Parks and Rec Department announces spring programs
Several programs are being presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 610-3748839, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks or find us on Facebook under Berks County Parks and Recreation. History of Costume in Pennsylvania 1600-1900 will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, at Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Rd., Reading. Albright Professor Dr. Damayanthie Eluwawalage will examine a new departure in the study of dress in early (c1600-1900) Pennsylvania, focusing on the rationale behind individual and collective clothing practices. The study investigates the internal and external influences which impacted upon early inhabitants’ ways of dressing, their societal attitudes and social demeanor. It compares the influences on attire and finery in early society with the European context and examines the influences caused by world-wide dominant events, ideas and social groups, and their effect on societal and cultural attitudes. The paper examines clothing as a symbolic indicator of status which influenced the class distinction in early Pennsylvanian society. It will also investigate the sociological aspects, such as social standing and structure, function and position of fashion and finery in Pennsylvanian socio-economical history. The study will also examine the influences and effects of provincial and cosmopolitan factors, the impacts of the media, tradition, practice, climatic conditions, civic and civil affairs as well as the efficient use of the clothing resources and materials utilized. This is a FREE event.
Kayak Safety 101 will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, at the Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading. This program will emphasize the importance of Canoeing and Kayaking Water Safety. The program will start out as a power point program about how to be safe on the water, followed by a chance to try on different styles of lifejackets and practice your skills at using a throw bag. Co-Sponsor: Spring Township Parks and Recreation.
Sewing Circle will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, at the Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading. An old-fashioned sewing circle offers the opportunity for new and experienced stitchers of all crafts to gather and exchange skills and
camaraderie. In our era of technology, it is fun to take a step back and renew these opportunities. Each person should bring a project of their own to work on, whether it’s sewing, embroidery, quilting, knitting, crocheting, etc. Topic: Buttons. This is a FREE event. Birdwalk at the Kerny takes place at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, at the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area, 25 Kernsville Dam Road, Hamburg. Join us for an early morning “Birdwalk at the Kerny” along the Cabela’s Wetlands Trail looking for birds attracted to the wetlands and other wildlife abundant to the area. The Kernsville Dam Recreation Area is one of the best locations in the county for birders, and this is a peak time for migrant songbirds. Dress for the weather, and for a leisurely walk about one mile in length. Bring binoculars, or borrow a pair from us. Depending on the weather, we should see 35 or more species of birds! This is a FREE event. For more information, call 610-374-2944.
Tully Pedal and Paddle Tully Pedal and Paddle is Sunday, May 20 at 1 p.m. at Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Rd., Reading (Bern Twp.). Join in for double dose of outdoor recreation along the creek, starting at the Berks County Heritage Center with a bike ride up the Union Canal trail to Blue Marsh Lake’s Stilling Basin parking area; where we’ll trade our bikes for kayaks. Then we’ll cool off with a float down the Tully back to the Heritage Center. Bring your own kayak and bike; or reserve a kayak through Blue Marsh Outdoors, 610-488-5540, www.bluemarshoutdoors.com. The trip is for people with some paddling experience, and is limited to 20 people. ACA event insurance is recommended. Program presented by a partnership with Blue Marsh Outdoors, U.S.A.C.E. Blue Marsh Lake, Township of Spring Parks & Recreation, and Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. Pre-registration is required by May 14 to 610-374-2944.