Page 10 The Shoreline March 2005 Trinity Center Continued from page 7 administers to 300 day campers, during the school year they have nearly 6,000 students and their accompanying chaperones come for overnight fieldtrips from schools all over North Carolina and from states as far away as Illinois and Indiana. The focus of this school program is scientific inquiry and hands-on learning techniques as the students work in outdoor classrooms. According to Interim Program Director Ms. Mindy Furrer, “The goal of the Sound to Sea Program is to help students from public, private and parochial schools understand why and how we are tied to the earth. Through the Biology, Cultural or Current Events Program options students have the opportunity to learn about the unique adaptations of the plants and animals that live on a barrier island, how man has used these plants and animals throughout history, or how the loss of this amazing biodiversity is harmful to human health.” The primary purp>ose of Trinity Center is to accommodate groups from the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. Its restful surroundings, well-designed meeting and conference rooms and attractive overnight accommodations provide just the right ambience for effective events. Greg Premo, .3 Window, Wall & Interior M»r MoreheodCity New Bern 726-9027 633-6362 executive director, said; “We do, however, welcome non profits and churches of all denominations to bring groups to Trinity Center. We have hosted all kinds of retreats, including choirs, congregational and church leadership retreats, family reunions, women’s and men’s gatherings and self-directed spiritual retreats. We host eight weeks of residential Elderhostel programs as well as educational seminars for county, state and regional institutions. Well known PKS resident Jacque Mason is group coordinator at Trinity Center. She and her fellow PKS resident Chris Mohr welcome inquiries in person, phone or internet at www.trinity@trinityctr.com. Trinity Center accepts reservations two years in advance. Episcopal diocesan events are scheduled in January; after that its calendar is open to other organizations on a first call/ first serve basis. Call Jacque or Chris at 247- 5600 for conference or group information. Environmental education inquiries are directed to the office of Sound to Sea at ext 21. Check the website at www.trinityctr.com for an extensive tour. Ken Benson is a member of St. Francis By The Sea Episcopal Church. We brinQ window & interior fashions HOME! \\ c invite you to visit our showroom at 4130 Arendell St, .Morehead City, or simply, {»ivc us a call We will bring the showroom to you! www.windowandwalldecor.com OUTER BANKS MARINE CONSTRUCTION Docks - Seawalls - Floating Docks Boatramps ■ Dock Repair Dealer for. E BOAT LIFTS Morehead City, NC 252-240-2525 www.outerbanksmarineconst.com Gardening — Fresh Cut Flowers Many of the annuals and perennials you set out last spring are now in their full glory and can be enjoyed both outside in the garden as well as used in bouquets inside. Annual plants such as zinnias, snapdragons, cosmos and asters are favored forcutting. Perennials include the shasta daisy, yarrow, liatris, purple cone flower and even black-eyed susans. Roses are among the best plants to grow for a supply of cut flowers. Whether arranging them for a show or plopping them into a jar to add color on the kitchen table, cut flowers will last longer and look fresher if you will follow these easy steps. Remember, the instant a flower is removed from the plant, it is living on borrowed time. • The first essential is a sharp knife, scissors or pruning shears. Cut soft stems with a knife or scissors so as not to crush the stem. Use pruning shears for woody stems. • Do your cutting before the heat of the day. Early morning is best. • If cut at the proper stage, the flowers will last about a week or two. For instance, Lilies should be cut before the flower actually opens, when the buds are puffy and showing good color. Learning the proper stage for each flower may take some practice. • Carry a pail with a few inches of water; put each stem cut into this at once. • Cut at a slant to maximize the water- absorbing surface and prevent a stem from resting flat against the bottom of the container. Cut stems a bit longer than will be needed. • Fill a clean, deep container with tepid water and let stand so air bubbles will vanish before they can clog stems. • Back in the house, re-cut each stem just below a node and put it into the container of water. Leave flowers in a cool dark place for several hours or overnight. • Handle flowers carefully by their stems at every stage. When laying them out on a table, let the blooms hang over the edge to prevent crushing. • Water will stay fresher and be absorbed faster if a florist’s preservative is added. The preservative can also be made by adding a tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water. • As arrangements are made, re-cut each stem on a slant to the desired length. Remove foliage that will end up below the water line of the vase. • Place arrangements where they can be seen and enjoyed the most. They will last longer if they are kept out of direct sunlight, heat and drafts. • Add as much water as possible after the vase is in place; maintain this level. Change the water every day or two. • As they fade, remove dead flowers. Antiques Club Raleigh Bound The Carteret County Antiques and Collectibles Club invites all those interested to join its members for a delightful day at the Raleigh Antique and Flea Market on Saturday April 23. The bus will leave from the Belks-McDonalds parking lot in Morehead City at 6 a.m. and return between 6 and 7 p.m., with a possible stop in Selma to visit more antique shops. A box or bag lunch (bring your own) is advisable to allow more shopping time. The trip is open to anyone interested. Cost is $22 per person. Please send a check to the treasurer, Janice Fulcher, P.O. Box 181, Davis, N.C. 28524, or call Jane Page at 247-3887 or Anne Reeves at 247-2947. PARTY PLACE WHERE THE PARTY BEGIHS! St. Patrick's Day Supplies Decorations • Caiw * Sifts! 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