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MARCH 23, 2021
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Restrictions on Pa. gatherings, businesses to loosen April 4
As the grip that COVID-19 has on Pennsylvanians is slowly loosening, so soon will stateimposed restrictions. Gov. Tom Wolf announced last week that starting April 4 some of the restrictions on businesses and gatherings will become less stringent. April 4 is Easter Sunday. Restrictions will not be completely lifted, but residents will be able to gather in larger groups, and businesses like March 17 was Your 4-H Project Day as McKean County participants celebrated 4-H Week in Pennsylvania. restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment facilities will have less strict rules. On April 4, establishments will be allowed to resume bar service, and people can drink alcoholic beverages out without purchasing food. The state will lift the curfew Pennsylvania celebrated theme was posted and then businesses to celebrate PA our number one concern, for removing alcoholic 4-H Week last week. Due everyone was encouraged 4-H Week, though they so all in-person events are drinks from tables, too. to COVID-19 restrictions, to comment pictures and decided to postpone it until being reviewed at the state Restaurants that are the McKean County 4-H stories to go along with it,” later this summer due to level to ensure the best currently self-certified will was not able to hold any explained Cady. restrictions. health/safety protocols are be able to raise indoor dining in-person activities for the As for the themes, they “This past year, members being followed. ‘Learning capacity to 75%, and those by doing’ is a key aspect of event, though Morgan Cady, were 4-H t-shirt day, What’s have been participating that do not self-certify will 4-H and we want to ensure 4-H Educator for Penn 4-H to you?, Your 4-H in all aspects of the be able to raise capacity to youth can safely do that.” State Extension said they project, What’s the future of program virtually to ensure 50%. While discussing the would instead be holding a 4-H and Green color day. everyone’s safety, however Social distancing and ‘4-H Spirit Week’ on their Cady said in the past the this year we are beginning to program, Cady said 4-H mask-wearing will still Facebook page. group has held a window hold in-person events again,” in McKean County is be in place. The state still “Each day, a different display contest at local explained Cady. “Safety is See 4-H on page 3... encourages outdoor dining,
McKean County 4-H Program celebrates Pennsylvania 4-H Week
curbside pickup and take-out orders. Capacity will also be lifted to 75% for businesses such as gyms and entertainment facilities like casinos, theaters and malls. The maximum capacity for indoor events, regardless of venue size, will increase to 25%, and capacity for outdoor events will be 50%. This increase is only permitted if attendees and employees are still able to maintain six feet of distance. Wolf said that Pennsylvanians have done their part to help curb the spread of the virus. “Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining, and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week — all very positive signs,” he said. “The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. It’s time to allow our restaurants, bars and other service businesses to get back to more normal operations.” Wolf urged people to continue wearing masks,
See Restrictions on page 3...
Go green in your lawn and garden this spring
Spring is a season of rejuvenation. As the cold days of winter drift away, spring blooms begin to sprout and grass regains its lush green look. Gardening enthusiasts can find a way to make spring even more green by embracing several ecofriendly gardening practices as they bring their lawns and gardens back to life in the months to come. • Create a compost pile. Composting is an ecofriendly way to enrich lawns and gardens. Composting helps to conserve water because compost promotes moisture retention in soil, reducing homeowners’ need to water their lawns and gardens while also helping them to save money on their water bills. Composting also helps homeowners avoid the need to use potentially harmful chemical fertilizers because compost is a natural, slow release fertilizer. In addition, according to Canada’s Green Action Centre, compostable materials make up 40 percent of residential waste. So composting can dramatically reduce the amount of waste
homeowners ultimately send to landfills. • Replace gas-powered mowers with reel lawn mowers. Reel mowers may seem like relics from simpler times, but today’s reel mowers, while just as eco-friendly as their predecessors, are unlike those of yesteryear. According to the Planet Natural Research Center, an online resource for organic gardeners, gas-powered engines emit more than 10 times the hydrocarbons per amount of gas burned than auto engines. But reel mowers are fuel-free and less expensive than gaspowered mowers. Planet Natural also notes that reel mowers snip grass like scissors, leaving finer trimmings that can serve as nourishing, weed-deterring mulch for yards. • Water at the right times of day. Homeowners who water their lawns and gardens at the right time of day can help the planet and reduce their energy bills. As spring gradually gives way to summer, temperatures typically rise. Watering during the coolest times of the day means less water
will be lost to evaporation, ensuring water-needy soil will get all it needs to help lawns and gardens thrive. Early morning watering before the sun reaches its midday peak and/or evening watering as the sun is setting are typically great times to water lawns and
gardens, rather than when temperatures are at their hottest. • Use a rain barrel. Rain barrels provide another great way to conserve water while tending to lawns and gardens. Rain barrels collect and store rain water from roofs and downspouts,
keeping water from washing into sewage systems where it can’t be put to good use. Many homeowners can use water from rain barrels to water their lawns, gardens and houseplants, saving money on their water bills along the way.
Spring gardening season provides a great opportunity for lawn and garden enthusiasts to embrace a variety of eco-friendly practices that can save them money and protect the planet.
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