Beat the winter slump
How local residents are keeping their hands warm this winter
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Self-created coziness Delphi resident Danny Sterrett enjoys coffee and comfort in his Delphi home surrounded by furnishings he and his wife Gloria built. Sterrett said he built the mission-style pieces over the past three winters when the couple wanted new furniture for their living area. His wife added fine touches such as stained glass on the lamps. "The best way to sum it up is that it is therapeutic," Sterrett said. "I can pick up a project and put it down without the rushed feeling of deadlines. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the winter." Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

Don't let this week's warm front fool you - winter is still here and might remind us of that bitter cold fact anytime. The teasing respite brought many out of hibernation temporarily, but the desire will come again to burrow in.

Though we may want to sleep upcoming blustery days away, a little wintertime activity might help keep us defrosted until spring. In an effort to find a few alternatives to watching the tube or playing on the computer to pass the time, the Comet asked a few county residents how they combat the winter slump. Idle hands are frostbite's workshops

Those who cannot or simply do not want to brave the brisk outdoors can stay energized and a bit warmer with a homebased indoor hobby. Even if leaving the house is not such a grand idea, keeping those hands busy with a worthwhile project can melt away the winter blues.

Rural Camden resident Judy Berkshire turned winter into summer at her home by growing an indoor garden. She said a budding narcissus and other plants she tended inside add color and warmth while she anticipates the spring thaw.

Berkshire said she will begin to germinate flowers and vegetables inside in February to give the plants a good start before they are transplanted outside this spring. She spent many cold days deciding what to grow before the project begins.

"I've been quickly turning the pages of my flower catalogs," she said. "I'm already gardening before I can even go outside, but the tomatoes will certainly be ready to go."

Those who do not sport a green thumb could try their hands at woodworking instead. The popular past-time is prevalent throughout the county. According to some who partake in the hobby, the benefits of crafting something by hand are tremendous.

Delphi resident Danny Sterrett spent recent winters creating furniture for his wife, Gloria, for the couple's home. When the need arose for new furnishings, he took the opportunity to produce just what the couple wanted while enjoying the process.

Though his new role as a city council member has kept him busier this year, Sterrett said he enjoyed spending cold winter days in a quiet workshop creating something useful and beautiful.

"I'm more of a practical person," he said. "I like the square, clean lines of mission style furniture and I like how quiet it is in the winter. To have sawdust all over the garage dedicated to a project creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere."

Jim Brown of Camden began working with wood when he was 12. Today he operates Jim's Carpenter Shop where he and family members create thousands of wood toys each year.

Though woodworking has become a year-round affair for him, including participation in craft fairs during summer, Brown said he still enjoys his work. A benefit to making toys himself is that he knows what he makes will be stronger and safer for children than storebought items.

"There's no lead in what I build and I don't have to worry about when the thing might get recalled for a problem," he said.

Brown said he discovered an opportunity to help his community through woodwork when he was able to recycle wood scraps from Habitat For Humanity building projects in Delphi. He turned the scrap lumber into toys for the children who lived in the homes.

"I've got better things to do with my time than watch T.V. or play on the computer," Brown said. "Making toys keeps me from getting fat, pulling my hair out doing nothing."

Gather to share the warmth

Towns and neighborhoods offer residents a central location for social activities. A warm place to eat, walk or talk can break up the winter slump.

Early-rising dwellers in Camden can slip and slide their way to Little Bit O' Country for coffee and a chat with friends. Senior citizens are served lunch at Camden-Jackson Township Fire Station each day at 11 a.m. And to keep the pounds from adding up, the community building is open during town office business hours for walkers.

Delphi, Burlington and Flora host a variety of similar options for those who are willing to leave their warm confines for a while. All three offer venues for dining, reading and exercise along with social clubs and community service-minded organizations brimming with opportunities for residents to get active and break free from the doldrums. Residents can call their city or town hall to find out more about what is offered in their communities.

Other activities residents reported from around the county include ice fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing and walks through snowy woods. The chance to enjoy those wintertime options are looked forward to yearly by children of all ages.

Shelves of options at libraries

Those who are willing to brave the elements can visit one of the county's four public libraries and one community library, all of which offer relief from the cold and a variety of options to suit most visitors' desires.

Delphi Public Library and its Northwest Carroll branch, Flora-Monroe Public Library and Camden-Jackson Public Library all offer a full slate of educational and relaxation opportunities. Visitors can partake in book clubs, classes, internet access and loads of books and movies.

At Delphi library, regular monthly events include the Coffee Beat, featuring warm drinks for listeners while they enjoy music by local artists, and showings of independent films during which visitors watch a movie then discuss it while sampling ethnic refreshments based on the movie's filming location.

Other activities at Delphi library include weekly Spanish language classes beginning today, Wednesday, from 6 to 7 p.m., a cowpoke concert featuring a flashlight campfire and authentic chuckwagon food on Jan. 15 and a wine tasting Jan. 19.

Burlington Community Library offers plenty of books, children's videos, puzzles, a sitting room, space for parents to color, draw and read with their children, and a room which can be reserved to host open houses, birthday parties or classes. Director Karen Dinger said the library is a wonderful place to activate both mind and body.

"Reading opens the imagination and allows ideas to flow," she explained. "It's a great way to get the mind's juices flowing."

Dinger noted the importance of keeping her children active when they are inside.

"Now that we're not outside so much, we play and sing inside," she said. "We like to play children's music and dance, too. These are just a few great ways to keep the mind active."