http://compasspaper.com/get-to-know-springfield-p2997-111.htm
Thu, Mar 03, 2011
Get to Know Springfield
by Kelly Stettner
Bug Hunters take over the library! It’s true; on Thursday, Feb. 24th, a handful of intrepid young people and their parents put their eagle eyes and detective skills to the test, searching for aquatic macroinvertebrates, or “river bugs.” Many insects spend at least part of their life cycle underwater, making up an entire community below the surface. Some of those are quite sensitive to polluted conditions, and are therefore desirable to find in a stream or river; certain kinds of critters can indicate healthy water! As director of the Black River Action Team (or “BRAT”), I love to invite the assistance of young children in this bug hunting task. Their eyes are usually sharper and faster than mine, and their enthusiasm is infectious.
It took me longer to wade through hip-deep snow to get to Chester Brook than it did for me to actually collect the handful of creatures from the narrow section of open water, but I did manage to find some great specimens. Among the tiny insect larvae discovered at the library were mayflies, a single stonefly, a net-spinning caddisfly, a midge larva, and what looked like a scud or two (tiny amphipods). Children’s Librarian Cheryl Cox had her magnifier and laptop available, so we all got up-close-and-personal with these tiny critters, looking at gills and tails and legs, referring to some resource materials I had with me so we could properly identify each magnificent insect.
Many thanks to all the Bug Hunters who helped out, and to Cheryl and the Library for hosting yet another fun Bug Hunt! Bug Hunts are an element of the WaterWorx educational program developed by the BRAT through partial funding from the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund. Learn more about NEGEF by visiting www.grassrootsfund.org and about BRAT by logging on to www.BlackRiverActionTeam.org or by calling (802) 885-1533. Check us out at the upcoming Herrick’s Cove Wildlife Festival on May 1st, when we’ll explore the bug-life at the Cove!
Gorgeous quilt to be raffled
Cindy Tufts, member of the North School Preservation Society in North Springfield, has created a beautiful hand-tied quilt featuring appliqués of a little red schoolhouse. This lovely piece will be raffled off at the NSPS Alumni Day Open House on Saturday, June 18. Tickets are only $1 each or 6 for $5 and can be obtained by contacting Francine Provost at (802) 886-1186.
Learn about local architectural styles
My friend Marita Johnson invites everyone to the next installment of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s program. On Tuesday, Mar. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Nolin Murray Center (next to St. Mary’s on Pleasant St in Springfield), Steven Melanson of Perkinsville will present a fascinating inside look at residential architecture in Southeastern Windsor County. Melanson, a well-known architectural historic preservation consultant, will share photos of local homes while discussing various identifying characteristics and the influence of different architectural styles. You’ll never look at your own neighborhood the same way! Learn more about the Osher program by logging on to www.learn.uvm.edu/osher or by calling (802)885-8390**8550 and leaving your name and address for a free brochure. A single program fee is just $8 for non-members; membership costs only $40 for a full semester of 9 programs as well as admittance to the other 7 Osher Institutes.
Four-season gardening made easy
The Springfield Garden Club announces a inspirational and instructional program entitled “Designing a Low-Maintenance, Four-Season Garden” led by Michaela Medina, a Vermont-based landscape designer, garden writer and photographer. Her slide show is free and open to the spring-starved public, so come to the Nolin Murray Center (next to St. Mary’s on Pleasant St in Springfield) on Wednesday, Mar. 9 at 2 p.m. Learn more about Ms. Medina by logging on to her online journal at www.thegardenerseden.com.
Energy Expo excitement!
I hope everyone makes time to swing over to the River Valley Tech Center in Springfield on Saturday, Mar. 19 from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. for a free, energy-efficient extravaganza! Brought to you by the Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission and the Energy Committees of Springfield, Windsor, West Windsor and Weathersfield, this excellent event endeavors to enlighten everyone (okay, enough alliteration) with information and resources about programs and products that can reduce consumption, decrease energy costs and improve our communities. From weatherization options for your home, office or barn to rebate and assistance programs for homeowners, farmers and business owners, you’ll discover the latest innovations and the best investments for lighting, heating, appliances and building structures. If you’d like to participate as a vendor, please contact Dan Potter (dpotter@swcrpc.org) or Jason Rasmussen (jrasmussen@swcrpc.org) at (802) 674-9201. The public is invited to attend free of charge; learn more at www.swcrpc.org.
What’s on your calendar?
Spring is around the corner, and Springfield’s Parks & Recreation Department is ready! Pick up the latest schedule of sports signups at various locations around town, including the library on Main St and Joe’s Discount on River St. From softball and baseball (register from now through March 11th at the Parks & Rec building on Main St) to a wide variety of summer programs (Sports for Squirts, Wrestling Camp, Dance Camp, Tennis Camp and much more), Parks & Rec has it all! Swim lessons and senior programs, cardio cross-training and volleyball, line dancing and youth soccer are just the tip of the iceberg. Give a call to Matt or Andy at (802) 885-2727 for more details.
6th Annual Dam Road Race and Fun Run on May 1st
Give a holler to Parks & Rec at (802) 885-2727 or log on to www.springfieldroadrace.com for registration information on this 4-mile race with a half-mile fun run for kids. There is a fee to participate, and all proceeds go to a different local charity every year.
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