New season of writing classes for local writers

The Carolina Fiber and Fiction Center announces TUESDAYS@TEN SUMMER 2017 WRITING SESSION.

June 13-Sept 5 (excluding July 4, August 8 & 15).

Limited to 8 writers. Tuesdays from 10 to noon.

"We spin yarns out of memory and imagination and develop craft without damaging creativity"

Contact gfarrell@butler.edu to pre-register. An Amherst Writers and Artists International Affiliate

Meetings include prompts, craft exercises, and manuscript reviews in a creative and relaxed atmosphere. We write for pleasure, self-discovery, and/or publication.

“I dream that women in the future will not depend on the rules made by others”

BOOK REVIEW: Penelope’s Song by Dr. Lois A. Cuddy

By Anne Wingfield

I turned the last page of “Penelope’s Song” and read the epilogue in which Penelope is dreaming of what life might be like some day.  “I dream that women in the future will not depend on the rules made by others but will be free to create rules for themselves. I have difficulty imagining what such freedom would be.”

This particular Penelope is the wife of the great Greek King and warrior Odysseus, who, according to Homer, went to war against the Trojans and didn’t come home for 20 years. 

Although much has been written about Odysseus, there are very few stories about Penelope. One is that since Odysseus had seemingly disappeared, suitors besieged the castle all begging for Penelope’s hand in marriage. 

She declared that when she had finished weaving the burial shroud for her mother-in-law she would indeed marry one of them. So she wove all day and then unwove at night so that the shroud would never be finished.

The second tale reveals that when Odysseus does come back he tests her and she tests him in order to determine that after all this time he is who he says he is.

Up until I read this lyrical reimagining of her life, I knew nothing more than those scraps. Lois Cuddy’s novel presents a fascinating story. Although it took place about 3,000 years ago, it shook me to realize how little some things have changed in some places in our 21^st century world.  And how long it has taken the changes that have occurred to occur.

More of everything at the Charlestown Farmers' Market

A successful Charlestown farm at the market

The opening day of the Charlestown Land Trust Farmers' Market is this Friday, June 22.

Our favorite vendors from last year will be there plus some great new ones and some exciting events to give you more reason to attend every week.

We love supporting our local farms and other vendors so you're likely to see your faithful Progressive Charlestown staff there often. Read on for some details on what to expect when you visit.

Writing Classes at The Carolina Fiber and Fiction Center

Weaver and writer Grace Farrell at the loom Credit: Marylou Butler

The recent birth of a new use for the Octagon House, the better-known  name of the Albert S. Potter House in Carolina Village, is one of the great success of our area.

The Carolina Fiber and Fiction Center was started by weaver Jan Doyle of Wakefield and writer Grace Farrell of Charlestown.

We have been writing about their course offerings and we are pleased to announce that Ms. Farrell is starting a new series of writing sessions on Tuesdays from 10 am until noon, starting March 27.

UPDATE: Things to Do in Charlestown - January Edition

Cover art from their latest release - Hook, Line & Sinker

See three additions at the end of the list.

Our Things to Do column has been on winter vacation, while we celebrate holidays and wait for any snow to fall. 

But we would be remiss if we didn't take some time away from FOI requests at Town Hall to list some of the opportunities available.

by Tom Ferrio

Great way to spend a beautiful October Sunday

The Octagon House in Carolina Village

HopArts runs for one more day
By Will Collette

The 6th Annual "HopArts Studio Trail" runs for one more day on Sunday. I spent most of today on the HopArts trail and strongly recommend that you check it out - and bring your checkbook, because there is a lot of choice material still available for sale.

We've done the HopArts trail before, and always enjoyed them, but this year is great. We started in Carolina, where there are four stops on the map. This includes the wonderful Octagon House, now the site of the Carolina Fiber and Fiction Center. I've been curious about the Octagon House for years and finally got to see the inside. And the weaving and fabric art are fantastic.And nearby is the Green Gallery which was a must-do stop for us because we're big fans of Daniel Read's art glass.

Learning to Write Your Story

People like to tell tales. Some stories are told for their entertainment value. Others are memories and reflections on a life lived, for the benefit of children and grandchildren. Sometimes the process of putting down a story in words can be deeply meaningful to the writer.

Read on to see how you can develop your skill and confidence through a remarkable writing class at the Carolina Fiber and Fiction Center

Keeping track of local birds

Our stray ptarmigan visitor

Despite my penchant for political discussion - and the fact that Cathy and I have three companion kitty cats, none of them declawed then then they're indoor cats - I love birds.

We feed them and worry over them. I regularly chase off a local cat - jet black, sleek and fast, I can't tell whether he's feral or a neighbor's cat. Doesn't matter because he stawks our feeders, and I won't have that. The raptors, on the other hand, are part of the cycle of life and flock in abundance in our trees, hoping for a slow, plump mourning dove.



When I'm working in my home office, it's hard not to be distracted by the birds, especially in the spring and fall when there's no leave cover. I have counted more than 70 species at our feeders and in the woods. 




The oddest sighting was that of a stray ptarmigan, an arctic bird, who was clearly very far from home. He stuck around for three days before moving on. I managed to catch a good photo of him and, when I enlarged the snap, I could see several bands attached to his leg.



A New Weave In The Strand

Editor's note: I asked for permission to republish this article because I think this is a wonderful enterprise and use of an historic building that should give us pride and prompt our support.
A new weaving method is invented in Carolina Village.

By Marylou Butler, Republished with permission from South Kingston Patch.com.

The weaving of words and fiber, through text and textiles, is reaping big benefits at the Carolina Fiber and Fiction Center in Richmond.

Albert S. Potter House on Rt 112 in Carolina -  Credit: Marylou Butler

The center, which opened last fall in the historic Albert S. Potter House, also known as the “Octagon House” for its distinctive shape, was started by weaver Jan Doyle of Wakefield and writer Grace Farrell of Charlestown. Their home in the Octagon House was facilitated by John Quinn, the former editor of USA Today, who owns and currently resides in the old Carolina Mill complex in Richmond. Quinn is a member of the Carolina Preservation and Band Society, which owns the Octagon House.