This second edition of Creative Elders is another kind of quilt; a written quilt that documents our feelings, thoughts, and memories through our prose and poetry, artwork and photography. Just as quilters use the pieces left from the quilts they have created, we blend our varied attributes and gifts into our extraordinary Shaker Pointe community.
Poems, essays, memory pieces, short fiction, photographs, quilts, art work and even sassy limericks animate this lively and moving anthology, Creative Elders Book 2, created and produced by residents of Shaker Pointe at Carondelet, a senior living community in Latham. The 25 contributors to this 304-page volume range in age from 76 to 98. The book’s subtitle, “A Quilted Community,” is woven into the fabric of the book, which knits together a wide range of creative expressions. This disparate group of individuals bonded over a passion for sharing their experiences of growing old; recalling the anguish of losing loved ones; describing the beauty of nature; the joy of spending time with grandchildren; and a deep human desire to “only connect” as E.M. Forster wrote. It has been my pleasure to get to know this talented group of storytellers. They are dedicated to their craft. They have much to teach us. Enjoy Book 2, while we hope they produce Book 3. I know they have more creative works worth sharing. — Paul Grondahl, Opalka Endowed Director of the NYS Writers Institute at the University at Albany, author, and Times Union columnist
The kind souls who live at Shaker Pointe are a treasure trove of history, wisdom, spunk and creativity. This book will make you smile, reminisce, and also think. There is something for everyone, and just when you think you can’t smile anymore the next passage proves you’re wrong. I highly recommend you read it. — John Gray, award-winning columnist, novelist and anchor of WTEN
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Creative Elders, Book 2 is a powerful testament to the imagination, wisdom and heart of the Shaker Pointe community. Each page celebrates the vibrant voices and rich experiences of our residents. I am deeply proud of their work and honored to support their creative journey. — Kathy Welden, Executive Director, Shaker Pointe, Latham, NY
