Category: Around Town

Exploring the Scraps & Skeins Shop

One of the downsizing challenges for quilters and crafters alike is what to do with our piles of assorted materials. Like many of you, I have materials for quilting like cotton fabric and batting. As a crafter, I also have assorted materials like zippers, bias binding, ribbon, elastic and thread. My giant tub of neckties (cut apart and sorted by color) has become part of a night stand until needed for a craft project! Of course, lately my interests seem to have morphed into beading bracelets! Oh my!

My biggest concern has been what to do with all my stuff if I’m faced with the challenge of downsizing. Might not happen this year, but eventually I’ll need to make some decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of. I just can’t see all this stuff going in the garbage to live forever in a landfill!

In my ongoing quest to find local organizations that accept donations of household goods I’ve already explored the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and the CentrePeace Showroom. They are set up to accept clothing, small appliances and furniture and then offer these items for sale to the public. Each organization has a charity who benefits from these sales. You can read about them here:

https://marykisner.com/exploring-the-st-vincent-de-paul-thrift-store/

https://marykisner.com/exploring-the-centrepeace-showroom/

About Scraps & Skeins

Last week I took the time to explore the Scraps & Skeins shop in State College.

Their printed literature says Scraps & Skeins is a creative reuse store…meaning they accept donated items such as fabric, yarn, quilting supplies, knitting needles, books, patterns and even refurbished sewing machines! These items are organized and repackaged for resale to the public. This store provides employment opportunities for adults with mental health challenges. This is a win/win as far as I can see!

Scraps & Skeins was officially opened in 2015 under the umbrella of Strawberry Fields with the mission to create employment opportunities for adults with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and mental health issues. All proceeds support Strawberry Fields Inc., a United Way affiliate.

Since 2015, Scraps & Skeins has grown from a single showroom and store room into the six-room shop and workspace located behind the Strawberry Fields’ administrative office. It now employs a store manager and multiple employees.

Exploring Scraps & Skeins for Donation Ideas

The colorful displays of fabric are enticing! It feels like a fabric store! I wanted to see what items they displayed compared with my pile of stuff so when the time comes to downsize, I’m donating the right things to them.

I found beautiful displays of fabric:

Even my sewing machines could be donated here!

Patterns are accepted too!

This would be a great place to donate my quilting and crafting books.

I have a whole bin of vintage fabric and I was pleased to see they displayed vintage items…looks like the stuff I have. I’m glad I can donate it here!

They had a whole room filled with notions…like thread, sewing needles and knitting needles. The room was crowded so I just peeked in…I don’t like to get between folks and their search for the perfect spool of thread!

I asked about donations of beading materials. They said they have found the resale value was too small to bother. After looking around, my bin of necktie material would probably not be accepted either. Good to know!

The Benefits of Donating and/or Shopping at Scraps & Skeins

Now I have a better idea of what I could donate to Scraps & Skeins. I also see the opportunity to go shopping for some lovely fabrics, books and yarn…when the need arises!

It feels good to support this store…I’m able to keep my sewing and crafting stuff out of landfills and by shopping here I’m supporting local adults who are learning valuable employment skills. You can do your part by donating and/or shopping at Scraps & Skeins in State College!

Finding Scraps & Skeins in State College

Their store is a little difficult to find the first time, but when you find it…you’ve found a treasure! Their address is 2766 West College Ave., State College, PA 16801. To get there I find it easiest to turn off West College Avenue onto Bristol Avenue and then turn right onto Enterprise. The first right takes you behind and between the buildings and when they are open, they put out a sign that really helps!

They even put out a bin for small donations in case you just want to drop off a small bag of stuff!

The store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am to 2 pm, and every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10-2. Donations can also be dropped off Wednesdays from 10-2, although the shop will not be open then.

You can reach Scraps & Skeins at 814-234-1435; or email at scrapsskeins@gmail.com.

You can read more about them at https://scrapsskeins.shopsettings.com.

