The story Possum’s Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter was the theme for the Dewey School’s Harvest Moon Soiree last Saturday night. The backdrop on a beautiful fall evening was the Turning Mill Pond at the Canterbury Shaker Village. While waiting for the moon to rise over the pond, Dewey School families enjoyed a Possum’s Harvest Moon story walk, drank local cider, indulged in apple cider doughnuts, and made child-sized scarecrows.
The Dewey children, ages 3 to 5, know the Canterbury Shaker Village well. The pristine land (orchards, forest, meadows, and ponds) is their outdoor, nature-based classroom rain, snow, or sunshine. Each month, the Dewey School strives to have a function that brings families together in the community.
“Community is the foundation of the Dewey School,” said Amanda Grappone Osmer, chairwoman of the Dewey School board.
“COVID is making community events a bit tricky,” Mindy Beltramo, executive director of the Dewey School said. “In the past we have had a harvest dinner together; a great opportunity for families to get to know each other. This year, our soiree provided natural social distancing, while being outside together in community. It was the perfect culmination of our study about autumn, the Equinox, harvest, and scarecrows.”