Homesteading can be a great way to bring your family closer together. It also helps you build a relationship with nature and learn new skills.

Fall & Winter

If you want to start homesteading, it is best to start small. Taking small steps to learn new skills can help you get the ball rolling and avoid wasting money on big investments that may not pay off.

JSWCD: Fish pond stocking program orders are being taken through March 17

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District is coordinating a fish pond stocking program as a service to local landowners.

Orders are being taken until March 17, and the pickup will be on March 30 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jefferson SWCD parking lot, Jefferson County Tower building, located at 500 Market St., Steubenville.

The order form is available on the JSWCD website at www.jeffersonswcd.org or those interested may call the office at (740) 264-9790. Sales can be placed by mailing in the form with payment or online.

A properly stocked and managed pond will provide years of quality fishing. Some of the finest fishing in Ohio for largemouth bass, bluegills and channel catfish can be found in local farm ponds, according to information provided by ODNR, Division of Wildlife and Ohio State University Extension documents.

An initial stocking of a combination of these fish is usually recommended for new or renovated ponds. Properly managed, largemouth bass and bluegills will produce self-sustaining populations, whereas channel catfish usually require periodic restocking.

“Stocking the recommended sizes and numbers of fish is very important for good fishing,” according to a district news release.

Fingerling fish are recommended for stocking new or renovated ponds. Starting a pond off by stocking larger fish is tempting, but can lead to an “unbalanced” pond with too many fish of one kind and too few of another.

For guidance on species selection or managing a pond, contact the SWCD office or download the Ohio Pond Management Handbook at https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov.

Series on urban homesteading and gardening starts Saturday

STEUBENVILLE — A four-part urban homesteading and gardening program series featuring the basics of planning and preparing a garden throughout the year kicks off Saturday through the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County.

The start of the year-long series begins at 11 a.m. at the Main Library located at 407 S. Fourth St., Steubenville, and will be led by Shawn and Beth Dougherty, local authors and owners of the Sow’s Ear Farm.

To register, call the Main Library at (740) 282-9782.

Topics at Saturday’s session will include choosing the type of bed, prepping the soil, when to plant, direct planting and starting in pots and other information.

Session two will be held May 20, beginning at 11 a.m. with participants learning how to take care of their garden in this garden maintenance program that covers weeding, mulching, watering, suckering, plant health and more.

A late summer session, with the date to be announced, will offer participants insight on learning when to gather, et and store a harvest. This discussion includes when to harvest, how to prepare, canning, storage spaces and more.

The final session set for a date in the fall to be announced will offer information about fertility and prepping for next year with topics such as cover crops, urban chickens and rabbits, compost bins, putting beds to rest, “celebrating your success” and assessing for the next year.

Local camera club announces

February competition winners

WINTERSVILLE — The Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club has announced the February competition winners to the theme “Barn.”

The theme category winners were: First place, Sam Rees; second place, Michelle Stevens; and third place, Andy Tindor. The open category winners were: First place, Andy Tindor; second place, Michelle Stevens; and third place, Eric Patterson. The special effects category winners were: First place, Michelle Stevens; second place, Barb Momyer; and third place, Dave Rees.

The Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club welcomes anyone who has an interest in photography to attend the meetings, whether they use a camera or a cell phone.

The camera club’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the lower level social hall at Two Ridges Presbyterian Church, 1085 Canton Road, Wintersville.

For information about the camera club, including the monthly photo contests visit the camera club’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/upperohiovalleycameraclub.

Three Score Seniors Club

holds February meeting

WEIRTON — The Three Score Seniors Club held its February meeting at Undo’s with President Ed Powell presiding.

Bob Shirer gave a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the group singing of “God Bless America.”

Vice President Vivian Weigel introduced Dave Watkins as entertainment, who sang and joked with the members. Next month’s entertainment will be Jack Giacomel.

George Pohlman, sitting in for newly elected treasurer Brenda Edward, gave his joke and reported the club balance.

Sunshine Chair Winnie Kemp gave a report on cards sent on behalf of the group. Birthdays were acknowledged.

Powell showed members a banner for the club he designed and had printed.

House Chairman Kathy McCarrick decorated for St. Patrick’s Day and will do the same for the March meeting. Attendees are encouraged to wear green.

Reservation Chair Vivian Weigel noted there were reservations for 45 members and four guests, including Brian and Theresa Ginier and William Haynes and Stan Haynes. William Haynes joined.

Hospitality Chair Jim Hare gave envelopes to Mary Louise Danek, Sue Sakara, Lynn Bish and Carol Irvine. Dinners given by Betty Virtue went to Sandra Briggs and Lynn Bish. Other gifts went to Linda Walter and Mary Louise Danek. Larry Purks gave 50/25/25 gifts to Lois Cox and Harry Mack.

Bob Shirer gave the benediction.

Tuesday meeting scheduled

for Weirton Woman’s Club

WEIRTON — The Weirton Woman’s Club, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of West Virginia, met Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Undo’s Weirton for dinner and meeting.

President Jeanne Amidon presided, welcoming all members. Sandra Robbins gave the inspiration and reviewed a recent Valentine’s Day article from the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times.

The program was then given by Amidon, who talked about heart health relative to women. She distributed fliers about health health to the members.

The meeting ended with members signing Valentine’s Day cards that were for residents at area nursing homes.

The club’s next meeting will be held Tuesday at Undo’s.

Watch films at Brooke Library

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will show the PG rated animated film, “Rock Dog 3,” at 5 p.m. March 9 and the PG-13 rated film, “The Fablemans,” which is loosely based on the childhood of director Steven Spielberg, at noon March 10.

Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch to the noon screening. Call (304) 737-1551 or visit https://brookecountylibs.org/events to reserve a seat for the free programs.

Evening story hour offered

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will hold an evening story hour, led by Kim Harless, at 5 p.m. March 8.

Based on “Pete the Cat, the Great Leprechaun Chase,” it will include a craft and snacks.

Call (304) 737-1551 or visit https://brookecountylibs.org/events to reserve a seat for the free program.

Source: weirtondailytimes.com