It’s that time of year again — one of my favorites — when every day the hills are changing color. Now the rosy reds and subtle oranges of the budding trees, the lemony-lime of willows leafing out, the puffy whites and grays of the poplar and cottonwoods sending aloft their seed kites. And next week, if the temperature holds, tiny leaves will start popping different shades of green. Every day the scene is different and new, and it’s all astounding that we’ve come ‘round to a new spring.

The Gathering Place changes, too; it gets more active and more stimulating as time goes by. Recently, we had a house full of men — and a few women — enjoying a talk on metal-detecting with all the equipment demonstrated and “finds” displayed. It was a fun evening, complete with many anecdotes from Mike’s long history of searching. On Tuesdays of late a different kind of fun — a foursome of mahjong players brightens our front window table and enjoys a lively game full of conversation and strategy. Tonight a small class will convene in the Art Room to design and dye Ukrainian Pysanky eggs celebrating the Easter holiday. It’s all lively; it’s all good.

Before I get into the classes still available to you, I want to publicize the Glimmerglass bus trips this Aug. 13 (La Traviata) and 20 ( Showboat). Yes, it’s months away, but the offerings are crowd pleasers and we don’t want you to miss out. La Traviata and Showboat are two you won’t want to miss. Through the beneficence of Jean Stark , we offer you an astounding deal for $95, which includes a show, a lunch, a bus ride through lovely upstate NY, and a special talk by the Glimmerglass staff. What’s not to love about this opportunity? E-mail Sean at ssansevere@glimmerglass.org to register and pay by credit card. Any questions? Call Anne at 570-881-7612.

Talks and classes continue in April. Noontime talks include Plan Your Garden with Master Gardener Beth Bradshaw on April 23, and Summer: Keep the Birds Well Fed with Ann Vitale on April 24, both timely topics for spring available to you for $5 at the door. (Please call and register or e-mail gatheringplaceCS@gmail.com.)

On April 28, The Wandering Hen’s chef James Bolus will teach a wonderful Soups and Knife Skills class at TGP at 5 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon — just in time for supper I have signed up for this one and am looking forward to learning from a former fellow-ASPer.

If you have ever woven something before, you have a chance to add to your repertoire on April 27.Try out weaving Krokbragd on a rigid heddle loom. This weave creates lovely patterns using color, pick-up sticks and string heddles. Kick your weaving up a notch, These patterns are perfect for towels, napkins, purses and placemats or anywhere you want to incorporate pattern. A few spots are available.

We’re really looking forward to a visit from Jeff Mitchell on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. for his talk on Exploring PA. Jeff is a regular at the Dietrich, and we are happy he could come to TGP with his visual presentation. Also an author of many books on hiking, backpacking and canoeing, Mitchell will surely encourage us all to get out-of-doors and enjoy what PA has to offer.

Also ahead: Cooking Great Meals while Living with Diabetes from nutrition coach Victoria Frosini May 2, Food Gone Wild cooking dandelion class with Susan Visnofski May 9, Fused Glass with Keystone instructor Michael Swanson May 2, The Wyoming Valley during the American Revolution May 1 at noon with Anne Armezzani, Writing your Resume with Sharon McCrone May 8, and a Bring in the spring bracelet class using silver and rubber links for an artistic but edgy look with Kristie Miller McMahon May 8. And there’s more! Check out the website www.gatheringplace CS.org and hopefully we will see you at The Gathering Place.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_E.-Rancier.jpg.optimal.jpg

Community

Classroom

Emily Rancier

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-991-6405 or by email at news@theabingtonjournal.com.