Feb. 1
• Full Moon Snowshoe, Berks Leisure Area, 1901 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, 6 p.m. Enjoy a snowshoe walk down the Union Canal Trail with Parks staff. We’ll grab a cup of hot chocolate and discuss snowshoe tips before trying out a few pairs outside. In the event we don’t have snow, we’ll still look at snowshoes and then go for a hike on foot on the trail. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Feb. 2
• A Christian pet loss support group will be held at St. John’s Reformed Church, 4001 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring. The next meeting will be held in the church’s fellowship hall, starting at 6:45 p.m. Sessions are led by Dr. Becky Frank, associate veterinarian with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. Frank is also certified in thanatology (death, loss, grief and bereavement). The program entails six different sessions and participants may join at any time. This group is open to the public and is offered at no charge. Questions should be directed to office@stjohnsss.org. RSVP to that email if you are planning to attend. Parking is located behind the church, and the fellowship hall is on the lower level.
Feb. 7
• Winter Wellness Walk, Berks Leisure Area, 1901 Tulpenocken Road, Wyomissing, 9 a.m. Join Parks staff as we get out on the Union Canal Trail to enjoy an hour-long brisk walk with likeminded friends. Getting moving this time of the year can be tough, but studies show that outdoor time is just as important in winter as the warmer months of the year. Just a few minutes of walking can greatly improve the state of your mind, create healthy habits, and introduce new connections among others looking to do the same! Wear walking shoes or other appropriate footwear and dress accordingly. Free. Registration suggested at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
• Deadline to order chicken corn noodle soup and ham and cheese sandwiches from St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 122 W. Franklin St., Topton. Cost is $7 for a quart of soup and $5 for sandwiches. Pickup on Feb. 14 from 9 a.m.-noon at the church. To order, call 610-682-7633.
• Pennsylvania German ice harvesting demonstration, Historic Dreibelbis Farm, 356 Hard Hill Road, Richmond Township, 1:30-4:30 p.m. The event will include a demonstration of antique ice harvesting tools and (weather permitting) cutting and harvesting ice blocks from the ice pond. We’ll explain how and why ice was hauled to and loaded in the farm’s ice house. The first presentation will begin at 1:45; a repeat presentation will be at 2:30. We’ll offer horse-drawn wagon rides for a small fee (or if we have 4 inches of snow on the ground, the horses will pull a sleigh). A bonfire, homemade soup, hot chocolate and marshmallows for toasting will be available, and the farm grounds and nature trail will be open to the public. The event is free (wagon/sleigh rides and food for a small fee) and will be held rain or shine, with only blizzard conditions or pouring rain cancelling.
Feb. 10
• Trail Tales, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 10 a.m. Get wrapped up in a trail tale and discover plants and animal friends in our parks. This toddler-age program focuses on a nature topic each month partnered with a story and a craft. Special guests and visitors may make an appearance to join us in the fun! Geared toward children ages 3-5. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Feb. 11
• Junk Journaling: Part 2, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Townshp, 6 p.m. Join us for this workshop series to learn the art of junk journaling. Junk journals can be made out an assortment of different materials, which are often recycled or found. Learn about ways you can use your journal and what supplies can be utilized to create one. A limited amount of art materials are provided but please bring your own book and any supplies you would like to include in your journal. If you need to purchase a journal, we will have some available for $5. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Feb. 14
• Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue will hold its monthly open house from 10 a.m. until noon at its Golden Gateway facility at 60 Vera Cruz Road, Reinholds. Meet and greet the golden retrievers and dogs available for adoption. Staff is on hand to answer questions, and food is available for purchase. No admission charge. No photos, and do not bring other dogs to this event. For more information, contact info@dvgrr.org, call 717-484-4799 or visit dvgrr.org/adopt/monthlyopenhouse.
Feb. 18
• Winter Tree Walk, Angora Fruit Farm, 502 Angora Road, Lower Alsace Township, 9 a.m. Come with us as we get to know our favorite natural friends in a different light (or in this case, season). Trees can be easy to identify when they have leaves, however, as we dive into the colder months where leaves are scarce, we are here to emphasize their other identifiable features. Join us as we look at a variety of different tree and shrub species and test your ID knowledge. This program is geared toward adults, but all are welcome. We will be outside so water and sturdy walking shoes/boots are recommended. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Feb. 20-21
• Friends of the Sinking Spring Library book sale, 3940 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Snow dates are Feb. 27-28. Hardback and paperback books, children’s books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles. All cookbooks and DIY and craft books are half prices. Cash and checks only.
Feb. 22
• Deadlilne to order Italian hoagies from Pioneer Grange, 46 E. Keller St., Topton. Cost is $6. Pick up on March 2 from 3-5 p.m. at the Grange hall. To order, call Tammy at 610-463-7213.
Feb. 28
• Maple Sugaring, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township, 10 a.m. Learn how to identify the right kinds of trees to tap and make your very own syrup. Observe the process of taking sap to syrup and see just how much it takes to get the sweet and sticky liquid we love. $5 per person, kids under 3 free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
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