County Herb Guild offers fellowship, info
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For nearly 40 years, the local Herb Guild has spiced things up in Clinton County by offering fellowship and food sprinkled with helpful tips and a dash of fun from March through November.
"I learn something every time I come," Mary Margaret Winton, of Castanea, said. "I've learned about herbs I never even knew existed."
Between 20 and 25 men and women typically gather at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, enjoying assorted refreshments provided by two members of the Guild while taking in two topical presentations, sometimes from members and other times from outside experts, such as local author and herbalist Sue Morris. Members Deb Liguori and Anne Gibson presented in April; Liguori about uses and benefits of various perennial herbs and Gibson about the Herb of the Month, anise hyssop.
"I like to grow herbs," Gibson said, adding that she joined the Guild to grow in her knowledge of herbs as well. "We learn so much and share recipes."
Winton also joined to develop her own culinary and medicinal herbalism.
"I wanted to learn more about growing and uses of herbs," Winton said.
Charles Kincaid, of Beech Creek, has cultivated a hearty interest in herbs since joining.
"I'm a gardener," Kincaid said. "I use (herbs) for medicinal and culinary purposes. This (guild) is a really great source of information and support."
After holding an organizational meeting every February, the Guild's season officially kicks off with a banquet and ends with a holiday dinner, with a September picnic given midway. In addition to hosting these events and holding their monthly meetings, the Guild weeds and maintains the herb garden at the Heisey Museum and provides -- by way of their annual dues -- a scholarship to one graduating Keystone Central High School senior. For 2024, a KCHS student planning to pursue a postsecondary culinary arts education will receive $200.
The Guild began around 1985. Established by Bobbi Jo Simcox out of the Penn State Extension office, they first convened at the Heisey Museum and was presided over by John McCool. Later, they met in the Lock Haven Hospital. These days, they gather in the multipurpose room at Big Woods Bible Church. While the club has gotten "back to basics," per an article written by Liguori in 2020, the Guild's previous endeavors have included maintaining a garden at SusqueView and holding an Herb Festival at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.
President Linda Gray joined the group because of her own interest in herbs.
"Having been involved with the Herb Guild for only three years, I'm sorry I didn't begin to attend earlier," Gray said. "Herbs are not only fun and easy to grow, they are so beneficial for us, medicinally."
With 31 members to date, Gray hopes to grow the Guild and harvest a new progeny of herb enthusiasts.
"There is so much knowledge and instruction available in this group that we are happy to pass on to the next generation," Gray said.
The next County Herb Guild meeting is slated for May 13. Gray, Winton, Gibson, Liguori, Kincaid and every member invite those interested in learning more about herbs or the group to attend and to follow the Guild on Facebook.