Sep 29, 2024 | Uncategorized
BLOOMSBURG – A grant from the Degenstein Foundation is supporting digital literacy education for seniors and others at libraries across the region through the new Atlas Digital Navigator Program. The funds will help members of the public utilize technology for job searches, healthcare, and education through free computer classes at area libraries.
The grant provides for a Digital Literacy Educator that is hosted by the Bloomsburg Public Library and will provide free computer classes at that library as well as the Thomas Beaver Free Library in Danville, the Milton Public Library, the Degenstein Community Library in Sunbury, and the Rudy Gelnett Memorial Library in Selinsgrove. Delia Rincon was hired in June and has been developing the program using the digitallearn.org curriculum from the Public Library Association. She will offer the first set of scheduled classes starting on Monday, September 16.
Ammon Young, Bloomsburg Public Library Director, said, “We were very fortunate to find Delia, with her background in technology and teaching and her wonderful, person-centered approach. She is from Venezuela and has lived in the United States for 25 years. The seniors, teens, and other folks she has offered classes to during our startup period have appreciated her kind and patient approach to teaching. She can help people who speak English, Spanish, or Portuguese.”
DRIVE, an economic development council of governments, received $125,000 from the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation after speaking with library directors about the demand for digital literacy education.
“Ensuring people have the skills needed to fully participate in the digital economy is an integral component in bridging the digital divide. Libraries have been at the center of digital literacy efforts for years, so they are the perfect partners in this effort. We’re grateful for Degenstein Foundation’s support in building capacity for digital literacy education in our region,” said Jennifer Wakeman, executive director of DRIVE.
Delia Rincon invites interested individuals to contact her to register for the classes, “I love what I am doing because I can see the smiles on the faces of the seniors after they take the classes. It makes a big difference for them. They were anxious about technology at first, and now they feel confident. One learner said that in every class there is a revelation! I encourage people to email me at [email protected] or call me at 570-452-2541 to register for these classes.”
The value of this program is that seniors and others who have not been able to use the Internet can safely navigate the digital landscape for the first time, whether it is online shopping, messaging your doctor, claiming benefits, or any of the other daily activities that now require digital skills.
Jun 9, 2024 | Call for Artists, News, Uncategorized, Visual Arts
By: Carrie Heath, June 3 2024
The Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center is thrilled to announce that Stacy Kelley will be returning for this summer’s artist-in-residency, but will be offering classes for adults this time. “Learning to See Like an Artist: Building Your Visual Language Toolbox” is for adults who would like to improve their drawing skills. Accurate drawing skills are a core essential to communicating visually. For this 5-day residency students will focus on observing from life and learn how to transfer what they see in 3 dimensions to a 2-dimensional surface. They will be exposed to techniques employed by old master artists to create successful representational drawings.
Stacy explains, “Drawing is the art of form. In this class, participants will learn tips and tricks to make their art journey even more rewarding. They will learn about simple tools (and some more advanced tech tools) artists use to arrive at pleasing compositions, get correct proportions, and render convincing 3D forms on 2D surfaces. They will learn about controlling a chosen medium, achieving realistic single tone renderings, and how these renderings will support the realistic feel of full color works.” Students will have the opportunity to evaluate and display their work.
Stacy Kelley is a teaching artist with the Northern Tier Partners for the Arts. Stacy provided one of the most sought-after items in our recent art auction fundraiser, an oil
painting still life of roses called “Forever Valentine.” Rewarding art experiences all throughout her school years eventually led Stacy to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2000. Her love of drawing, and interests in communication, design, and psychology have inspired her through the years.
Classes will be held on 5 consecutive Wednesdays, starting June 26 through July 24 (July 31 rain date) and will run from 11AM-4PM with a lunch break from 1- 2PM. All materials will be provided.
Registration is free and limited to 10 students. Students must be able to attend all five days, since the lessons build on each other. Interested students should pre-register with the director of the Gmeiner by either calling 570-724-1917 or emailing [email protected].
These classes are offered for free thanks to fundraising by Art's Friends and a grant from the Bradford County Regional Arts Council. “This project was made possible
through the AIE Partnership of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The PCA Arts in Education
Partner in this region is Northern Tier Partners for the Arts (NTP4Arts). NTP4Arts supports Arts in Education Residency programs in Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming,
Sullivan, and Tioga counties. NTP4Arts’ Arts in Education Residency Program strives to provide intensive on-going arts experiences that affirm the creative potential of each
person, enhance technical knowledge and ability, inspire creativity, stimulate the expression of personal vision, and applaud excellence.”