Helpfully, they also post regularly on Facebook to remind you of their hours and new stuff they have! Check them out!

Taking My Granddaughter to a Lady Lions Basketball Game

My dear granddaughter, Anna, is in 5th grade and plays basketball with a team from her school. A month or so ago, I attended one of her games and was impressed with all the girls who were learning the rules of the game. I suggested we try to get tickets to one of the Penn State Lady Lions basketball games.

Yesterday, was the day! Kathy’s family, plus her mother-in-law, came for the day and we drove u p to the Bryce Jordan Center on campus. I had a few things to learn, since I had not attended any events there for many years. Clear totebags, only credit cards for food and drinks, and airport-level scanning as we entered the building. Those of us with metal knees got “wanded” of course! Times have changed!

Getting to our seats was interesting (in section 105L). I wanted Anna to be close to the action so I managed to get tickets right behind the team seats. So happened…not very crowded anyway! Of course, that sent us down a flight of steps to floor level. Not too bad…until it was time to hike back up!

As we sat down…I realized I had left my phone at home! Luckily, Kathy took lots of pictures so I have some documentation that we were actually at the game! Kathy is the master of “selfies” so that was the first picture I wanted!

Anna had a chance to smile with the stand-up Nittany Lion!

Online there was information about a Kids Zone area at one end of the court with activities for kids before the game. Kathy and Steve took Anna down to check it out. She had time to make two big posters and two beaded bracelets…one she hoped to give to one of the players who was on crutches from an earlier injury. I wasn’t sure about the purpose of the posters until later in the game.

The arena was not crowded but the teams played hard.

Our seats put us right in the action when the refs had to check out an instant replay:

At half-time Anna was invited to try to win a prize by making three baskets in 30 seconds. She was brave enough to say, “Yes, I’ll try!” She took off her Penn State sweatshirt and she had her school t-shirt underneath…NORWIN in bright yellow! Great advertising!

She was able to make 1 basket in 30 seconds and won a t-shirt and a $20 gift certificate! We were so proud of her!

Roving cameras were occasionally focused on folks in the audience…that was the purpose of the giant posters Anna made before the game! Kind of hard to capture a picture of us holding the posters:

The final score was 119 to 43!

I’m so glad Anna could experience such an exciting game. She certainly got to see many of the “drills” the team goes through. She commented how fast the game was. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll be able to attend one of her high school or college games!

Getting Ready for the Yard Sale at the Boalsburg Fire Hall

I’m getting my stuff ready to head to the Boalsburg Fire Hall to set up for the indoor yard sale that will happen tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, October 6 & 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’d love to see you there!

Participating in a group yard sale is a little different from doing one on your own. Having a yard sale on your own is a lot of work…just sorting “stuff” throughout the house and taking over your garage can take days or weeks! Then trying to put a price on each item is tough when you can remember how much you paid for items in the first place. You really have to be strong and be ready to let go of your “stuff.”

A yard sale that is also a fundraiser for a group has a few additional activities. Once the items have been collected and priced, everything needs to be transported to a central location…in this case the Fire Hall!

Here’s my car packed with “stuff” …some is mine, most was donated by other family members and friends. Bags are filled with books, games and other “collectibles.”

In addition to the “stuff” to sell, I was tasked with baking cookies to sell. So a few days ago I baked 3 dozen oatmeal-raisin cookies and 4 dozen Snickerdoodles. They are bagged and ready to sell along with chili, soup and hot dogs provided by others.

I will spend the afternoon today at the Fire Hall to unload and set up “stuff.” One thing we learned from previous sales was how much we wished we had background music during the day. I remembered that and packed up my tiny BOSE speaker and will plug it in next to my phone.

My phone can select all the songs on all the albums I have downloaded and “shuffle” them. It should be an interesting mix of songs…from Alan Jackson to Elton John and Backstreet Boys to Enya. Hopefully, with the shuffle, no one artist will be too overwhelming. I’m not sure if the tiny speaker will fill the Fire Hall, but I’ll give it a try!

