If you're a Community Contact, congratulations. The CC Program has won another award, thanks to your dedication and drive to help others. This is our third award since the program's inception in 1997. The NCAC/NEPA Community Development runner-up award joins 1998 and 2001 honors. None of these tributes would have been possible without the commitment of volunteers like yourself. We thank you for caring enough about your community to do more than to simply wish for a healthier and happier county. You stepped out of your comfort zone to help your neighbors.
The Community Contact Program is a simple, easy and important county endeavor. Volunteer contacts receive training in human services available within the county, then share that information with those in need. A contact's name can either go on a posted brochure for public access or the contact can receive the training and use it as they come across people who need help. It's that easy. Contacts don't provide transportation or fill out forms for the consumer. Rather, they're simply a referral source for the resources in the area.
The Class of 2013 will receive the one-time training next winter. Reference materials are provided. If you're interested in joining our three-time award winning program, contact this office at 628-1426.
Saturday is National Public Lands Day. Schuylkill County doesn't need a special day to appreciate our environment. Here are four opportunities to surround yourself or learn about our scenery:
Diakon PrimeTime Health invites you to join them for a walk to the John Bartram Trail at 1:30 p.m. Monday to enjoy the start of fall foliage. All ages welcomed, but the event will be canceled in inclement weather. Call 624-3012 for details about this easy three-mile hike.
The Master Gardeners will present "Putting Your Garden to Bed." The free presentation discusses which plants need fall fertilizing, which perennials benefit from dividing and how to mulch. The program will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Orwigsburg Library. Call 366-1638 for details.
Schuylkill On the Move and the Schuylkill Conservation District will be featuring the challenging but beautiful Crow Trail Hike at Tuscarora State Park at 2 p.m. Saturday. As always, dress appropriately and take water. Call 622-4124 for details.
If you're interested in learning about forestry, you're in luck. Sweet Arrow Lake will host a forest restoration specialist training on Saturday. Learn how to establish and maintain the American chestnut, a high value hardwood species, on degraded lands. Gain skills and knowledge for many aspects of sustainable forestry management. Open to all, but registration is required, and a class fee applies. Call (814) 863-7192 for details.
Mark your calendar: The Department of Health will be giving free flu shots at the Schuylkill Mall Community Room from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18. Call 621-3112 for details.
For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 628-1426, e-mail johnston@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.
Tax assistance
Times: Plan now for the 2013 tax season.
Responsibility: Help low-income tax filers identify tax credits for which they may be entitled.
Skills: Training required. Basic tax preparation knowledge.
Location: Several local sites.
Contact: Stu Anthony, Schuylkill Community Action, 622-1995
