Gold Country Denizens: Japan, writing, voting, help, climate change

The last Saturday in January, I promoted Silver Screen Classic Movies at Farmers' Market. Rachel Chaddock set me next to What's Poppin Kettle Korn, and after a while, I heard a fascinating conversation about traveling to Japan – particularly Tokyo. And of course, being interested, I investigated. Turns out Susan Barnhart, working with What's Poppin, loves Tokyo. She's traveled there several times by herself. "It's an amazing place," she said. And those who learn where she goes – by herself – are equally amazed. "I wish everyone would go there – alone," she said. "It's wonderful. People are kind and helpful, and it's a clean place. And it's safe. Even though you don't know Japanese, it's safe." Well, she's convinced me. ... I had lunch at Depoe Bay recently. My eye caught a man writing – writing with a pen on paper. Was he ... writing a letter? A book? Reminders? Hey, none of your business, Susan, just keep on reading the book you brought. But of course because I have this column, I figured maybe I could find out. All I have to do is ask. Turns out this was Gary Dutra, who was born in Auburn and has lived here on and off – and lives here now. He's written some fiction, has worked in construction, and has taught science in high school. What he was doing that day, however, had nothing to do with any of that. Instead, he's doing what is called "free writing." This involves taking pen or pencil and putting it to paper, starting to write and not stopping. "The point is not to stop," he said. "I try to do it every day – it's an exercise." And like most exercises, this kind of thing is exhausting. But it makes you get words down. ... I parked briefly behind City Hall a few days ago, and I saw a message on the side of the car next to mine: "Democracy is not a spectator sport." I like that. This driver is a thoughtful person, and I respect them. ... The focus on democracy leads me to the several days last week when people voted. I love to participate at the voting places. This time, I spent several hours at the Meadow Vista Community Center with AAUW members and members of the League of Women Voters. Not only do I love to vote, I love to help voters. I love to see them coming in, love to help them put their ballots into the machine, love to congratulate them, love to give them their "I Voted" sticker. I especially love it when the first-timers appear. So does everyone else. We usually know they're first-timers because often older people – you know, parents – come in with them. We know they're parents because they've got their phones ready to take pictures. It's a big deal. It really is, and even if these newcomers can't hear the trumpets, I do. And I tell them so. ... I also love it when I learn about people helping people. And I recently learned that 14 years ago, a neighbor of mine, Artella Hughes, created a class offering free English language lessons for adults. Artella and others – among them Carole Darlington, Patricia Ballantyne and Leslie Bonser, all retired teachers – offer their time and support for any second language learners. The class meets at Auburn Elementary School every Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. "We wanted to help these adults who found English difficult," Artella said, "and help them thrive in their roles as parents, employees and residents of our beautiful community." I got chills as she shared this information. She contributes her own money for this class. Along with others, she has kept this class going for 14 years, for heaven's sake. This is wonderful. They have had help from others, including Auburn AAUW, family and friends, members of Auburn Presbyterian Church and the First Congregational Church, and from the Latino Leadership Council at the beginning. And why? I think it's obvious, so I wasn't surprised when Artella said, "It's rewarding to see the students grow, not only in their language skills, but in their confidence as contributing members of our community." Thank you, Artella. ... Speaking of a wonderful community, I found a bunch of guys hanging out in Flour Garden, something they do every Tuesday at 2 p.m. They've met here for four years. I recognized just a few of them, but they all knew who I was, which was delightful. These were Ken Winter, Ken Moore, Kurt Simon, Terry Holliman ("I'm the agnostic of the group," he said), Bill Jackson ("I'm the one who collects TVs for the Auburn Presbyterian Church") and Jack Crawford ("We're here to increase the tolerance level in Auburn.") The bunch is involved with Placer Earth Care Action – PECA – a vigorous group deeply concerned about climate change. "We're helping people help the environment," said Ken Winter. I thanked them -- and congratulated them. Want to find out more? Good. Investigate ppoft.org/peca-about. And then maybe wander into Flour Garden at 2 p.m. next Tuesday. That's my town. Got any items for me? Email me at goldcountrydenizens@gmail.com.