Just because we're in the middle of winter doesn't mean there aren't things to do. The area is jam packed with activities year-round. Get out of the house and shake off that cabin fever.
Sweet Arrow Lake invites you to their Fire and Ice Winter Fest today. Enjoy chili, homemade ice cream and an icing on the cake decorating contest. There's also a hot chocolate booth and you can roast a hot dog around a campfire in the chilly air. In addition, there will be a homemade ice cream making demo and tasting.
I remember making ice cream on my Grammy's farm as a child. We used the wooden ice and salt crank ice cream makers. It was labor intensive and time consuming, but well worth it in a child's eyes. Today, I use my Cuisinart ice cream maker and in 20 minutes, voilà, ice cream in our favorite flavor. We're partial to teaberry. After the demo, you just may be encouraged to try it yourself.
Those of you who attended the Bicentennial's Old fashioned Picnic and Fireworks Display at Sweet Arrow Lake last July may remember the wedding of Grover the Groundhog and his bride Sweet Arrow Sue. That wasn't the last you'll see of them by any means. Grover and Sue will be hosting Groundhog Day on Thursday, Feb. 2, and they welcome you to join them for the celebration. Festivities start with a breakfast buffet at 7 a.m. for a small fee, then Grover's prediction at 9 a.m. Other free activities include Pennsylvania Dutch stories and songs, a Chinese "Groundhog" Auction and a video presentation. The event will be held rain or shine.
Schuylkill On the Move and the Schuylkill Conservation District announce their January walk. The Locust Lake Winter Walk will be held from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Locust lake State Park. This is an easy 2 1/2 mile trek through some of Schuylkill County's most scenic areas. Dress for warmth. Contact 622-4124 for details.
Calling all non-profits, schools, civic organizations, and other community focused groups. If you're looking for, or could use, an overhead projector, we have one for you. It was graciously donated, looking for a good home. Anyone interested can contact this office at 628-1426.
It's that time of year again. You know what I mean. We wait all year for this event and stock up to get us through the rest of the year. It's Girl Scout Cookie Time! This year's cookies are Samoas/Caramel deLites, Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties, Thin Mints, Do-Si-Dos/Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Trefoils/Shortbread, Lemonades, Dulche de Leche, Savannah Smiles, Thanks-A-Lot, Shout Outs, and my newest favorite, Thank U Berry Munch. I had these cookies last year, and they immediately transported me back to age 12, eating a bowl of Captain Crunch with Crunch Berries. Great cookie. Stock up now before they run out of your favorite. For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action, which is part of Schuylkill County Human Services, at 628-1426, E-mail jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or go to www.schuylkill.us/cvia.
Website management
Times: Flexible
Responsibility: Help develop and update organization's website.
Skills: Computer literate.
Location: Historical Society of Schuylkill County, Pottsville.
Contact: Dave Derbes, 622-7540.
Community outreach
Times: Flexible.
Responsibility: Help performing arts facility with the monthly distribution of marketing materials of upcoming events to various points throughout the county.
Skills: Must provide own vehicle. Good people skills.
Location: Sovereign Majestic Theatre, Pottsville.
Contact: Amy, 628-4647