Author to

sing ‘Safe Harbor’

For those with cherished friends, it is hard to imagine that some people feel totally alone. And loneliness makes life both sadder and shorter.

In May, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a national epidemic. He has long warned about the health effects of loneliness and isolation, including depression and greater risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and premature death. Chautauqua Institution, which centers each week of its summer season on a theme, opened its 2023 season with focus on friendship

This fall sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer was tapped to focus on mental health as loneliness ambassador for New York State. A search for “friendship” on Amazon brings over 60,000 results.

Safe Harbor, by local author Judy Shuler, tells stories of diverse friendships. Many are based in Chautauqua County, others were forged a continent away. Some are unlikely, some span generations or time and distance, some are life-affirming and life-changing.

While Christmas is focused on family, it’s also a time to remember and honor friends. The author will be selling copies of her book at The Next Chapter Bookstore, 12 Park Place, Fredonia, on Saturday, Dec. 23, 1 to 3 p.m. Rather than asking the author to sign books, she suggests writing a note to a friend on a blank page in front of the book, telling them why they matter in your life.

Her first book, Red & Blue, recounts operating a tour business in Southeast Alaska. It was co-authored with colleague Hildegard Ratliff.

Festivals Fredonia holds annual

meeting

Festivals Fredonia will conduct its annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Fredonia Memorial American Legion Post 59. There will be light refreshments during the meetings and a couple of presentations as well. The public is welcome to attend.