I really dislike doing a yard sale by myself…just too much work for a few bucks. Maybe when we’re ready to move, we’ll have a “moving sale” and I’ll be more motivated to get rid of “stuff.” Having this sale with the Ladies Auxiliary to the Boalsburg Fire Company is also a lot of work, but it does generate quite a bit of money for our group and always ends up being an enjoyable day with friends!

Yard Sale to Benefit the Boalsburg Fire Company Auxiliary

The Ladies Auxiliary to the Boalsburg Fire Company will hold their indoor flea market/yard sale this Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 6 & 7, 2023. Please plan to drop by rain or shine! With everything being held indoors at the Fire Hall you can browse in comfort. This event is held twice a year and is a major fundraiser for our group. We use the funds to keep the kitchen up-to-date and donate much of our profits to the Fire Company. The sale in the fall usually features various Halloween and Christmas items.

If you don’t live nearby, check out the activities of your local Fire Company. There may be similar activities in your area. Most Fire Companies are supported by local volunteers and various fundraisers help with their equipment needs.

This flea market/yard sale offers a table for a fee and local folks can display their own items for sale. The table fees support the work of the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary ladies fill up 3 or 4 tables with donated stuff and that money also supports our work.

I’ve shared pictures of past yard sales in two posts. You can see them here:

https://marykisner.com/flea-market/ and https://marykisner.com/exploring-an-indoor-yard-sale-or-flea-market/

If you’re nearby, we’d love to share this indoor yard sale with you! Sale is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 6 & 7. Rain or shine! Come support the Boalsburg Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary!

Exploring the New Location of Apple Hill Antiques

I’ve been watching with interest as Apple Hill Antiques relocated recently. It had been at the top of the hill on Gerald Street, just off Rt. 26 (E. College Ave.). You can see from this map that they didn’t move too far…the star on Rt. 26 is their new location. They are now in the building that was the former Tubbies Mattress Store. It does have a second floor, so the whole shopping experience felt like there was lots more to see.

Here is their new brochure:

Usually, I shop at antique stores for specific items…like I did in 2021 for vintage fabric (see https://marykisner.com/finding-vintage-fabric-at-apple-hill-antiques/). The way many places are organized it’s pretty easy to walk down an aisle and scan the shelves. If I was looking for Red Ruby glassware, it would be visible from the aisle.

This time, I wanted to give you an overview of the many kinds of things they had available. The smaller size of this new facility meant sellers had smaller booths and they were often tucked around corners or placed back to back. Walking through the aisles was a slower process…which meant I saw more cool stuff. It felt like sellers did a great job keeping their stuff less cluttered. I suspect items are rotated more frequently. I’m sure many of these sellers also have booths at other antique co-ops.

I tried to take pictures of most of the displays but as I wandered out the door, I realized I missed a few completely! I’ll just have to go again!!

For example, there wasn’t just one booth with lots of books. Almost every booth had a few books, often relating to the rest of the items…like a few cookbooks stacked near antique cookware displayed on a kitchen cupboard. Since I was thinking about picking up a few old books for my grandson it became a game to find all the books tucked into corners.

Even the offerings of vinyl records were scattered throughout the booths. A collector’s dream!

Here’s an example of what it means to have Fine Antiques and Collectibles in a Gallery Setting:

Even doll house miniatures are in a display doll house!

I didn’t expect to find this bear rug looking at me as I came in the door! (Made me think of all the times Bert went bear hunting and did not get a bear. So glad I didn’t have to figure out where to put a full-size bear rug. This one was backed to be hung on the wall!)

This stuffed baby bear was upstairs, holding the seller’s cards! Clever!

From glassware to antique tools and vintage linens to collectible figures, I saw many beautiful things.

Of course, can’t forget collectible coins!

Vintage wedding dress and baby seat:

Remember Paper Dolls?

How about guitars and an accordian:

And my favorite surprise…a cow cookie jar that made me smile!!

