If you love taking photos, get acquainted with the Worth 1,000 Words Camera Club! The club meets the first Wednesday of each month, both in-person at AAPLD, and virtually. Photographers of all experience levels are welcome. Members use digital, film, and cellphone cameras.
“We have very expert members and raw beginners. Any style of photography, equipment, and any subject matters are covered by the membership, as well as in the meeting content,” said group leader Mike Circo.
Monthly programs include a short teaching session covering a photography technique, or style. Recent topics have included camera maintenance, motion photography, still life photography and Black and White photography. Members then share their work for discussion, positive critique and suggestions. Circo also issues a challenge for the upcoming month, to encourage members to expand their photography skills. “The challenges are generally the most enjoyed part of any meeting because they help us mentally get out of our ruts and impel us to get that camera out,” Circo said.
The group has also begun occasional photography outings. Circo said the field trips allow members to learn from one another while actively taking photos. In December, members photographed holiday decorations, learning about the technical issues of shooting in low light. Members have expressed interest in local landscapes, spring flowers and the McHenry Riverwalk.
Click to register for the Worth a 1,000 Words Camera Club’s next meeting, Wed. June 1, at 7:00 p.m.
After pouring the mix into a wheelbarrow, I added water until the soil was the consistency of crumbly brownie mix. An old Little Tikes garden trowel was perfect for mixing and scooping the potting mix.
After punching drainage holes in the bottom of the egg cartons, I added potting mix, gently tamping it down into the cups to reduce air pockets, and give the seeds a warm, damp place to sprout.
Now the fun part! I opened each Seed Library packet and carefully poured the seeds into a small container. Since some of the seeds I selected are tiny, this made it easier not to lose them! Then I labeled the cartons for each seed variety, and used the labeling sticks to create a small hole for each seed. While I didn't know the preferred planting depth for every variety, I'd read that 1/4" to 1/2" is a good depth to use for most plants.
With all the seeds planted, I lightly watered once more, before covering the planting tray to trap the humidity. The soil needs to be kept at 60-70 degrees, so I have a warming mat underneath the planting tray to keep the seeds warm. The potting mix needs to be damp but not soggy, so I'll check it each day and water as needed.
Giant delphinium
We’ll plant our Seed Library sunflowers on the east side of our house, where they’ll get lots of morning sun. With luck, they’ll be tall enough to see from inside the front porch.
And unrelated to the Seed Library, but still pretty cool, our lilac bush has buds!
prepare for growing season! Learn more about the 
I picked up our seeds today. We have Morning Glories, Moonflowers, Delphinium, Bee Balm, Asters, and one of my favorites, Sunflowers. My husband Tom and I discussed where we'll plant the flowers in our gardens, and how many seeds we'll be starting indoors--36. As a kid, I remember starting seeds in cardboard egg cartons. Though I haven't tried it in a really long time, we're going to this year! Time to eat more eggs.
We're currently offering over 75 varieties of vegetable, fruit, flower and herb seeds. Choose annuals, which are planted each year, or perennials, which return year after year. You'll find heirloom vegetables, such as the Oxheart and Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, Dixie Queen watermelons and White Icicle radishes. Favorites like pumpkins, mixed color carrots, and various types of green beans can turn this summer's garden into a family project. Brighten your landscaping with colorful Four O'Clocks, and the beautiful, exotic Passion Flower. Add color to your home with classic cutting flowers like zinnia and sunflowers.
While we love the name "Seed Library," it's not a library in the traditional sense. You don't need a library card, nor do you have to return seeds from your personal harvest-- though if you want to send a photo of your garden, or your harvest, we'd love to post it! If you can't use all your seeds this year, no problem! Store unused seeds in their packets in an airtight glass jar, and keep it in a cool dark place like your basement or garage, until you're ready to plant.
Did you receive a new device as a holiday gift, or upgrade with a great year-end deal? Maybe you've resolved to get more comfortable with technology in 2022. Your library is here to help!
Don't know how to use a computer, tablet or smartphone? Have questions about your device, or another tech-related topic? Our Tech With Kenny classes are for you! Classes are held Wednesday mornings from 10-11 a.m. Each session includes a half-hour lesson, followed by a half hour for Q&A and practice time.