“October,” wrote author Bonaro W. Overstreet, “is a symphony of permanence and change.” She might just as well have been speaking of aging—or what some call the autumn of our lives. Like the blaze of fall colors, this season offers a vivid reminder of both continuity and transformation. And this month’s issue, I hope, reflects that abundance.
October is also a significant month for wellness, with numerous observances dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action on health issues. Top of mind—quite literally—is brain health. We explore how lifelong learning, especially interactive and social activities, strengthens memory and builds cognitive reserve at every age.
One joyful path to learning awaits at this year’s Litquake festival, running Oct. 9–25 across more than 60 venues, including many in Oakland and Berkeley. Executive director (and Rockridge resident) Norah Piehl shares how this year’s programming leans into political themes while highlighting the East Bay’s vibrant literary community.
We also dive into the surprising comeback of analog photography, whose tactile pleasures counter digital fatigue and dopamine overload. Its growing appeal offers an opportunity for authenticity, delayed gratification and a mindfulness that pixels can’t replicate.
Connection matters just as much as creativity. That’s why we spoke with the founder of SoulPlay Festival, an adults-only retreat that creates an inclusive, healing community through dance, nature and transformative workshops. On a more everyday scale, local farmers’ markets bring us fresh produce alongside neighborly conversation; we share their history and a list of local spots, along with specialties and seasonal must-tries.
For a slightly fancier feast, we recommend joining the 90th birthday celebration of legendary chef Jacques Pépin, who’s hosting a series of food and wine events in Napa from Oct. 23 to Nov. 2.
And because music nourishes us in ways that go beyond health, we feature two such stories: the jazz-inflected LaMP trio, and Nick Lowe, former pub-rocker turned pop and country crooner who, at 76, continues to prove that age can be an artistic advantage.
Here’s to October—to change, to connection and to all the ways this season can feed us.
