Serene Karplus. Nederland.     Have you ever wondered what your great-grandmother endured to settle the farmstead and bury four children here? Or how your grandfather felt when he left his comfortable European home during the war, only to arrive in America sick from the boats and penniless? Do you wish you knew a little more about who they were, what they lost, what they accomplished, who they loved – what was important to them?

We are all rich in history, love, and experience. Regardless of what financial legacy we leave behind, we all have a story or a framework of beliefs that guided our lives. All of us have overcome hardships, achieved something, and have dreams and aspirations for ourselves or our progeny.

When our friends and families visit us, sometimes our scattered energy is about ensuring they are comfortable, entertained, and enjoying their favorite home-baked brownies. We don’t always get to sit still and share what is most important to us.

A renewed trend from a 3,500 year-old tradition is Legacy Letters. No rules govern what such a letter might contain, how it is presented or to whom, and no legal filings, attorneys, or fees complicate them. These letters, also called “ethical wills,” are an opportunity to leave behind us a piece of ourselves to share with friends, family, or future descendants who likely never met us.

Some may share a bit of family history, maybe a description of the home or neighborhood we grew up in. Others may focus on how we made our marriage last 60 years and embrace some magical moments. Maybe we want to detail a favorite family recipe, reveal some other secret, or forgive someone. Or we might prefer to leave a positive message – sharing our greatest joys or what values, dreams, and hopes we hold for our descendants.

Local senior Damaris Methner shows us how we can easily consider a Legacy Letter with some prompts to trigger our thoughts. She will present to us at lunch on Wednesday, September 10. Each attendee will receive a workbook to take home entitled “Preserving Your Legacy of Values for Your Family and Community.” An optional follow-up will be offered in early November. Please call us to register for lunch or at least let us know you will join us for the presentation from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

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Denver Botanic Gardens presents the Rocky Mountain Region's first major outdoor exhibition of art by celebrated American artist, Dale Chihuly. His sculptures, ranging in size and form, add bold colors and dramatic beauty to the Gardens' 24-acre urban oasis. Human art meets Nature art alongside magnificent flowers and ponds.

Dale Chihuly is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. He is renowned for ambitious architectural installations around the world, in historic cities, museums and gardens.

Join Nederland Area Seniors as we stroll through the Gardens on Tuesday, September 9. A Via van will transport us to Denver. We will carpool to Boulder to catch our ride with them, departing Nederland Community Center lower east level at 8:30 a.m. After enjoying lunch in Denver (additional cost), we return mid-afternoon. Cost for the Gardens is $12. Please sign up immediately to determine whether we have enough to fill the van – 303-258-0799.

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Everyone is invited to the Nederland Area Seniors luncheon at the Nederland Community Center at noon. A donation of $4 is requested from those over 60 years of age and $8.25 all others, but no seniors are turned away due to inability to pay. Please make reservations by 4 p.m. Friday for Monday lunch and 4 p.m. Monday for Wednesday lunch at 303-258-0799.

Monday, September 8:  Pan Fried Fish, Rosemary Potatoes, Cucumber Salad, Pear

Wednesday, September 10: Burger w Cheese, WW Bun, Chips, Pickle, Fruit