Spring thaw means it's time to schedule your Diakon Living and Learning After 50 courses. The creative and enthusiastic folks at Diakon continue to grow their seminar selections, so there's something for everyone. Areas of interest range from travel to clubs, the arts to health and tons in between. Have you ever considered learning to speak Chinese or weave a basket? Make your own paper or grow an herb garden? They also offer country line dancing, Tia Chi, the healing of Chakra and many other health and wellness choices. Trips and special events are also scheduled.
You can find the complete list at http://www.diakon.org/community-services-for-seniors/Living-Learning-After-50/. The courses are offered at different times throughout the spring, so register now to guarantee your spot. You can also call them at 624-3018 for more information.
Save the date: Rest Haven Nursing Home in Schuylkill Haven is hosting a health and wellness fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 3. More than 20 vendors will provide health screenings, door prizes and light refreshments. For more information, call 385-0331.
Easter is in less than three weeks. Lessies' Garden invites you to an Easter open house March 23. Buy local: It's a good thing.
This time of year sees an increase in blood drives. There's one tomorrow at the Schuylkill Medical Center Jackson Street. Additional drives will be held at the First UMC in Mahanoy City on Tuesday, at the Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven on Thursday and at the Fairlane Village Mall on Saturday. Everyone who is in general good health who weighs at least 110 pounds is encouraged to give. One donation can save up to three people.
It's not too early to start your landscaping planning. Sweet Arrow Lake has a program that sounds like a lot of fun to me. Bring your green thumb to a seed starting clinic from 7 to 9 p.m. March 26. Learn tips and techniques that will ensure that your vegetables and annuals get off to a good start for the growing season. The event is free and open to the public and is appropriate for teens and adults. Call 527-2505 for details.
Downtown Shenandoah's monthly soup sale is slated for Thursday. A variety of soups will be available. Call 462-2060 for advance orders.
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/Community-Volunteers-in-Action.
5K walk/run volunteers
Times: April 27
Responsibility: Help staff with event.
Location: Bartram Trail
Contact: Cheryl, Carenet of Schuylkill County, 624-7244.
Library aides
Times: Flexible
Responsibility: Help staff with sorting books, other tasks.
Skills: Age 55 and above. Responsible and friendly.
Location: Various libraries within Schuylkill County.
Contact: Sue Conner, RSVP, 622-3103.