It's that time of year when we start planning for Make A Difference Day in earnest. Have you started your plans yet? There are less than three months until our signature event.
Last year, we saw a record number of registered projects and more than 8,800 people participating. On behalf of everyone, we can't thank you enough for your dedication. This year's theme was easy to come up with. Since truer words were never spoken, it's "Because Schuylkill County Cares." We're hoping to see a huge turnout again this October.
Remember, your project doesn't have to happen on Oct. 27, just around that time. No project is too small and every project counts. We're here to help you with registration, project ideas and questions. You can also find the form on our Facebook page.
Are you a nonprofit or human service organization that has a user-friendly project you could use help with? Contact this office to have your project put on the Make A Difference Day "adoption" list for groups looking for project ideas. It could be landscaping help, painting a room, building or organizing a storage closet. Call 628-1426 to get your task on the list.
The 78th annual Ukrainian Day will be held today at the St. Nicholas Picnic Grove in Minersville. Ukrainian and Slavic foods will be available. Polka music and dancing, arts and crafts, a basket auction will be featured.
Zion's Stone Church in New Ringgold invites you to join them for an Old Fashioned Church Social at 11 a.m. today. There will be music, food, games, baskets and more.
There will be a blood drive on Saturday at the Schuylkill Mall. Blood supplies are lower than normal, but the need is not. Every citizen in general good health who weighs at least 110 pounds is encouraged to donate.
Tuscarora will once again hold basic kayaking course at 5 p.m. Friday. Equipment is provided, a donation fee applies and registration is required by calling 467-2505. This may be your last chance for the year to learn how to keep you and your family safe on the water.
Just a reminder that the Penn State Master Gardeners are available to help you with lawn and garden questions on Mondays and Wednesdays on their Horticulture Hotline at 622-4225.
The Schuylkill County Fair will start tomorrow and run through Saturday. Live music, exhibits, activities, contests, food, "Porcupine" Pat, Civil War Road Show, chain saw art, mini golf and amusement rides are just some of the fun you can expect from one of the county's biggest yearly events.
For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 628-1426 e-mail jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or go to www.schuylkill.us/cvia.
Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Community-Volunteers-in-Action/217121324987653.
Thespians
Times: Varies per production
Responsibility: Strawberry Playhouse is looking for volunteers and participants of all ages (youth and adult) to participate in their theatrical productions.
Skills: Any skill required to help the productions.
Location: Strawberry Playhouse, Tuscarora.
Contact: 325-4368
Streamwater testers
Times: Flexible. Less than two hours per month.
Responsibility: Monitor water quality of impaired waterways by using chemical test kits, measuring temperature and other parameters.
Skills: Age 55 and above. Volunteers must be physically able to go to the waterway and possibly wade the stream to obtain samples. There are specific steps outlined for each test that are easy to follow. Training and on-going support is provided. For safety reasons, volunteers work in pairs, so you are encouraged to recruit a friend.
Location: Several area in Schuylkill County need coverage. Some areas are easy to access, some may be difficult without a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Contact: Sue, RSVP, 622-3103.