The Plains: Enjoy Grace Church Garden Fete
The dawdling Japanese beetles have finally made their debut, several weeks late. They were happily munching on the basil (one was overheard jostling for position and calling its dining partner "pesto breath").
There is no need to panic and no need to get out the toxic chemical sprays. The Japanese beetles are easily collected in the early morning when they are drowsy. Fill a glass jar or coffee can with a couple inches of water and add a squirt of dishwashing liquid.
In the cool of early morning, the beetles will be clustered together and a gentle tap sends them tumbling into the soapy water. Morning patrols for a couple of weeks will greatly reduce the damage of the beetles and it will be a reason to enjoy the garden before the day's heat.
The Japanese beetles are attracted to each other and are slow to move from a good feeding patch. If you get them off your plants early in their feeding season, they will settle on other plants and keep your favorites safe.
July Fourth, Independence Day, The Fourth of July, whatever name you give this holiday, there is one thing our Company Four Fire and Rescue Volunteers know: The calls will come for their services.
The improper use of fireworks, both legal and illegal, will cause injuries or fires that will require emergency response. To make your celebration safe, simply read and follow all the safety instructions, and supervise all children around fireworks at all times.
Even the innocuous sparkler can cause serious burns and eye injuries if simple precautions are not taken. Do not let the children celebrate our country's Independence Day with a trip to the hospital.
The Community Lunch on June 28 was delicious, as the group enjoyed a light summer meal and a delicious yellow cake topped with coconut.
The Community Lunch is held every fourth Saturday at Grace Church unless some special event causes a shift in the schedule. July is that rare month where the Community Lunch will have to shift from its normal fourth Saturday spot.
For July only, the Community Lunch will be held on July 19. The rules are the same: the lunch is free. Everyone is invited. The time is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and bringing friends, neighbors and out-of-town guests is always encouraged. See you at the Community Lunch this month on July 19.
This Saturday, Grace Church will host the annual Grace Church Garden Fete to benefit the parish and community outreach.
On Saturday, July 5, from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. at Hopefield (next to Airlie), there will be a performance by the Washington Symphonic Brass, gardens, refreshments and tea sandwiches, "wet paint" silent auction of works by local artists, and a plant sale. The cost for this fundraiser is $50 per person (children under 18 free). Tickets may be obtained by contacting Grace Church at (540) 253-5177.
Happy birthday greetings go out to Garret Lukens on July 3 and Linda Hostetler on July 9.
The Plains columnist David M. Roos can be reached at (540) 253-5737 or DavidMRoos@aol.com.