ASHLAND - It doesn't take batteries, video games and all kinds of electronic wizardry to have fun, which was something children learned recently as they played with simple wooden toys at the Ashland Public Library.
Patrick "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, environmental education coordinator with the Schuylkill Conservation District, visited the library during its last story hour summer session last Friday to show the young children the many simple ways of having fun.
McKinney brought all types of wooden toys, small and large. Some children, and an adult or two, learned what it was like to walk on stilts, with McKinney guiding them for the first time.
"The focus on today's visit is old-time toys, mostly the Appalachian Mountains-type toys," said McKinney. "All of toys are made out of wood."
One unique toy was called a "buzz saw," which McKinney showed the children and adults how to make using a small wooden disk, cutting out two small holes, inserting a long string, tying the ends, then winding it up on the strong and pulling in and out, causing the disk to spin. Many of the ideas come from the Firefox series of books that focus on the culture of Southern Appalachia.
The excitement of the children and fun they were having was evident and they tried one toy, then played with another to learn what they did. McKinney said there was another aspect to the toys that could be seen among the children.
At the end of McKinney's visit, four young childen graduated from the story hour program for 3- to 5-year olds. Receiving diplomas for participating in story hour during the past three years were Peyton Groody, Germanville; Abby Orkin, Germanville; Jaelyn Pennypacker, Hegins; and Maria Puglia, Gordon, all age 5. They received a diploma and a ice cream coupon courtesy of May's Drive-in, Ashland.
McKinney told the children, "Keep on reading. I love to read."