Neighborhood Notes: Lifelong learning in Katonah

By PAUL WIEMAN

For almost 40 years, I worked at a school that included the following phrase in its mission statement: “Our goal is to foster a lifelong passion for learning …” While I am somewhat ambivalent concerning how successful we were in accomplishing this specific directive of the mission for the students, I know for certain that the faculty lives and believes this goal and models for all what it is to be a lifelong learner. Just as an aside, it makes for a great work environment, surrounded by eager lifelong learners, pursuing divergent interests.

It makes for a great community as well, which, in a roundabout way, brings me to Katonah. In my experience, it is easy to be a lifelong learner in Katonah, no tuition needed. For starters, stop by the local library and take a long look at the interior and exterior bulletin boards. Go with pen and paper in hand, for there are things to do, ranging from poetry readings to dumpling lessons. Or take a picture — that works too. 

Don’t forget to walk the shops and look closely at the temporary posters and paper fliers featured on the doorways and windows. It is a perfect example of a community supporting itself, and you will also compile a list of things you want to do, nearby and affordable, often free.

Then, turn to the calendar on the very pages of this newspaper — there you have a week’s worth of activities — concerts, walks, local theater, and more. 

And it isn’t just Katonah. Bedford, Bedford Hills, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge and all nearby towns host a never-ending list of ways to keep your mind and your body active. 

Here are just some of the things I have done in the past few years or so, and let’s admit from the start that this list points in the direction of “retired guy.” A parent of a toddler would have just as long a list, if not longer, but it would look very different. There are opportunities for everyone, no matter your stage in life.

I’ve been to several talks, ranging from a discussion of suburban wildlife corridors to dynamic history lectures, one about gradual emancipation in New York state in the mid-1800s, courtesy of the John Jay lecture series. I had the opportunity to hear directly from our town leaders, with local residents asking questions big and small. I attended an author signing at the Katonah Reading Room, featuring a former student of mine turned cookbook author. 

From these lectures, things happened. I had an email exchange with one of the speakers that went on for a few months. Not profound, but it was fun, and I learned a lot. I was invited to a dinner hosting one of the speakers, another fun offshoot of attending the lectures. Both were surprises, and both offered food for thought and chances to learn.

I went to a poetry reading just a couple of weeks ago, where a former colleague of mine was the presenting poet. At the reading, I met a friend of mine from work and one from town, and we all three had a chance to enjoy the poetry together. 

Not all opportunities are sitting in a chair and listening. I attended a dumpling cooking class, went for a walk looking for woodcocks in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (and found some), participated in a performance of “The Messiah” at the Episcopal church, and walked the sidewalks during the Art Strolls sponsored by the Katonah Chamber of Commerce. Active learning, at its best.

Some lifelong learning has to do with getting help. Tech assistance from students in the library (a great example of the younger teaching the older), free tax advice for one and all, fix-it sessions at the Pound Ridge Library. (I still have to get that lamp I broke looked at.) People with expertise, offering their services, help us all.

And then there are specific profound experiences — “Raising Bar” was a documentary at the Bedford Playhouse about issues and solutions for families with children that need significant support, and how to manage these issues as the child ages out of school support and into adulthood. The director of the film was on hand to answer questions. Lifelong learning indeed.

And this is an incomplete list of what I have done in and around Katonah. More importantly, I actually miss more events than I attend. I have yet to patronize our local theaters, and I should. There is much more live music out there than I have time to hear, but I would like to do that as well.

Lifelong learning is a way to keep ourselves vibrant and connected, and we are fortunate to live in a town that believes in this and sees it as a vital part of an active community. Libraries are a hub, local shops spread the word, and The Recorder does its job of announcing and reporting. We are lucky.

I encourage everyone who can to take a moment, look at what is happening around you, decide what interests or intrigues you, and get out there and participate in the worthy goal of being a “lifelong learner.”

Paul Wieman is a retired educator. His column offers occasional observations about the Katonah neighborhood he has lived in for 35 years.