July is National Recreation and Parks Month. Officials at our local and state parks take our environment and sharing their knowledge seriously. They invite you to join them for guided walks or to explore and enjoy the nature on your own. Take advantage of their treks; you'll come away knowing more than when you arrived.
Wednesday is Independence Day. While you're celebrating, don't forget to teach your children that the day is more than cookouts and fireworks displays. Share your pride in the red, white and blue.
The annual Fourth of July Concert in the Park will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Sweet Arrow Lake. Celebrate the fourth with the patriotic sounds of the Pine Grove Community Band. Bring your picnic basket and your lawn chair.
Summer weather brings to mind fresh-from-the-farm produce. Farmer's markets are in full swing. Chances are, you live near one. Buy local and support our farmers.
The Catholic Daughters of America will host a bake sale before and after the 4 p.m. Mass Saturday in the Annunciation BVM Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Cakes, pies, cookies and candy will be available.
There will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Fairlane Village Mall. Blood supplies run low. You can help replenish them by donating an hour of your time and a small amount of vitally important blood. Everyone in general good health who is at least 110 pounds is encouraged to donate. Your blood could save as many as four people. What a wonderful gift.
Fairy fun
You're invited to Are There Fairies at Sweet Arrow Lake, a fairyland adventure at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 17. Explore and hunt for fairy dwellings, learn how these spirits of nature help take care of the planet, how they live, the food they eat, the games they play and their hobbies. Sample some fairy food, create a fairy home and play games and have fun like the gnomes. Join a search for the people of the trees and maybe a search for the trees that see during an evening of fairy fun and crafts for children of all ages. You're encouraged to let your little ones use their imaginations and express their inner spirits of nature by dressing up as their favorite woodland creature, fairy, gnome or elf (costumes not required, but can be fun for everyone). Program is free for the public. Pre-registration requested to provide sufficient supplies. Call 527-2505 by July 7. Donations for supplies welcome, but not required.
Save the date for Mahanoy City's Community Day on Saturday, July 14. It'll be fun for the whole family.
For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 628-1426, email jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or go to www.schuylkill.us/cvia. We invite you to check us out on Facebook.
Shelving installment
Times: Flexible
Responsibility: Help staff with installing book shelving.
Skills: Ability to perform task.
Location: Schuylkill County Historical Society, Pottsville.
Contact: Dave Derbes, 622-7540
Blood drive helpers
Times: During drives
Responsibility: May include registration, help with snacks, etc.
Skills: Age 55 and above. Ability to perform assigned task. Friendly.
Location: Throughout county
Contact: Sue, RSVP, 622-3103