Gazette News Report
BELLBROOK — The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Parks will host a variety of upcoming programs held at the Community Center. Call 937-848-3535 or log onto www.bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org for more information or to register.
Gardening event
Park staff is having a Park Planting Gardening Event 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 at the Community Center. All ages will enjoy this hands-on learning experience in the new rain garden partially funded by Ohio EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund grant; located near the park district headquarters/community center.
Participants will help plant native plant species in the rain garden, as well as take home a plant for your own home. While planting we will learn about the importance of native plant species that help filter out toxins in the ground and in the air near the river and all over Ohio. Pre-registration is preferred in case of inclement weather postponements or cancellations.
Heal our habits
Heal our Habitats: Invasive Species Eradication/Garlic Mustard Pull will be hosted by the park district. Help control invasive species of plants in our parks that choke out our native species and invade their habitat 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 14 at the Community Center will be eradicating Garlic Mustard by pulling it up by hand and with shovels. The parks began this process in 2015 and we are eager to see the results this spring and in years to come as we see new beautiful wildflowers that will thank us for our efforts. Dress for a mess and wear sturdy footwear. This free program is for all ages (children must be with an adult).
Habitat clean up
Help the park district control invasive species of plants in our parks that choke out our native species and invade their habitat. Volunteers will be eradicating Garlic Mustard by pulling it up by and with shovels. The parks began this process in 2015 and we are eager to see the results this spring and in years to come as we see new beautiful wildflowers that will thank us for our efforts. Dress for a mess and wear sturdy footwear. This program will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14 at the Community Center. This program is for all ages – children must be with an adult. Register by contacting the parks.
Nest Fest
Bird lovers are asked to join the parks 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14 to learn all about Ohio’s birds through hands-on activities. Build your own bird’s nest, go on a short bird hike, and learn about our park district Bluebird Trail. Paint a Bluebird box to take home with you.
Bring binoculars if you have them; this will be an indoor/outdoor program located at the Community Center. This program is for ages 6-12 years, children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $10 if you want to take a bird house home with you, otherwise the program is free. Registration is required.
Pinterest Party
The parks district invites adults to learn more about how to create from the popular website Pinterest with a Pinterest Party. Create the website’s most popular crafts and food “pins” on Pinterest. Each month the group will focus and challenge our ideas in four areas: seasonal ideas, health, food, and crafty creations to brighten up your personal space. This program is 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, May 23 at the Community Center. Cost is $15 per resident and $20 per non-resident. Registration required.
Walk and Talk Book Club
Walk and Talk Book Club will be hosted 9 a.m. every second Tuesday and fourth Saturday June through September. This book club is designed for those that love to read as well as enjoy fresh air on a light hike. Each month the group will meet to discuss the current book we are reading while walking through the wooded and prairie trails at Sweet Arrow Reserve, 789 Little Sugarcreek Road. Exercise both our minds and our bodies. June’s book: The Life of Elves by Muriel Barbery; July’s book: Wild by Cheryl Strayed; August’s book: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver; September’s book: H is for Hawk by Helen McDonald. This is a free program for adults.
Sit and sketch
Join local artist Andrew Dailey for a casual afternoon of drawing in the great outdoors. Andrew will be on-site 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 12 and Aug. 20 to offer drawing tips and feedback. Andrew has taught drawing for Miami University, University of Dayton, Wright State University, and Rosewood Arts Centre. He exhibits his work in regional and national venues. In 2011, Dailey was honored with an Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council.
This program is for adults and will be held at Sweet Arrow Reserve, located at 789 Little Sugarcreek Road. The cost is free if you bring your own supplies or $7 if you want to purchase a kit from the instructor.
Zumba toning
The park district offers Zumba toning classes for ages 14 to adult 7- 8 p.m. Tuesday nights at the Community Center. When it comes to body sculpting, Zumba toning combines targeted body-sculpting exercises and high energy cardio work with Latin-infused moves. Torch calories while strength-training at this dance fitness-party. Learn how to use lightweight, maraca-like Toning Sticks to enhance rhythm and tone target zones, including arms, abs, glutes and thighs. One pound toning sticks are provided. Licensed instructor is Amy Kistler. Cost is $3 for residents drop-in fee and $5 for non-residents.
Okinawa Karate
The park district offers Okinawa Karate for ages 7 to adults 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Community Center. Okinawa Shogen-Ryu Karate-Do is a traditional martial art that teaches self-defense, discipline, respect and confidence while providing health and camaraderie for young and old alike. Karate is something that parents can do with their children and it can be done for a lifetime. Instructor Brad Earich is a 4th Degree Black Belt.
Uniforms, called keikogi can be purchased from the instructor or from an online retailer. For more information www.daytonshogenryu.com. Cost is $50 per month and $55 for non-residents per month.
