Earth Celebration Day planned by Renfrew Institute

A full day of discovery, education, music, art and shopping is planned during Renfrew Institute’s Earth Celebration Day and Festival of Art fun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at Renfrew Park in Waynesboro.

Now in its 22nd year, the celebration also features a clothesline art exhibit and dozens of exhibitor displays featuring everything from beekeeping to archaeology to gardening. Held in conjunction with the event, the seventh annual Recycle/Reuse Yard Sale is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the park.

Twenty area artists will display, demonstrate and sell their works during the Festival of Art. These include a variety of fine art, jewelry, photography, basketry, garden art and pottery. Earth themes will be in the spotlight.

“The goal is to offer to the public the concept that art, in its many forms, reflects our effort to celebrate the earth and its life through artistic expression,” said Melodie Anderson-Smith, institute executive director.

The seventh annual “Renfrew Institute Environmental Artistry Award” will be presented to a local artist, in honor of outstanding lifetime achievement.

Art activities for children will be offered.

Slim Harrison will returns this year with his “good time mountain music.” Kids can use his handmade instruments or bring their own to play along as part of the Sunnyland Band.

Local artist and musician, Patric Schlee will lead an “improv music session” beginning at 3 p.m.

“Bring drums, flutes, guitars or a didgeridoo — any instrument — and jam with Earth Day Concert No. 3,” Anderson-Smith said. The improv session is open to everyone.

Several hands-on, earth-friendly activities are planned. A creek cleanup is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., hosted by Franklin County Conservation District. Anyone interested in helping should bring gloves.

The Franklin County Commissioners and Washington Township supervisors are sponsoring free personal document shredding from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Washington Township office parking lot off Welty Road. There is a limit of 10 bags or boxes per person, and the following items cannot be processed: newspapers, three-ring binders, carbon paper, film, metal, cardboard, trash or heavy plastics.

In the spirit of recycling, several area groups are collecting items for reuse or proper disposal. The Lions Club will collect used eyeglasses and cell phones, and Summitview Elementary School will collect used printer cartridges (no copy toner cartridges). A disposal bin for used batteries will be available. All types of household and electronic device batteries are accepted, except large acid batteries that exceed 11 pounds.

CFAR/Waynesboro Running organizers are collecting “gently used running shoes” to support the Waynesboro Area Middle School running team.

Again this year, the Franklin County Commissioners will present an official proclamation declaring April as Earth Awareness Month. A ceremonial tree planting is also planned.