Spring is right around the corner. That means it's time for Diakon's Living and Learning After 50 Spring Series of classes and events. The folks at Diakon have been providing educational and fun opportunities for years, and the choices they provide just keep growing. Some will improve your health, some your spirit and some are simply for fun.
General interest coursed range from genealogy to journaling, from digital photography to learning Chinese, from couponing to floral design. Fitness classes include belly dancing, country line dancing, gentle yoga, tai chi and rusty joints be-gone. Health choices include hypnosis, meatless cooking and stress reduction. Spa-valous workshops offer soap making, kitchen medicine and herbal skin care. The arts feature water color and oil painting, pysanky egg decorating painting glass and here's an interesting $1 bill origami. There are also intergenerational workshops and sessions on computer applications, social media, AARP Safe Driving and Prime Time Health Walks, which are frequently listed in this column.
There are also one-time events of a variety of interests. Next month, there will be a Break the Ice Dance, Chocolate, Chai and Me Girl's Day Out, and the Schuylkill Senior Idol will begin. Throughout the year there will be a golf clinic, a summer picnic, a Once in a Blue Moon Barbecue and Lake Kayak, the Senior Expo, and this year, they're hosting a cruise to the Bahamas. I'll be participating in one of these and registering for at least one. I hope to see you there.
This week starts Lent. You'll get some of the best fish meals for the next few weeks right in your own backyard. Fire companies will be hosting fish Fridays, featuring haddock, cod, shrimp, crab cakes, fries, veggies, rolls, desserts and beverages for very reasonable prices. Despite sweating over the deep fryers and providing meals to hundreds of people, volunteers will greet you with a smile and a friendly hello. They are on call 24/7 to protect you and your family in case of fire, vehicle accidents or other emergencies; now is your chance to help them. Support their efforts by not only purchasing meals, but by also giving an extra tip. Lent will end before you know it, and so will the meals. Enjoy them now.
If you don't know a Girl Scout or missed the opportunity to order their fabulous cookies, don't despair. The Minersville Brownie Troop will be selling them at the Fairlane Village Mall from noon to 4 p.m. today. Stock up, they won't be available until next year.
Last year, I discovered the joys of Thank U Berry Munch. This new cookie tastes like Captain Crunch Crunchberries cereal and takes me back to a younger time. I have to ration myself or I'd go crazy.
Sweet Arrow Lake invites you to join them for the Cabin Fever Hike from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday. "Porcupine Pat" will guide you on a walk to discover winter weeds, winter birds and enjoy the winter scenery. Meet in Waterfall Road parking lot. Free and open to the public.
Registration is a must and fees vary per course. You can get more information or register by calling 624-3018. You can get the complete list of courses and events by going online to www.dialon.org/LL50.
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.
Food pantry help
Times: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., third and fourth Tuesday of each month.
Responsibility: Clerical help needed in addition to help with packing food.
Skills: Age 55 and above. Ability to perform assigned tasks.
Location: Pottsville Food Pantry
Contact: Sue, RSVP, 622-3103