Bonnie McCouch, left, and Helen Norton make chocolates last Monday at a program sponsored by Orford Social Library. In the background is Shelley Schreve, of Orford, who volunteered to host the event.
Bonnie McCouch, left, and Helen Norton make chocolates last Monday at a program sponsored by Orford Social Library. In the background is Shelley Schreve, of Orford, who volunteered to host the event. Credit: Laina Warsavage photograph

Orford — A new series of activities sponsored by Orford Social Library aims to bring people together to share their skills and have a good time.

So far, the seasonally themed events have included a beer tasting in October, a wreath-making workshop, and most recently, a chocolate-making class. The library provides the materials for the free events, which have been “really fun and well received,” said library director Laina Warsavage.

Orford resident Priscilla Clark and her sister, Helen Norton, volunteered to teach the chocolate class, which was held last Monday at an Orford resident’s home. Shelley Schreve volunteered to host the event after interest outpaced available space in the library.

It attracted a dozen participants, all of whom happened to be women, Warsavage said. They made made “a ton” of chocolate — maple cream and orange buttercream, and each took a bag home. And there was no shortage of sweet samples.

“Everyone ate a lot of chocolate,” Warsavage said.

The next program, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m., will feature a ski movie and prizes, including lift tickets and other goodies donated by local businesses, and hats and headbands made by local knitters.

The idea is to get people out of their houses before February break and skiing, Warsavage said. “We’re celebrating winter.”

— Aimee Caruso

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Correction

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This story was updated to correct the name of the library.