Because this section is free of charge, community events are subject to run based on available space. Religion items are published on the Saturday church page. Email events to [email protected].
TODAY, MARCH 16
ADULT ARTS AND CRAFTS: Let creativity shine to create a cute craft or inspiring art piece from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Ruby B. Archie Library auditorium. Ages 18 and up. No fee. Registration is required by calling, 434-799-5195.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17
FAMILY GAME NIGHTS: Relax with family and come out for a fun night of board games, sports and outdoor games at Coates Recreation Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. No fee. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5150. Sponsored by Parks and Recreation.
People are also reading…
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
CARS & COFFEE: Old Dominion Classic Sports Car Club will hold Cars & Coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. at Crema & Vine, 1009 Main St. For more information, call 434-548-9862.
JAPANESE CULTURAL EVENT: George Washington High School Japanese class and club will host the third annual Japan Day free event in the GW auditorium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be Kendo, Taiko Drumming, a tea ceremony, prizes and more. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/yse2tj2z.
CLASSIC MOVIE CLUB: Enjoy a classic movie with discussion following at the Ruby B. Archie Library auditorium from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “The Adventure of Robin Hood” (1938) for ages 18 and up. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5195. No fee.
ARCHERY 101 WORKSHOP: Learn the basic safety, anchor points, draw and release, care of equipment and essential safety skills with a USA Archery certified instructor for ages 5 to 17 at Coates Recreation Center from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $12. Registration required by calling, 434-799-5150.
HOMESTEADING 101: Learn from local homesteaders Ben and Amber Martin at Glenwood Community Center from 10 a.m. to noon. No fee. For ages 5 and up; registration is required a week prior.
MONDAY, MARCH 20
PRESSURE CANNER LID TESTING: Virginia Cooperative Extensive Office, 19783 U.S. 29 South, Suite C, Chatham, will check pressure cooker lid and gauge used for canning at no cost from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call 434-432-7770.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21
THE WRITE…
, To read the original article from godanriver.com, Click here
She had only been on the job 4 and a half hours and she was already fielding questions as to how she was going bring visitors to the area.
But for Chi Eastin, Fort Madison’s new tourism director, that came naturally. She’s been promoting the area for the years.
For the last four years, as general manager of The Kingsley Inn, Eastin has planned events, both at the hotel and in the community, to entertain residents and bring visitors to town, and has more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry.
She moved into her office, which for now is at the Fort Madison Partners office in the Cattermole building on Seventh Street, Tuesday morning and says she has a quite a to-do list to complete before May when the heaviest part of the tourism season begins.
First, she aims to focus on what she calls the “5 A’s of Tourism” – Amenities, Access, Accommodations, Attractions and Activities – particularly with regard to the Lake Cooper Loop. This loop is the local section of the Mississippi River that contains 30,466 acres of aquatic habitats and a scenic 50-mile loop passing through Iowa and Illinois, located between Keokuk’s Lock 19 and Fort Madison’s swing span bridge.
“I’m going to be working with Montrose, Keouk, Nauvoo, Hamilton. I’ve got to find something in Niota,” she told Rotarians at their luncheon meeting Tuesday.
Eastin, along with Kirk Brandenberger, director of the Keokuk Convention & Tourism Bureau, and others, have been working on the loop concept and regional approach to tourism the last few years, and put on the first River & Rails Weekend in 2021.
It has since become an annual event, with this year’s slated for April 27-29.
Eastin and Brandeberger will also be taking their annual trek to Salt Lake City, Utah next weekend – a trip they take by train for 30 hours – to promote the Lee and Hancock Counties and connect with vendors and promoters.
In addition to trips to Salt Lake City and the Iowa Tourism Conference in March, Eastin said she will be touring all local motels and sites to get an updated, and more comprehensive view of what amenities are available.
Although she is familiar with many of the motels, she said she wants to check out the bed and breakfast and Airbnb sites, and gather information about banquet facilities, venues, and the number of rooms available at each site.
, To read the original article from news.google.com, Click here
There’s no denying it — for many, work environments have changed. A traditional 8-to-5 in an office setting is on the decline, while remote working — complete with its cozy home offices, flexible schedules and meetings via Zoom
ZM, -0.38%
— is growing in popularity. The exciting part? The freedom of not being tied to a physical office opens you up to a world (literally) of places to live. We’re looking at you, outdoor enthusiasts. Ready to meld your love of the outside with your vivacious drive to crush your career goals? If you’re a remote worker —or anyone — who is looking for the perfect work-life balance and loves spending time in the great outdoors, these seven places around the U.S. give residents the best of both worlds.
