Contributions to review: Jean Formo and Patricia Paolella

After zooming through 2021-22, this long-awaited, IN-PERSON gathering of the Colleagues at Nelson Park (St. Louis Park) was thoroughly appreciated by all.

The sunny, cool weather was perfect as we set up our work area outside the Park's meeting building. We then headed towards the nearby bike/walking trail: our destination? - a pristine phragmites reed bed containing our (future) reed pens.

After some purposeful slices with the jack knife, we all walked back to our work area carrying bunches of 10-footers - each one having the potential for at least 5 reed pens. Long-time member, Janey Westin patiently guided us through the step-by-step of this traditional skill. Joe Balabuszko (our SLP liaison), also provided guidance (& has quite the knife collection of his own for this task).

The ground beneath us was soon covered with a layer of "reed sleeves" - twisted by hand and discarded, revealing beautiful light tan reed stalks - ready for cutting! Janey imparted a wealth of information and technique as we transformed our reeds into precision writing instruments.

It got breezy, but we had prepared for an outdoor experience that also served as the final gathering of the CoC 2021-22 year. Colleen gave us her last, expert financial report as Treasurer (before stepping up as our new President!) - and we thanked Sally (who phoned-in her report) for her amazing leadership - as a new Board was announced. A great day full of the usual Colleagues spirit of adventure, camaraderie - and love of the letter arts!

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