WEEKEND PLANNER
The best things in life are virtually free; Sunday’s breath of fresh spring air included.
Dry off the barbecue and grill some dinner, dig in the dirt or enjoy one of these five virtual things to do. Whatever your pleasure, enjoy springtime on this first weekend of May. Remember to social distance (at least two-metres apart) and keep your dog leashed.
Sunday now looks to be the day to cut the grass after a long week of rain. Environment Canada is calling for 40 per cent chance of showers Saturday afternoon with a high of 16 C. The skies are expected to clear Sunday morning, giving us a mostly sunny day with a high of 20.
MOVIE NIGHT
Ward 3 Coun. Nrinder Nann, is hosting an online movie night Friday, 7 p.m. You can join in through her Facebook page to watch : “Migrant Dreams,” by Min Sook Lee.
WALK-A-THONS
Spring community walk-a-thons are anything but status quo this year. Many are adapting to new social distancing rules and anyone can jump into action to help the cause. Virtual walk-a-thons are the way to get out, mix it up and continue to help during these trying times. Sign up, collect pledges or join a team. Here’s a list of community fundraising walk-a-thon events: á Walk for Alzheimers has moved online. The virtual event is May 31; á Autism Speaks Virtual Dog Walk. Event date is June 7, but you can register and start now; á The 10th annual Mike Ride is postponed from Sunday, May 3, to Sunday, Oct. 4; á The Virtual Hike for Hospice is June 13. Register to support or donate to Hamilton’s Bob Kemp Hospice.
CHECK IT OUT
Hamilton Public Library offers virtually anything you want to read. Don’t miss out on the 211,400 digital titles the HPL and its partners have to offer, free with your library membership.
Touted as one of the largest library systems in
Canada, Hamiltonians can discover the extensive digital collections. There’s step-by-step information about how to access the digital catalogues in Hamilton, Burlington and Mississauga at hpl.ca. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in Hamilton can register for a free library card at hpl.ca. Connect on Twitter @hamiltonlibrary and Facebook at HamiltonPublicLibrary. á Other fun with HPL is a children’s storytime with the library’s Erin. She shares songs, stories and sing-a-longs all online.
RBG at HOME
Gardening is right up your alley, porch or backyard. Take a virtual tour of the gardens, see what’s in bloom, families can connect as citizen scientists, teachers can rely on digital school programs, and everyone can enjoy the nature and gardeningthemed talks; educational videos and articles; gardening tips and more. Get out at home with the Royal Botanical Gardens. Visit rbg.ca/athome. á Here’s a great example of RBG at Home. Watch and learn how to grow potatoes on your balcony or patio. Did you know you should use a “seed potato,” not one from your kitchen? It’s to prevent pathogens.
HPO
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra annual Community Recital is going online Saturday.
Living Room Community Recital features community musicians, who have recorded themselves at home performing a favourite work on their instrument. You can watch the compilation Saturday, 7 p.m., via HPO social media (Twitter, Facebook and YouTube).
Why wait for the magic? Visit HPO at Home and be a part of the online journey during COVID-19. Take a listen to one of the HPO SoundCloud clips. Hear the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra perform Leonore Overture No. 3.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com