Located in the western portion of the mitten, Muskegon does not disappoint when it comes to its selection of outdoor activities. Its proximity to beautiful Lake Michigan allows for many watersports, from swimming and boating to kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing and more. If venturing into the water isn’t your idea of fun, you can still enjoy the view and get in some exercise by walking the sandy shore.
If you have a few hours of free time or just need a short break during your workday, area trails make for the perfect place to stretch your legs. While there are several in and around the region, the paved, 12-mile Lakeshore Trail is a great place to walk, jog or bike.
The fun doesn’t stop once the weather turns cold. Residents can find several places to go cross-country skiing, including Muskegon State Park and nearby William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park. And for those up for a thrill, strap on a helmet and head to Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, home to the only universally accessible luge track in the country. It’s also a popular spot for cross-country skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing.
Don’t miss:
, To read the original article from news.google.com, Click here
Earlier this year, the Dalton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) installed two practice disc golf baskets outside its visitor information center that is in the old freight depot at 305 S. Depot St., just off Morris Street.
“We are trying to share with our visitors things made in Dalton and Georgia grown,” said Margaret Thigpen, director of tourism for Dalton and Whitfield County, who directs the CVB and the Dalton Convention Center.
Prodigy Disc, a Whitfield County-based manufacturer of disc golf equipment, donated one of the baskets and sold the CVB the other.
“They (the practice baskets) are getting a lot of use,” said Thigpen. “They are not only being used by our visitors, but by our locals, especially those living in the Belk building.”
“We took that idea and expanded it,” Thigpen said. “We thought it would be great to have something throughout downtown. We got with the DDDA (Downtown Dalton Development Authority), Prodigy, the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department and Whitfield County. Voila, we now have a par 2 disc golf course downtown.”
The course, which is open for play, has eight baskets in four locations: the Burr Performing Arts Park, Dalton Green, the county-owned greenspace across from the courthouse and the freight depot. Discs will be for sale at the freight depot.
“To our knowledge, this is the only permanent downtown disc golf course in the nation,” said DDDA Executive Director Candace Eaton.
“I think it’s a huge deal because it will bring a different market downtown,” Eaton said in a press release from the city. “As they walk the course they’ll see local businesses downtown or stop and eat lunch or dinner, or maybe grab a beer or shop.”
“From a tourism standpoint, it absolutely opens our downtown for visitors to have something more to do, to keep them there a little longer,” Thigpen said in the press release. “For all of our tournaments and events coming into our community, just to have something else for the visitors to do when they’re waiting for their next game or their next event, that’s a great addition.”
The Greater Dalton area has several full-sized disc golf courses.
The Whitfield County Parks and Recreation Department’s Westside Park Disc Golf Course was voted one of the top four courses in the United States in 2020 by the readers of Connect…
Visit Emporia it touting community partnerships after it earned three first place marketing awards during the Kansas Tourism conference in Wichita last week.
The conference was held Oct. 17 – 19.
Visit Emporia’s awards include the People’s Choice Award, print advertising for the city’s disc golf and cycling field guides, and the Emporia Visitors Guide. Director LeLan Dains said this is the second consecutive time Emporia has earned the People’s Choice Award.
“The thing about the People’s Choice Award is it’s not going based on community size or budget size,” he said. “We’re up against Kansas City, up against bigger communities who have budgets significantly larger than ours. So, to receive that two years in a row is somewhat unprecedented and I’m really, extraordinarily proud.”
Dains said it speaks to the innovation and creativity coming out of Emporia, being able to compete with those larger organizations across the state.
“My perception is that the innovation resonates with them a little bit more, because they see how we can do more with less,” he said.
One of those innovations, Visit Emporia’s bike chariots, just happened to win the People’s Choice Award this year. Dains said he saw a similar project out of Wales, U.K., where people were riding around a town festival on a chariot pulled by a bicycle. Thinking it was a neat idea, he brought the idea to Emporia.
“I thought that was really fun and that’d be a great here, since we’re known as a cycling destination,” Dains said.
IM Design Group co-owner Shawn Honea, whose company designed the wraps and worked with Visit Emporia on its publications, said it was an exciting accolade. He said IM Design has worked with Visit Emporia for years.
“I think have the history is a really, really important aspect of working with them, and with the city,” Honea said. “LeLan has brought a whole new process to making this guide, with all new ideas. He’s a very excited, go-getter kinda dude. He’s making things happen, and I think that shows.”
