Beginning and seasoned beekeepers alike can learn more at the Spring Beekeeping Workshop on March 2 and 3 at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster Township.
The workshop, sponsored by the Tri-County Beekeeper’s Association, starts that Friday evening and continues all day Saturday. A selection of educational programs is offered, along with sessions for children ages 6 to 12. Other activities include a honey recipe contest, a hands-on learning room and a visit to the new Ohio State University Pollinatarium.
Early registration costs $30 for association members and $35 for others. For registrations postmarked after Feb. 18, the cost is $45. Youth 17 and younger pay $5.
An optional lunch is extra.
Details and online registration are at www.TriCountyBeekeepers.org. You can also call 330-801-1309 or write to Tri-County Beekeeper’s Association, P.O. Box 1212, Wooster, OH 44691.
Kill a Watt
Patrons of the Stark County District Library can now borrow electricity meters to monitor their power use.
The Kill a Watt meters can be used to determine how much electricity an appliance or device uses and identify those that draw power even when they’re turned off.
The meters are being supplied in conjunction with AEP Ohio. They’re available at the main library and the DeHoff Memorial, East Canton, Madge Youtz, North, Plain Community and Sandy Valley branches.
Meters may be checked out for two weeks and renewed.
Designer ShowHouse
The Junior League of Akron is already gearing up for its Designer ShowHouse 2012.
The West Akron home of Carol and the late Herbert Awender will be this year’s interior design showcase, scheduled for Oct. 13-28. The French country-inspired house was built in 1971, designed as a mini-Stan Hywet.
Designers recently toured the home in preparation for bidding to participate in the fundraiser.
The event marks the Junior League’s return to the traditional show-house concept, in which designers redecorate individual rooms for the public to tour. Last year, the league presented a kitchen tour instead of a whole-house makeover.
Events, programs
• Great Big Home & Garden Expo, today through Feb. 12, I-X Center, 6200 Riverside Drive, Cleveland. Features include vendor displays, indoor gardens, two walk-through log cabins, demonstrations and seminars. Appearances by TV celebrities Chip Wade, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. today and noon and 3 p.m. Sunday; Matt Fox, various times today through Tuesday; Christopher Straub, 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday and noon and 2 p.m. Friday; and Bryan Baeumler, noon Feb. 12. Show hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 11 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 12. $14; discounts for seniors Monday through Thursday and daily for children. Information: www.greatbighomeandgarden.com.
• Community Service Sewing, anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 21 and 28 at Firestone Park Community Center, 1480 Girard St., Akron. Quilt kits will be provided. Learn the basics and work on quilts for charity. Free. Registration required. 330-375-2806.
• Needlework Circle, 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Seville Branch, Medina County District Library, North Center Street. 330-769-2852.
• Twinsburg Garden Club, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Twinsburg Senior Center (behind the outdoor pool area). Meeting, refreshments and talk by Laura Bartel on seed starting with milk jugs. Bring clean milk jugs to participate. New members welcome. Call Karen, 330-425-3626, or see www.twinsburg-garden-club.com.
• Leisure Birding, 9-11 a.m. Feb. 11, Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster Township. Bird-watching walk led by members of Greater Mohican Audubon Society. Free. 330-464-2148.
• Back to Basics — Creating a Successful Backyard Vegetable Garden, 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 11, Graf Growers, 1015 White Pond Drive, Copley Township. Presentation by Pam Bennett of the Ohio State University Extension in Clark County. $12. Advance registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome as space allows. Print out the mail-in registration form in the “In Season” section of www.grafgrowers.com, or call 330-836-2727 to register.
• Growing Orchids in Your Home, 11 a.m. Feb. 11, Donzell’s Flower & Garden Center, 937 E. Waterloo Road, Akron. Presented by Akron Orchid Society. Free. Reservations required at 330-724-0550, ext. 110.
• Rock Gardening, 11 a.m. Feb. 11, Dayton Nurseries, 3459 Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton. Talk by Chuck Gleaves of Kingwood Center in Mansfield. $10; garden members, $5. Reservations: 330-825-3320.
• Knitting and Crocheting Circle, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11, Highland Branch, Medina County District Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Granger Township. Learn the basics or bring your projects and swap tips. Registration: 330-278-4271 or 330-239-2674.
• Mulch — Everything You Wanted to Know, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Dayton Nurseries, 3459 Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton. Talk by Michelle Riley of All About You Signature Landscape Design in Tallmadge. Free, but reservations are required at 234-678-8266 or Michelle@neohiogarden.com.
Submit notices of classes, programs and events two weeks in advance to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com or Home and Garden News, Features Department, Akron Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640. Please include name and phone number. All events must be open to the public.
Mary Beth Breckenridge can be reached at 330-996-3756 or mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com. You can also become a fan on Facebook.