So many wonderful booths to explore. I found many familiar items from my mother’s kitchen and favorite books from my childhood. If only I had saved them! Oh well, come to the new location of Apple Hill Antiques and explore the past through lovely vintage collectibles! Enjoy!

Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Boalsburg

Thanks to the work of the Boalsburg Village Conservancy and many local volunteers, Memorial Day Weekend in Boalsburg will once again be filled with good fun, delicious food and inspiring messages honoring our loved ones…past and present. See https://historicboalsburg.com for many details!

The weekend kicks off on Thursday, May 25, with the Boalsburg Fireman’s Carnival (6:00 to 10:00 p.m.) At 2:00 p.m. you can do a “drop-in tour” of the Boal Museum & Columbus Chapel. These tours will also be offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday, May 26, the Pennsylvania Military Museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The “drop-in tour” will also be available at 2:00 p.m., and the carnival will be open from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

On Saturday, May 27, The Pennsylvania Military Museum will be open from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. A WWII Living History Encampment will be open to the public.

The parade, sponsored by the Boalsburg Fire Company, will begin at 5:00 p.m. (with line up at 3:30). If you’d like to be in the parade, see https://boalsburgfire.com for information. After the parade, the carnival will continue until 10:00 p.m.

On Sunday, May 28, Zion Lutheran Church will hold Colonial Liturgy Services with patriotic hymns from 9:00 to 10:00 (with a second service from 11:00 to Noon). From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., a Civil War Ball will be held in the Boal Museum Ballroom. The carnival will be open from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Monday, May 29, is A Day in Town. (see https://historicboalsburg.com for many more details)

The day begins with a BANG! The Memorial Day Run begins at 8:30 a.m. From that point forward the whole town is involved with over 120 vendors, entertainment at the Diamond and additional activities at the Boal Mansion Museum, the Boalsburg Heritage Museum and the Pennsylvania Military Museum (AACA Car Show!).

The Boal Mansion Museum

The Boalsburg Heritage Museum

And finally, the day always ends with the inspiring walk to the cemetery and brief service to honor all our loved ones (past and present) who lost their lives in service to our country.

We’d love to share our Memorial Day festivities with you! Please join us!

Flea Market April 28 & 29

It’s that time again! The Ladies Auxiliary to the Boalsburg Fire Company will have their spring indoor flea market this weekend…Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, 2023. We open the doors to the Fire Hall around 9:00 a.m. and end around 2:00 (depends on how busy we are and how tired we are!).

We have another flea market in late September. These events are major fund raisers for our group and much of it is passed on the Fire Company. Usually there are about 30 tables offered for a fee so locals can display their own wares. The Auxiliary has two or three tables with our donated stuff and the money from those items go directly into the till. We also have food available, like sloppy joe, hot dogs, packaged chips and desserts.

I have written about previous flea markets, but usually after the fact. I’ve had people say they wish they had known ahead of time, so this year I’ll post a few pictures from past flea markets and encourage you to come check us out!

If you’d like to see LOTS of pictures, check out my previous postings, see: https://marykisner.com/exploring-an-indoor-yard-sale-or-flea-market/ and https://marykisner.com/flea-market/

Enjoy!

Hometown Christmas in Boalsburg 2022

Boalsburg is gearing up with lots of activities for locals and visitors during Hometown Christmas 2022. Please join us!

Hometown Christmas in Boalsburg will be held on December 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on the Diamond. Santa will arrive shortly before 6:00 p.m. to light the holiday tree. The event, which is being organized by the Harris Township Lions Club and the Boalsburg Village Conservancy, will feature hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies and live music.

Live Nativity: St. John’s UCC invites you to a live nativity with a reading of the Christmas story coinciding with the Boalsburg Hometown Christmas. Shows will be in front of the church (218 N. Church Street) at 4:30pm and 5:15pm.