Jan 28, 2024 | Uncategorized
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for February. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. For more information about these and additional programs, visit the-childrens-museum.org
Calendar attached as a PDF.
CLASSES
Music Together
February 2, 9, 16, & 23rd
10:15-11:00 AM
Register Online: www.musictogetherofbloomsburg.com
Join Miss Kerry for this interactive music program.
Wood Flower Workshop: Valentine Box
February 10th
1-4 PM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-flowerbox
Join Tiffany’s Trees and More for this Wood Flower Workshop! Come make an adorable box full of flowers for yourself or someone special! This class will be hosted at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Discovery Corner at 160 W 6th St in Bloomsburg. $25/person, ages 7+
Wood Flower Workshop: Animal Flower Crown
February 24th
1-4 PM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-animalflower
Join Tiffany’s Trees and More for this Wood Flower Workshop! Help to usher in the upcoming spring season with this exciting project. Add a beautiful flower crown to these adorable animals printed on wood! This class will be hosted at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Discovery Corner at 160 W 6th St in Bloomsburg. $35/person, ages 12+
SPECIAL EVENTS
Kitties with Kiddies
February 3rd
9:30-10:15 AM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm.kitties24
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum in Collaboration with the Animal Resource Center, presents Kitties with Kiddies. We are excited to host this special story time with kittens from the Animal Resource Center. A themed craft is included in the program. Space is limited. Parents and children need to register. Proceeds benefit the Animal Resource Center.
Zoo Comes to You
February 11th
12-4 PM
ADVANCE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED!
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-zoo24
Aldinger Farms is bringing kangaroos to the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum! Hop on over for a chance to meet and get your picture taken with one of these lovely creatures! CDE Exotics is bringing all sorts of amazing exotic animals, including a young alligator, bearded dragon, tarantula, and more! On top of all these animals, Sunset Boarding Stables will bring fuzzy and loveable animals to pet!
We are offering limited Zoo Comes to You Swag Bags. These can be purchased along with your tickets. Please note Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is only open from 12-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 11th, for the Zoo Comes to You event. Entrance with tickets only. Everybody 12 months and older must have a ticket with their name for entry. We cannot guarantee tickets will be available at the door for sale.
Paint & Party Valentine’s Day
February 3rd
10 AM – 12 PM
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-gnome
Kelly from Kel’s Kraftiness will be your artist guide for this event hosted by the Friends of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum. Bring a friend, or make new ones for a fun time of painting and making an amazing memory with a fun group of people. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Kelly will guide you, but never criticize your art. The cost includes step-by-step instructions and all painting supplies. The cost includes step-by-step instruction and all painting supplies, 14×16 canvases—or pre-outlined canvas, easels, brushes, paint, water cups, and paper towels. Suggested for ages 8+
PROGRAMS
Winter Wednesdays
10 AM – 12 PM
February 14th & 28th
Enjoy a special winter-themed craft with free adult admission until noon.
Toddler Time
February 1, 15, & 29th
10 AM – 12 PM
Join Ms. Ashley from Rohrbach’s Farm for this Pre-K program consisting of exciting stories and educational crafts to help build fine motor skills. It ends with a 30-min music & movement section to shake all those sillies out! Adult supervision required.
$2 Tuesday
February 20th
10 AM – 4 PM
On the third Tuesday of the month, there’s $2 admission all day! The Exchange will host hands-on Art Cart projects from 10 AM – 2 PM.
HOMESCHOOL HANGOUTS
Parent/child activities are designed to complement concepts taught in the homeschool curriculum, grades K-12. $5/per person admission for Homeschool families.
February 7th
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The forests of Pennsylvania…trees and critters!
February 21st
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Space Exploration with special guests from the North Museum
VISIT US OFFSITE
Saturday, Feb 3rd
Degenstein Library
10-11 AM
Saturday, Feb 3rd
Green Free Library
10:30-11:30 AM
Tuesday, Feb 6th
Milton Public Library
4-5 PM
Thursday, Feb 8th
Priestly-Forsyth Library
6:30-7:30 PM
Saturday, Feb 10th
Knoxville Library
10-11 AM
Thursday, Feb 15th
Orangeville Library
6-7 PM
Tuesday, Feb 20th
Shamokin Coal-Twp. Library
6-7 PM
Thursday, Feb 22nd
Blossburg Library
4-5 PM
Thursday, Feb 22nd
Montgomery House Library
6-7 PM
Monday, Feb 26th
Elkland Library
4-5 PM
Tuesday, Feb 27th
Mt Carmel Library
4-5 PM
Jun 25, 2023 | Bloomsburg, Kids, News, Uncategorized
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum has partnered with Lykens Valley Children’s Museum, Lewisburg Children’s Museum, and the Discovery Center for the Heart of PA Children’s Museum summer passport program.
