Daily Archives: October 23, 2012

Thursday, November 8, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Historic Preservation Meets Energy Conservation

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Owners of older homes love the fact that they can live in living, vibrant, often historic, reminders of the past. They may not know that, with a little effort, they can bring those homes into the “green” present. Now, there is good news for those owners: The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) is sponsoring a special forum, offering tips and answering questions about how older homes can make the transformation to green energy conservation. The event will take place November 8, 2012 from 5 to 8 PM in the Orientation Room of the Boston Public Library’s main branch on Boylston Street in the Back Bay. Chris Skelly, director of local government programs for the Massachusetts Historical Commission, Rebecca Harris, field officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Sally Zimmerman, manager of historic preservation services for Historic New England, will provide guidelines and information about how older or historic houses can be turned green without losing their historic character. Some areas that will be covered are: how to add alternative energy systems, the value of retaining and upgrading wood windows, and ways to properly insulate an historic house. The event is free and open to the public. To reserve a place for “Greening the Older Home,” contact the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay at 617-247-3961 or info@nabbonline.com.

Saturday, November 3, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – The Big Squeeze: Making Apple Cider (Hard and Sweet)

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Join John Vittori of Hilltop Orchard on Saturday, November 3 at Berkshire Botanical Garden for a look at the art and science of making both sweet and hard cider. This lecture/demonstration, from 1 – 3 pm, will cover the history, culture and lore of cider making. Practical information will include selecting apple varieties, cider-making techniques, timing and preserving of both sweet and hard cider. Following a demonstration with a beautiful two-bucket cider press, enjoy a tasting of this local sweet (or hard) drink. BBG member price is $22, nonmember $27, and you may register at www.berkshirebotanical.org.

John Vittori has owned and operated Hilltop Orchards and Furnace Brook Winery for the past 24 years. His main interests are sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management and land preservation.

Saturday, November 3, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Nature Journaling for Adults

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In the tradition of the early naturalists and explorers, you will be learning about the natural world by drawing and writing, listening and discovering, using your very own hand-crafted nature journal, at this Boston Nature Center class on Saturday, November 3, from 10 – noon. You will explore the sanctuary, using journals to write about and draw trees, rocks, landscapes, plants, birds, and other interesting animals. You will learn to observe the natural world more closely by using writing and drawing to describe what you see. You will use pencil, pen, colored pencils, and even watercolor in our journals, so that you can prepare for your own continued exploration of the changing seasons.

Mass Audubon members: $7, non-members $9. Registration is required. Register online at www.massaudubon.org or call 617-983-8500 to register by phone.  Image from www.homemadesimple.com.