This past Saturday we got our hands dirty all the way up to our elbows! What great fun it was! You ask, now why would you do such a thing? Well, let me share with you why … WE WERE LEARNING HOW TO BE MASTER GARDENERS! It was such an exciting day. The youth were embraced and dazzled by Roger Erpelding. Roger has been a Master Gardener for many years, and his experience and knowledge that he shared with us was simply priceless! He shared his gardening tips and taught us when and what type of plants grow best at certain times of the year. The old myth, is it true, should I plant those precious flowers AFTER Mother’s Day, our Master Gardener says, “YES!”
The morning activities were nothing short of fun. Each child was taught how to plant a flower or vegetable, and even how to water in the right dose. Great care was taken with the pepper and tomato plants. Lois Crozier will be measuring the progress of each plant and will share with our “little” Master Gardeners their growth progress.
In the afternoon, Nami Wallace, one of the Department’s Orientation Center Instructors, took all of the students on a chilly adventure to help them master their mobility and orientation skills. We finished up with a sack lunch and the families were invited to check out books. One of the many special qualities is spending time with our friends at the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Parents are invited to share, connect and learn from each other.
S.O.A.R. Saturday will have many surprises in the future. Please don’t hesitate to contact Lois Crozier to join in on the fun!
Lois Crozier, Youth Services Librarian, 515-281-1295, lois.crozier@blind.state.ia.us
