruit

Friday, July 22, 5:30pm (Doors open 5:00pm), $5/$9: Mountain MidLife First Anniversary Dinner: Herb Encrusted Trout, Balsamic Beets, Sweet Potato, Arugula/Spinach Salad, Grilled Peach Cobbler