Visit all four Heart of PA Children’s Museums this summer and be entered into a prize drawing!
Visit each museum before August 31st, 2023, and receive a stamp on your card. Once you collect all the stamps, leave your card at the last museum you visited. Prizes will be drawn on September 8th.
“We love teaming up with like-minded organizations, so when the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum reached out to us about their passport idea, we just loved the idea. Summer is the perfect time to kick-off a family passport program and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it. This passport will encourage families from outside of our community to come explore the Lykens Valley Children’s Museum (LVCM) and other local businesses. Families will come and see what we have to offer, not just for summer, but all year round. This is a win-win for our community, museum and our local businesses. We are always looking for ways to serve our community better and the children’s museum summer passport was an easy choice,” said Lisa Ditty, Director, Lykens Valley Children’s Museum
Passport cards can be picked up at any participating Children’s Museum, the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau or the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.
“All of these children’s museums are wonderful tourist destinations for our region. We hope that this program encourages families to take road trips this summer and visit all of them to see the amazing things each one has to offer,” said Dr. Ginny Weibel, Director Bloomsburg Children’s Museum.
May 29, 2023 | News, Regional Arts Events, Uncategorized, Visual Arts
By: Carrie Heath, May 24, 2022
The Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center is pleased to announce a series of free watercolor classes for adults in the Studio at the Gmeiner. All classes will be led by Kathy Pilling-Whitney of Tioga, who has many years of teaching experience and is an accomplished watercolor painter. There will be two beginner sessions in June, and then a series of three classes in July for those who want to learn more advanced techniques. The classes are free, but students must provide their own materials. For these classes, students will need to purchase a set of watercolor paints (tubes or pans – not opaque), at least six sheets of 140 pound watercolor paper (8×10”, 9×12” or 11×14”), a watercolor palette to mix colors, and a set of watercolor (NOT acrylic) brushes.
The beginner class will be offered on two dates – Sunday, June 4 th and Sunday, June
25 th from 10AM – 12PM. Students should sign up for one session or the other by emailing [email protected] or calling 570-724-1917. This class is intended for students who have little to no experience with watercolor painting and is limited to 12 students per session. The beginner class will be an exploration of the properties of transparent watercolor so that students can become familiar with the medium and increase their confidence in using it. The two-hour class will include discussion of the following: masking white vs. leaving white vs. using tape, transparent vs. opaque watercolor, and the use of watercolor markers and watercolor pencils.
Students will also explore fluid (wet-in-wet), wet-on-dry, and drybrush techniques. Demonstrations and coaching will be done for both still life and abstract designs. Students should leave the class with at least one painting, increased skills and
confidence in using watercolors, and perhaps a desire to continue developing their skills in the advanced series of classes.
The advanced classes will be held on July 9 th , 16 th , and 23 rd from 10AM – 12PM. Students should sign up for all three sessions by emailing [email protected] or calling 570-724-1917. This series of classes is intended to greatly develop the students’ ability to use watercolors, and is open to students who took the beginner class or who have previous experience with watercolors. It is limited to 12 participants. The first class will start with a review of basic techniques, and then participants will practice various watercolor techniques over the course of the three days using a variety of subject matter. Students will paint a mostly white still life creating depth and shadows without using black. They will paint a floral design and learn about color glazing with watercolors, and they will complete an abstract design.
The Gmeiner is located at 134 Main Street, Wellsboro, behind the Green Free Library.
Students should park on Main Street in front of the library
Sep 4, 2022 | Uncategorized
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The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its Fall 2022 programs. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 am – 4 pm.
General Programs
Skyscraper Day
Saturday, September 3rd; 10-12:00 p.m.
Do you know when the first skyscraper was built? Where is the world’s tallest skyscraper? Join us to appreciate the engineering marvels that have been around for more than 130 years. Included with Museum Admission.
This Day in History: Nathan Hale
Saturday, September 10th; 10-12:00 p.m.
On September 10th,1776, George Washington asked for a spy, and Nathan Hale volunteered. Learn how to crack codes and ciphers and become a “spy” for the day. Included with Museum Admission.
Talk Like a Pirate Day
Saturday, September 17th; 10-12:00 p.m.
Ahoy Matey! Gather your hearties to walk the plank. Savvy? Create your own eye patch and learn about pirates. Included with Museum
Admission.