The Boalsburg Heritage Museum will hold a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. Come enjoy the beautifully decorated museum, music, children’s crafts in the Barn, including “Holiday Caricatures by Molly.” Hot mulled cider and hot chocolate straight from the fireplace in the Summer Kitchen will be served. A Homemade Christmas cookie sale will be offered. Adam Swartz, Puppeteer, will be presenting a puppet show in the Lower Barn at 2:00, sponsored by a gift from Colonial Press. Many local businesses have donated wonderful raffle items in support of the Museum. Come and enjoy the day at the Boalsburg Heritage Museum with your friends and neighbors. The Museum is open for tours every Sunday afternoon between 2;00 and 4:00 and by appointment. boalsburgheritagemuseum@gmail.com or check the website at https://boalsburgheritagemuseum.org/

Enjoy local history at the Boalsburg Heritage Museum

The Boal Mansion and Christopher Columbus Chapel has the following activities planned:

December 2 & 3—Candlelight Tours of the Mansion and Chapel at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. $15 per person.

December 2—Springhill Paranormal Tour Reveal at 7:00 p.m. in the Boal Barn Great Room. All are welcome.

December 3—Kristkindle Market. Come join in the fun and start your Christmas shopping with us in the Boal Barn Great Room from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Photo op with St. Nicholas from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. Teddy Bear story time on the stage in the theater at 11 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Sleigh rides provided by Misty Lane Farms from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

December 4—Christmas Tea & Tour: Will be held in the Boal Mansion ballroom at 4:00 p.m. Seating is limited to 30 people so reserve your seats now. $65 per person. https://boalmuseum.com/

Many Christmas activities will be at the Boal Mansion.

Duffy’s Boalsburg Tavern on the Diamond is having its traditional Colonial Christmas Dinner for the weekend of Boalsburg Hometown Christmas (Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4). We design our menu around the original settlers in the area: Scotch Irish, Scottish, Irish, German, Spanish and French (the last two honor the women of the Boal family).

Enjoy a traditional colonial Christmas Dinner at the Tavern

A Basket Full on Main Street is having pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the porch on Sunday, December 11 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Come enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as well.

Lots of sales going on at “A Basket Full” on Main Street

Flea Market

Each Spring and Fall the Ladies Auxilliary to the Boalsburg Fire Company hold a Flea Market (indoor yard sale) at the Fire Hall. There are usually 30 tables available for local folks to reserve a space to sell assorted items. I guess by having different people manning each table (the flea market model) means buyers give money to separate sellers…instead of the yard sale model where buyers can pick up a bunch of items and pay for all of them at the end.

This flea market is one of the major fund raisers for the auxilliary and this money goes to help the Fire Company purchase new equipment. The side benefit is sellers have an opportunity to get rid of stuff!

So, yesterday and today the Fall flea market was held at the Fire Hall.

We had a small crowd but that didn’t stop us from having a good time visiting with each other. If sellers made some money, who knows how many buyers were auxilliary members!

Last fall, I shared lots of pictures of the kinds of things you can find at this flea market. (See https://marykisner.com/exploring-an-indoor-yard-sale-or-flea-market/)

This year had similar items but different ones. Halloween and Christmas seemed to be the theme for some tables and I was able to pick up my Halloween costume very inexpensively!

Can you guess which item on this table will serve as my costume? See my simple costume at the end of this article!

Here are some other treasures for sale:

Toys like Barbie and model cars.
Even a Penn State Barbie!
How about a Penn State Santa!
Various items for Christmas gifts.
Many plants and…
…more plants!
Cookie jars.
More toys.
Vinyl records are making a comeback.
DVDs…folks are probably moving to Streaming and Netflix now.
And more DVDs.
Always snacks to grab your attention as you wander by!
Sometimes I have to pick up something up just for me…well, maybe for my granddaughter!

And finally…my Halloween Costume!

I think if I wear a black T-shirt and black pants, I’ll be able to go trick or treating as Cat Woman (or at least answer the door for other ghosts and goblins who ring my doorbell!)

So that was how I spent my day. Now I’m set for Halloween and Christmas! A good time was had by all! Watch for information for our next flea market in the Spring.

Please comment or email me directly at marykisner@comcast.net.