Despite all our worries and fears, time marches on. In fact, tomorrow is the first day of Spring and a great way to celebrate would be by planting something. Need an idea of what to plant?
Why not go big and plant a tree! The Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association and the Schuylkill Conservation District are teaming up for their Annual Seedling Sale. Although several events at Sweet Arrow Lake are cancelled, this one appear to be happening as scheduled. Orders can be placed until Wednesday, April 1 (or while supplies last so don't delay in placing your order). Seedlings can be picked up at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse parking lot on Saturday, April 25 between 9 am and noon. Seedlings are sold in bundles ranging of either 5 or 10 and cost $10 or $11, depending on the type selected. Gardeners can choose from:
Do trees sound too ambitious? How about some super easy to grow seeds -- fun for adults and home from school kids who are bored. I recommend marigolds which have the double bonus of being small (a rinsed out yogurt container makes a perfect sized flowerpot) and they sprout quickly. A few other quick sprouters are beans, basil, lettuce and radishes. Or have fun by decorating a container with a smiling face and plant grass seed that sprouts into "hair". Of course, these all have to kept inside in a sunny window. It isn't warm enough for an outdoors garden yet. Not confident in your skill with seeds? I'm sure I'm not the only gardener who is distracting herself by repotting houseplants resulting in quite a few "extra" baby houseplants crowding my windowsills. Know a gardener? Ask them to drop a baby houseplant (or seeds harvested last summer) outside your door for you to enjoy. I have hundreds of marigold seeds. Are their any Schuylkill County folks (especially those with children at home) stuck inside who would like a package of seeds from me?
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With the uncertainty of recent days, I'm reluctant to tell you about upcoming events in the community because of the chance of cancellations. So what can today's post be about? How about some fun you could have without having to worry about crowds...or any people at all?
With the weather improving, perhaps you'd like to venture outdoors and snap some photos of the beauty of our county for this year's Pennsylvania Magazine Photo Contest. Each entrant can submit up to 15 photos taken between January 2017 and now. Photos must be taken in Pennsylvania. There are three categories:
Why not capture the beginnings of Spring (I saw my first robin on Tuesday!). Whether you like to snap shots with your cellphone or you have an expensive camera and all types of lenses and special equipment, this contest is for you. You don't even have to submit print copies -- digital images are just fine. You can find the rules here. There is NO ENTRY FEE. There will be three winners of cash prizes (as well as a Pennsylvania Magazine t-shirt and subscription) and the possibility for a Honorable Mention. Winners will be selected in May but you still have time to submit your best work before the deadline of April 15. So start looking over past photos or shoot some new ones. I'll try to keep you updated on any cancellations of local events I hear about. Keep safe. Performance artists amaze me. As a child I loved ballet lessons, everything except the recital at the end of the year which I HATED. The idea of performing in front of an audience terrified me. If you are not as audience-averse as I am, you may want to throw your hat in the ring for this year's Schuylkill Free Shakespeare play, "Midsummer Night's Dream". Auditions will be held at the Schuylkill Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville on March 14 and 21 from 10 am to noon. For more information about the auditions call 570-516-8537.
There are several other upcoming opportunities for art lovers. There will be an art auction (all media and prices) at St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901 on Saturday, March 14 from 7 pm to 10 pm. Admission is $20 and includes door prizes, light refreshments and coffee. A cash bar will be available. Major credit card accepted. For information call 570-617-8869. Quite a different type of art will be on display at the Pottsville Library as they team up with Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC) to present "Art as Healing", art created by women and children served by SWIC. The exhibit will be available several days:
Movie lovers can head to the Walk-In Art Center, Parkway, Schuylkill Haven for "All Things OZ", a display arranged with the help of a New York museum dedicated to The Wizard of Oz. Opening is this Saturday, March 7 from 1 pm to 5 pm. The display will be available for viewing through April and includes pieces related to the books of L. Frank Baum, the Judy Garland movie, The Wiz, Broadway's Wicked and more. It's never too early to think about heading outdoors -- especially now that we have more sun to enjoy! Especially after daylight savings goes into effect on March 8! I'll update this throughout March and let you know if anything new comes up.
Wee Ones Walk Wednesday, March 4 from 10 am to 11:30 am Come to the Hawk Mountain Visitors Center for an outdoor hike, craft, story and nature activity for ages 3 to 5. $5 for member and $10 for nonmembers. To register contact them at 610-756-6961 or hawkmountain.org/events Frackville Grade Grinder Saturday, March 7 from 10 am to 2 pm Meet at Walmart for this 6 mile hike rated moderate. Led by HIker Jim E., this hike will explore the old Reading and Pennsylvania rail beds Bear Valley Hike Sunday, March 22 from 9 am to 2 pm Meet at Route 125 west of Good Springs (intersection of Gap Street and Bear Valley Road) for this 9.5 mile hike rated moderate. This dog friendly hike with Sojourner Steve on the Bear Valley Loop includes : old mines, Adams Rock and Bear Valley Swamp. 717-451-7042 Governor Dick State Park in Mt. Gretna Saturday, March 28 beginning at 8:30 am Meet at carpool lot on Route 901 and I-81 for this 6 mile hike rated easy. 570-527-7748 And More What's Invading My Backyard? Wednesday, March 18 at 6 pm Meet at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse to learn about the Spotted Lanternfly from Kyle Schutt of the Schuylkill Conservation District. Bring your question! FREE Navigating the Outdoors Sunday, March 22 from 2 pm to 4 pm Meet at the large pavilion near the Sweet Arrow Lake County park clubhouse to learn about survival skills every walker or hiker should know. Retired forester Frank Snyder will explain the workings of a compass, how to read a map and planning a route. Dress for the weather. All ages welcome. FREE Tree Planting Workshop Sunday, March 29 from 2 pm to 4 pm Meet at Waterfall Pavilion of Sweet Arrow Lake County park Learn how to choose and plant your ideal tree during this free workshop. |