All Abilities Night
Friday, October 7th; 3-7:00 p.m.
Come to a fun night out for All Abilities Night! Enjoy a reduced number of visitors, space and freedom to explore at your own pace, adapted exhibits, a quiet area, and an opportunity to network with other families. All Abilities Night is a FREE event held regularly.
This Day in History: Microwave Oven
Saturday, October 8th; 10-12:00 p.m.
On October 8th, 1945, Percy L. Spencer created a device to cook food using microwave radiation. Join us to learn how a microwave works. Gather some yummy recipes that you can make in your own microwave! Included with Museum Admission.
Harry Potter Day
Saturday, October 15th; 10-2:00 p.m.
“I Solemnly Swear I am up to no good.” Join the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum for Harry Potter Day. Potions class, broom lessons, muggle studies, Horcrux hunting, quidditch matches, & more. All activities are included in Museum Admission.
Pumpkin Day
Saturday, October 22nd; 10-12:00 p.m.
Come learn the different stages of growing a pumpkin. Students will get to create their own window greenhouse to take home. Included with Museum admission.
Boo!burg
Friday, October 28th; evening
Bloomsburg will again transform into “BOO!burg” as a group of non-profit organizations invites families to 7th Street for the Halloween festivities: Through these organizations’ generosity, families will enjoy all of the fun absolutely free!
Celebrate Halloween
Saturday, October 29th; 10-12:00 pm.
Come have a boo-tastic time with the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum. We will have special Halloween games and crafts. Enjoy a treat on your way out! Included with Museum admission.
National Bison Day
Saturday, November 5th; 10-12:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate national bison day. You see them everywhere — on coins, on sports team logos, and on a couple of state flags. Did you know we even have a bison in the Museum? Included with Museum Admission.
International Drum Day
Saturday, November 12th; 10-2:00 p.m.
Join us as we explore drums! Create and decorate your own instrument to take home with you. Included with Museum Admission.
This Day in History: The Gettysburg Address
Saturday, November 19th, 10-12:00 p.m.
On November 19th, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Learn about the significance of this speech and create a top hat just like Abraham Lincoln wore. Included with Museum Admission.
Reindeer Letter Day
Saturday, December 3rd; 10-12:00 p.m.
Do you know Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen? Write a letter to a reindeer, and you might receive a special letter in the mail back! Included with Museum Admission.
This Day in History: Noble Prize
Saturday, December 10th; 10-12:00 p.m.
On December 10th, 1912, Gustaf Dalén was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for inventing automatic regulators for gas accumulators for lighthouses and buoys. Create a lighthouse craft. Included with Museum Admission.
Maple Syrup Day
Saturday, December 17th; 10-12:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate this delicious American treat. Learn about this sweet treat and how to identify maple trees. Included with Museum Admission.
Homeschool Hangouts
Every other Wednesday, 11-1:00 p.m.
September 7th- December 28th
Parent/child activities are designed to complement concepts taught in the homeschool curriculum. Discount admission, $5/person
September 7
Engineering with Air! Air-powered rockets, principles of flight, air pressure explosions, wind foil design – and many more amazing air experiments will be explored in the Homeschool Hangout!
September 21 Agricultural Science
This special Homeschool Hangout will be at Rohrbach’s Farms in Catawissa!
Tickets must be purchased through Rohrbachs Farms
www.rohrbachsfarm.net/store/p926/Homeschool_Day_%40_The_Farm.html
Enjoy an educational tour of our farm & operations. A hayride will bring your group to our pavilion, where our Playland will open for fun! You can also purchase tickets to our corn maze & apple slingshot. Bring a bagged lunch or pre-order lunch from our deli. Big Dan’s BBQ will also be open. Deadline for registration is September 19th. Advanced registration is required by September 19th; we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins. $10 per person, ages 5 & up. 4 and under are free with registration. Optional add ons: Apple Slingshot: Small basket $4. Corn Maze ages 5- 12 $6; 13 and over $8.
Fall Fun Fridays
Fridays from 10-12:00 p.m.
September 2nd– October 28th
Enjoy a special fall-themed craft with free adult admission (from 10-12:00 p.m. only)
· September 2nd: A-peal-ing Apples
· September 9th: Falling Leaves
· September 16th: Bonfire Bash
· October 7th: Hot Air Balloon Adventures!
· October 14th: Picking Pumpkins
· October 21st: Smiling Scarecrows
· October 28th: Spooky Halloween Fun
Kids in the Kitchen
Fall Treats
Wednesday, September 28th; 6-8:00 p.m.
