The Spoon Carving Guild meets Sunday, May 3 from 1 until 4 p.m. at the Camp Kawartha Environment Center, located at 2505 Pioneer Rd. Community members interested in carving are invited to join them.

There is no need to sign up, you are welcome to just drop in. Please note that this is a volunteer run meetup, not a facilitated workshop. The intent is for everyone to support each other in learning and practicing woodworking skills. You must be 16 years or older to participate.

All you need to bring to the meetings is your ambition to start a spoon carving project or a current project you are working on. If you have carving tools such as a straight or hook knife or axe and wood for yourself and/or to share, you can bring those as well. The Guild has a bin of tools to lend and often has wood for projects.    

Participants are also welcome to bring carving or related crafts for show-and-tell, a mug for tea and nut-free snacks to share.

The Guild appreciates the use of the Environment Centre and will have a donation jar out for you to consider a donation to support continued use of the space. Donations are also used for funding tool maintenance, and supplies for the guild as needed.

For further information on the Guild visit Instagram or email spooncarvingguild@gmail.com.

The Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) meets Friday, May 1 at the Rotary Education Centre Guest Services Building at Riverview Park and Zoo. If you prefer to attend online, the option to do so via Zoom is available. Community members are invited to either attend or join in virtually.

A novice astronomy class begins at 6 p.m. and runs for approximately 45 minutes. These classes focus on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy, introducing subjects at a very basic level, but in a logical sequence. Participants need not to have attended previous classes and are welcome to stay for the meeting that follows, but there is no obligation.

This month’s novice class, “How Far is Far? Astronomical Measurement Systems,” explores how light and its properties permits the precise calculation of distances to objects within our solar system, galaxy and beyond. 

“We will come to see that Earth’s orbit and supernovae explosions play a role in measuring distances in space. Knowing the distance to an object tells us something about that location and its position in the Universe,” says Rick Stankiewicz, PAA publicity director.

The interactive segment of the class will examine how tenacious life can be and its ability to exploit extreme environments.

The main presentation at 7 p.m. by PAA member, Brian Colville, who will speak on “Something Old is Something New: Amateur Spectroheliographs.”

“Since the 1890s astronomers have been studying the narrow bands of light from the Sun’s spectrum. Advances in technology have enabled amateurs to do the same and Brian will illustrate and explain the evolution of technologies that have enabled a revolution for hobbyists and professionals around the world to study our closest star,” explains Stankiewicz.

There will be ample opportunities during the evening to ask any questions you have. Also, The Sky This Month, a regular meeting feature, will be posted on the club website listed below, for all to access. 

To participate in the Zoom meeting, register in advance at peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php where you will receive the password and link to the meeting’s classes and presentations. 

There is no cost and the meeting is open to all ages. The facility is barrier free. For further information visit peterboroughastronomy.com.

Join Activity Haven Saturday, May 2 for International Flash Mob Line Dance Day. The dancing starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by BBQ for purchase from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Come out and dance or watch and cheer.

Bring lawn chairs as this event will be held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved inside. The cost is $10.

Mother’s Day lunch and tea

A Mother’s Day lunch and tea will be held at Activity Haven Thursday, May 7 beginning at 12:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and are available by calling the office at 705-876-1670.

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