Dains said the collaboration with IM Design helps bring Visit Emporia’s designs to life. This year, Visit Emporia published its Visitors Guide in both English and Spanish.
“I think that’s a big sticking point is that we had it translated into Spanish and made it available digitally, which very few communities across the state of Kansas are…
If you and your family are ready to hit the road, chances are that you’ll be looking to do so at a place that has enough activities to keep everyone entertained. And after so much time at home, you might even be looking for some family vacation ideas to spread out and get some time — and space — to yourself.
Before you choose a hotel for your family, there are a few features to look for to ensure the property has the space and amenities to allow everyone to claim a spot, spread their wings, meet new friends that don’t share the same address and enjoy their time. Here’s what to look for:
Lots of nooks and crannies. Acreage is great, but also take a look at the way the hotel is designed. Are there a variety of places to curl up with a book, check your email or just lounge in the sun without bumping into other families? Depending on the layout, even a boutique hotel can work for families, so long as there are multiple zones to space everything out.
A mix of organized and spontaneous activities. Boating excursions, guided hikes and museum visits are fun, but a hotel that also offers a variety of activities you can choose to do on impulse is ideal. We’re talking poolside limbo contests, pop-up ice cream stands and kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
More than just a kids club. If you’re traveling with little ones, having a kids club is great, but not if it comes with a ton of restrictions — especially limited hours. A resort that provides organized activities for younger children that goes beyond crafting in the room designated as the “kids club” is a much better bet, particularly if you’re staying for more than just a couple of days and you really need a break from…
The Susquehanna Valley is known for its beautiful scenery, but the various geographic features in the area support a wide variety of recreational activities.
Increasing interest in outdoor recreation is one of the reasons the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is hosting the 2022 Outdoor Expo on June 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, at Shikellamy State Park. The demonstrations and displays will take place in the Marina section of the park on ____ Island. However, anyone attending who has never visited Shikellamy Lookout, should do so before you leave the area. The view of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna River provides an incredible view of the valley.
John Zaktansky of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Assoc, Inc., one of the sponsors of the Expo, said Shikellamy State Park was chosen because it’s a central location along the Susquehanna River — and within Pennsylvania. “So, we thought it’d be the perfect place to bring [the outdoor] community together,” said John Zaktansky of Susquehanna Riverkeepers.
“With the onset of the pandemic,” said Alana Jajko, Director of Communications and Outreach for SGP, “we saw a lot of new folks outside hiking, biking, kayaking.” She continued by explaining that, with so many new recreational opportunities, there is a need for displays, educational exhibits and presentations. Jayjko assures both novices and experts in a sport, that they’ll find something helpful or of interest at the Expo.
SGP is planning an event similar to those held in many other states. Until now, Pennsylvania has gone without one on this scale. To date, more than 50 exhibitors…
There are a variety of free, family-friendly public programs taking place throughout the month of May at Prince Gallitzin State Park. Some programs require registration by contacting Vinny Curtis at (814) 674-1000×105 or [email protected].
Friday, May 13, 4 and 6 p.m., at Prince Gallitzin Marina
Tag along for a trip around the lake to see what kinds of waterfowl are hanging out at Glendale Lake. We will scan the water for ducks, geese, swans, loons and grebes! If you have binoculars, please bring them. A limited pair will be available. Minimum age 5 years old.
Free program. Donations will be accepted for our Friends of Prince Gallitzin.
Saturday, May 14, 1 p.m., at Campground Beach
Bring a camera, phone or tablet to the Campground Beach and take part in a family-fun scavenger hunt! See if you can find everything on the list to take a snapshot of! Free program.
Friday, May 20, 6 p.m., at Killbuck Boat Launch
Join a naturalist for a guided paddle onto the lake. A variety of areas and topics will be explored. All participants need to supply their own equipment and have basic flat-water paddling experience. Participants must wear a lifejacket. Drinking water and sunscreen are recommended. Programs may last up to 2 hours. Free program.
Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pickerel Pond
It’s National Kids to Parks Day! Bring your kids to the Pickerel Pond Day-use Area at the park any time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of outdoor activities. Play at the playground, try your hand at fishing, disc golf or even geocaching with all materials provided! Registration encouraged. Free program.
Sunday, May 22, 10 a.m., at Campground Store
Come along and start your day with a refreshing morning hike on Point Trail to discover what flora and fauna we can find. Be prepared for a moderate 2-mile (possibly muddy!) hike. Meet at the Campground Store. Free program.