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/bcm-kitchenapples
Sweet Spider Treats
Wednesday, October 19th; 6-8-00 p.m.
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/bcm-kitchenspider
Gingerbread House Decorating
Wednesday, November 16th; 6-8:00 p.m.
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/bcm-kitchenhouse
Classes, Camps, Clubs
Infectious Intelligence
Meets the First Monday of the Month
October – July; 5-7:00 p.m.
Register Online: http://bit.ly/BCM-ROBOTS
Middle and High School-aged students will design and build tethered robots using engineering design concepts. Robots will be created to compete in a competition. Sketchup, technical drawing, circuits, mechanical engineering, critical thinking, and mathematical skills will be taught. Open to grades six and up.
Nerf Modification Club
Meets the Second Saturday of the Month
October – April; 1-3:00 p.m.
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-nerf22
Join the Museum for this NEW club! Modifying your Nerf blaster is a fun and interesting way to expand on your new hobby. When done safely, modding can be a fun lesson in physics and mechanics. $50 for the year, registration required.
Introduction to Comic Art
Saturday’s; 10-12:00 p.m.
Oct. 22nd, Nov. 12th, and Dec. 17th
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/bcm-comicart
Join Josh, from Flint Comics, for an introduction to comic art with this Saturday’s art class! Choose just one class or sign up for all 3 and build upon your skills. Students will learn the basic concepts of comic-style drawing, such as forming an idea into a page, rough sketching, dynamic poses, shading, and more! Students will go over ways to practice sketching effectively. Each student can choose an art print by Flint Graphis to take home. This class is recommended for children ages 8+
Lego WeDO Robotics
Saturday, November 26th; 10-12:00 p.m.
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/bcm-legowedo22
Everyone loves Legos, but this class takes master builders to the next level! Students will build mechanical creations and then use a scratch-based program to make them move and interact with their environment. Recommended for ages 6+
Spooky Engineering
Wednesday, October 26th, 6-7:00 p.m.
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-spooky
Learn the fundamentals of circuits and gearing through play! After finishing this STEM building project, students will have their own Halloween ghost. This engineering project helps kids improve logical thinking and creativity and boosts problem-solving skills. Recommended for students 8+.
Introduction to Arduino
Saturday, October 29th; 10-12:00 p.m.
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-arduino22
This is a hands-on introduction class on physical computing using the popular Arduino microcontroller platform. Students will learn how to put together simple electronic circuits and write programs to create projects that light up, move and make a sound. We will use the Seed Studio Grove Kit for Arduino, which is a beginner kit but is expandable and grows with the student. Students keep their Arduino kit ($34.00 value).
Recommended for students 10+.
Intro to Comic Art: Advanced Sketching
Saturday, December 3rd; 10-12:00 p.m.
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/bcm-comicsketch
Join Josh, from Flint Comics, for an introduction to comic art with this art class! Students will learn the concepts of comic-style drawing, such as forming an idea into a page, sketching, dynamic poses, shading, inking, and crosshatching techniques. Students will go over ways to practice sketching effectively. Each student can choose an art print by Flint Graphis to take home. This class is recommended for children ages 12+
Infant/PreK Classes
A Little Artsy
Saturdays; 9:15-10:00 a.m.
September 10th, September 24th, October
15th, October 29th, and November 12th
Register Online: https://bit.ly/bcm-artsyfall
Young children love to explore through exploration and play, and that is exactly what this class entails! Children will have the opportunity to explore various art mediums and sensory materials. Sign up for just 1 class, or sign up for the entire fall session!
Music Together of Bloomsburg
Fridays at 10:15-11:00 a.m.
Starting September 16th; 8 Week Session
Register Online:
https://www.musictogetherofbloomsburg.com
Child development researchers have found that grouping together children of varying ages fosters natural, family-style learning. The hallmark of the Music Together program, our Mixed-age Class gives children the environment they need to grow musically while interacting both socially and musically with peers of different ages.
After School Classes
After School Art with Sara Mika
Thursdays; 6-7:00 p.m.
10-Week Session Starting October 6th
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/bcm-artfall22
After School Maker Camp
Tuesdays; 6-7:00 p.m.
10-Week Session Starting October 4th
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/bcm-makerfall22
Please note the Museum will be closed:
Friday, September 23rd – Saturday, October 1st
Thursday, November 24th – Friday, November 25th
Saturday, December 24th – Monday, December 26th
For more information about these and additional programs, visit the-childrens-museum.org
