November 19, 2009

Seasons Change




Well, Halloween might be past, but Nockamixon has been proudly represented by Ferndale resident Curt Herr, who was recently interviewed by CNN for this story about the history of vampires in popular culture.


Ferndale resident Curt Herr with a copy of a recent book he edited.

Curt is an associate professor of literature at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania who teaches gothic and Victorian fiction. He's also the new co-editor of the Journal of Dracula Studies, an academic journal published by the Transylvanian Society of Dracula.



Congratulations to Curt, whose star is on the rise. He gained major exposure at this summer's Tinicum Arts Festival, and I'm sure we'll hear more from him before too long.

Now, as the leaves have fallen away from the trees and temperatures are dropping, it won't be long before the current rain turns to snow and our thoughts turn to the holiday season. Along those lines, we recognize one of the area's best-kept secrets in unique and affordable holiday gift shopping.



Neighboring Haycock Historical Society celebrates its sixth annual Kringle Christmas Shoppe. Folks, if you haven't discovered this wonderful little opportunity to purchase exquisite gifts -- a juried collection of mostly handmade items produced by local artisans and authors -- I can't recommend highly enough that you give it a try this year!

After having moved for several years between generously donated society members' homes, the Kringle Shoppe has, for the past few years now, been held at the Latvian Baptist Church at 1142 Apple Road in Applebachsville. It's a quaint setting that lends the perfect down-home atmosphere to this old-fashioned community event.


 
For just three days each holiday season, shoppers in the know can choose from all these wonderful, quality items while being serenaded by live musical performers and enjoying treats from the hospitality kitchen. The Latvian influence accents this Society fundraiser perfectly. Latvian ladies, dressed in traditional native costumes, grace the hall. Visitors are offered Latvian holiday treats as well as a healthy sampling of traditional holiday fare.

When done shopping, top off the experience with a Belgian draft horse-pulled carriage ride through the quaint village of Applebachsville. The only thing that could make it more of an old Victorian-era excursion would be fat, white snowflakes drifting down as you ride along listening to the clip-clop of the horse's hooves and maybe singing a few Christmas carols.



Don't miss your chance this year: mark your calendars for December 4 from 1-8 PM; Dec. 5 from 10 AM -3 PM and Dec. 6 from 12:30-4:30 PM. It's a weekend jaunt you're sure to remember as you return home with lots of fun memories and a big dent in your gift shopping list.

One of the unique items you'll be able to find at the Kringle Shoppe is Haycock Township and Eddie Bauer: 1910 thru 1970, the new book by Haycock Township resident Pat DeWald. And no, it's not about that Eddie Bauer (I asked), but about the development of Haycock through the eyes of a lifelong township resident. Anyone with a penchant for local history or wanting to see a huge collection of interesting historical photos will want to get a copy of this 250-page book published by the Haycock Historical Society as a fundraiser. You can learn more if interested by emailing the author.


Pat DeWald's new book

And if you work up an appetite while you're out, remember that Donna Davis is now serving fast, filling dinners at Country Town on the 611 bend in Revere from 5-8 PM on Friday evenings. Choose from the regular sandwich menu or their dinner specials including new hot grill items. Enjoy your home-cooked fare in the Country Town Cafe or order to go.

Heading into Thanksgiving, you don't want to miss the Gallows Run Watershed Association's new exhibition, "Art for Conservation: Artists of the Gallows Run."  Showcasing the work of local artists featuring preserved properties in the watershed, this show's opening wine and hors d'oeuvres reception will be held from 5-8 PM this Sunday, November 22 at The Ferndale Inn. The opening will be preceded at 4:30 by a brief GRWA annual members meeting.



The show is sponsored by the Heritage Conservancy and funded by a grant from the Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund. 50% of the proceeds from sale of the original artworks will be donated to the GRWA to help fund outreach about the many issues challenging the health of the watershed. So stop by, indulge in some great food and drink by the always hospitable Karen Baron, and see some gorgeous images that will remind you of what we all have to be thankful for here in Nockamixon.

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