BY KATHRYN PIFF TOWNSEND

Special to The Press

Just as the winter weather is getting us down, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s Winter Artisan Series in Kempton offers up a wide ranging selection of activities and educational opportunities to pull us out of the winter doldrums.

Hawk Mountain is the oldest and largest member-supported raptor conservation organization in the world.

The scientific research center at the top of the Blue Mountain serves as an international training site for scientists and amateurs alike.

Their efforts to support raptor conservation efforts spans the world while they provide eco-tourism and educational experiences for folks here at home. The walking trails provide some of the best vistas to view amazing migratory birds of all kinds, not to mention beautiful landscapes.

While the winter weather is cold and the days short, educational experiences ranging from glass bead making and paper quilling, to collage and wire art, are happening throughout March.

This past weekend, The Winter Artisan Series hosted Debbi Zvanut for adult basket weaving, during which participants, who were mostly beginners learned to make a decorative birdhouse wall basket.

A veteran basket weaving instructor, Zvanut provided each student a kit with everything needed to complete the basket.

Mickey Gunoskey of Pottsville attended the class with her husband, Jamie, and son, Jan.

“This was a Valentine’s Day present from my husband, so we wanted to do something as a family,” Gunoskey said.

“This is my first time taking a basket weaving class. It came out so nice and it was so easy.

“This class was very beginner friendly and so much fun.”

Marsha Klitsch of Lehighton and her daughter, Christina Czwakiel of Jim Thorpe, attended the class.

“I’ve been a member of Hawk Mountain for two years and last year I attended a coffee painting work shop,” Czwakiel said. “This time, I brought my mother along and this is her first time attending.”

Czwakiel said she found out about the workshop from Hawk Mountain’s website and newsletter.

They each said they enjoyed the class and it was something fun to do together.

In addition to artisan classes, each month Hawk Mountain Sanctuary opens up the Acopian Center just over the mountain in Orwigsburg for Yoga on the Mountain.

There, Brenda Schoeneman, owner of Yoga B Yoga, Orwigsburg, teaches a gentle, meditative Hatha yoga class on the last Sunday of every month at 9 a.m.

“This class meets you where you are,” Schoeneman said. “There are no expectations of the body. If you can breathe, you can practice yoga.”

Schoeneman explained how she came to teach yoga at Hawk Mountain.

“Over seven years ago Sean Grace, president of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, invited us to bring yoga to this impressive space,” Schoeneman said.

The Acopian Center, which houses a library and reading rooms, has an incredible view of the mountains through a large two story window.

“Every month the backdrop to class changes as the seasons change,” Schoeneman said. “Last Sunday’s class focus, Prithvi Vidya, or Earth Knowledge, Earth Wisdom invited participants to connect with nature, the season, and themselves.

“I’m really grateful to get to be here and to offer this class.”

Breann Miller of Orwigsburg came to this yoga class in January and, this month, invited her mother, Mary Miller, also of Orwigsburg.

“I’ve been getting into yoga and I really enjoy Brenda’s classes and I feel great afterward,” she said.

Robert Hamsher of Krumsville discussed his yoga experience.

“I typically practice yoga six to seven hours a week,” Hamsher said. “I love to come here to witness the changing of the seasons in this beautiful room with its view.

“We’re reminded of how we are currently in this season of wintering but look forward to the blossoming of spring to come.”

Melanie Johnson of Mahanoy City said she is just starting to get back into yoga and to nurture herself.

“I teach and facilitate meditation at the Yoga B Yoga studio,” Johnson said. “So, me being here today, is me giving back to myself and receiving.”

Johnson explained why she chose this class at Hawk Mountain.

“I came here for the scenery,” she said. “When I saw the photo of this class, I just wanted to be here and see it for myself.

“This class is a great introduction into yoga.

“It’s a warm, inviting and friendly space in this woodsy atmosphere.

“The class is a mix of people of all different ages and levels.”

Andrea Drumbore, educator and raptor care specialist at Hawk Mountain, was on hand to introduce both the basket weaving and yoga classes.

She was there as a liaison for Hawk Mountain, being sure everyone was checked in and had what they needed.

“The proceeds for this class go to support Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and its mission,” Drumbore explained.

More information can be found at hawkmountain.org/events.