Crafts, Wreaths, Day Camp and a Belated Peek at Piemaking

By Ken DeLaat

Throughout its many incarnations the denizens of N3 World Headquarters & Christmas Decor Extraordinaire have always had a deep fondness for Howard Christensen Nature Center. 
N3WH CEO and Lifetime Spousal Companion Lil has familial ties to the founders and I recall visiting the site when they still lived on the premises.
They also have some of the finest walking trails in a region that boasts some mighty fine walking trails.

Thus when they reached out to N3 about sharing some of their activities we were happy to oblige. One of the first events they sent us was a pie making workshop scheduled to be held the week before Thanksgiving, a most timely type of training we must say.
We received the info far ahead of time and thought to post it on our site a week or two beforehand.
And as happens when one is afflicted with a set of organizational skills that fall far short of organizational needs it didn’t happen. By the time I discovered the reminder set up to let me know that it was time to get to it was deeply flawed (one needs to remember one has reminders in place) the time had passed.

The personal misfire produced that long ago yet frighteningly familiar feeling of dread that would occur when delivering report cards to the parents during my, uh, non academic era in early high school.
I had been a bit captivated by the idea of a pie workshop because I am not only a huge fan of pie (cherry tops the chart but if it’s got a crust I’m all in) I also believe the world would be a kinder gentler place if there could just be more pie.

Beyond putting in a story about the upcoming activities coming to HCNC we thought we’d include a bit of a review to give folks a little personal lowdown on how these things go.
 Having heard that our friend and former colleague P.G. Williams had attended the pie preparation party we asked her for her take on the event and she graciously agreed.

“It was a lot of fun!  I did not end up going with anyone I knew but met some great people.  That is what is nice about going to events there, even if you  go by yourself the people there make you feel comfortable and welcome!  They are great people to be around.  We made an apple pie, cherry pie and brought home the filling and crust for a spiced pumpkin pie.  I learned some great tips from the ladies I sat with and everyone was so nice.  My family likes to participate in activities there because they are fun and we always learn something!”

Thank you Ms. W.

Here are the upcoming events to be held at HCNC:

​Sat Dec 11 @ 1 pm - Come join us for our nature inspired craft day!
Wrapping paper & gift bags provided. 
Limited to 30 kids - pre-registration required to ensure supplies.
nonmembers $5 and members $3
Crafts this year include:
1. ice crystal acorn necklaces
2. pinecone owl ornament
3. miniature grapevine wreath
4. santa and elf bellie jewelry box to house acorn necklace

Winter Break Day Camp
December 27-30 10am-2pm
$10/day
Bring lunch and dress for the outdoors.
see website for additional information
 
Wreath Making Kits - a Tradition at HCNC!
Call to place your order and you  can pick up at the interpretive center on Fri, Sat or Sun from 12-4pm -  from Nov 26 to Dec 19th
Get your traditional handmade grapevine wreath to take home and decorate!
wreath $10 non members and $5 members
bag of trimmings $20 non members and $15 members
- a bag of trimmings includes a variety of ribbon, natural trimmings and holiday ornaments.

The Pie Project this reporter dropped the ball on