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m., at Campground Amphitheater
Join us at the campground Amphitheater for a Memorial Service to honor our veterans. There will be a speaker followed by a 21 gun salute and the playing of taps. Sponsored by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Free program.
Children’s Red, White & Blue Bike Parade
Saturday, May 28, 1 p.m., at Campground
Decorate your bicycles, wagons, or anything that rolls in red, white, and blue and join us for a patriotic parade through the campground. Assemble at the dump station near the Campground Store at 12:45 p.m. The parade will start promptly at 1 p.m. and will proceed down the main road of the campground. Don’t forget to wear your bike helmet! Following the parade, door prizes for adult campers will be awarded at the amphitheater. Note that the main road will be closed for a short time during this event for the safety of our children. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Free program.
Saturday, May 28, 3 p.m., at Campground 2nd/Visitor Car Parking
Bring your furry friend along on an easy-moderate hike through the park. Pets must be friendly with other people and pets and must remain on a leash at all times. No pet? No worries! Come along for a hike anyway! Free program.
Saturday, May 28, 7 p.m., at Campground Amphitheater
What species of turtles live in Pennsylvania? How big can a snapping turtle get? Find out the answers and much more at this family friendly presentation. Free program.
Sunday, May 29, 9 a.m., meet at Campground Store
Come along and start your day with a refreshing morning hike on Point Trail to discover what flora and fauna we can find. Be prepared for a moderate 2-mile (possibly muddy!) hike. Free program.
Pontoon Boat Tours on Glendale Lake
Sunday, May 29, 9 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at Prince Gallitzin Marina
Take a scenic ride on the lake and learn about the historical and natural features of the park. Registration required. Free program.
Sunday, May 29, 1-3 p.m., at Campground Beach
Come along as we discover a variety of primitive devices used to create fire before the time of matches and lighters! Try your hand at flint-and-steel or a bow drill and see how fast it takes you to go from friction to flame! Stop by anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. Free program.
Hiking and mountain biking trails and Oneonta creek are the most popular parts of Oneonta’s Wilber Park, according to a public opinion survey conducted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
There were 382 people, mostly city and town residents, who completed the online survey about existing facilities and what new developments they’d desire in Wilber Park. The information collected will be used to develop a master plan for the park, and will help the commission prioritize improvements.
Of the respondents, 57% visited the park at least weekly, and 95% said they used the hiking and walking trails. The area along Oneonta Creek is also popular, used by 83% of visitors.
61% of visitors said they use the trails every week, and 41% spend time along the creek every week.
While the bike trails get used by fewer total people, they have a large core group of users — one third of respondents said they use those trails weekly or more often. The mountain bike trails are intermingled with the hiking trails in the upper part of the park, but tend to zigzag with many switchbacks.
“What makes Wilber Park special is that it is sort of a place in nature, in the heart of the city. And a lot of people don’t want to see that change,” said Council Member Kaytee Lipari Shue, D-Fourth Ward. She also serves as the Council representative on the parks commission. “I was really relieved to see this, because as somebody who lives in close proximity to the park, it’s a sentiment that I share.”
The Wilber Park playground placed fourth among most-highly-used spots, after the natural areas. In contrast, the basketball courts, tennis courts and the “family play space” — an empty field between the tennis courts — were the least visited by survey respondents.
Survey takers were asked to evaluate existing features in terms of quality. Trails, roads and parking areas got high marks, while restrooms got the lowest score.
The survey also asked what new features people would like to see added to the park. Additional bathrooms got the most votes, followed by a stone-dust running path, a tennis backboard wall, volleyball courts and Frisbee golf. Lipari Shue said she was surprised to see the popularity of disc golf; after Googling it to learn more, she concluded that it seemed “passive and serene” and a good fit.
“The catalyst for this is that we have a master plan for Neahwa Park, which lists upgrades that have been suggested and, for all intents and purposes, approved — even though you know virtually none of them have funding,” Lipari Shue said. Wilber Park does not have a master plan, and so the community preferences identified will drive decisions.
Parks projects usually aren’t passed and funded easily. “They’re sort of seen as low, low priority,” she said. “Streets and drinking water come first.” However, over the long term — five to 10 years — she said the city is committed to making these most popular ideas happen.
Mike Forster Rothbart, staff writer, can be reached at [email protected] or 607-441-7213. Follow him at @DS_MikeFR on Twitter.