This week starts February. We're halfway through the winter. This month, we recognize American Heart, Bake for Family Fun and Library Lovers Month and Random Acts of Kindness Week. Days we celebrate are Groundhog (darn him), Pay a Compliment and Student Volunteer.
Speaking of that pesky groundhog winter prediction, Sweet Arrow Lake is hosting its annual Groundhog Day celebration Saturday, Feb. 1. Join Grover the Groundhog and his wife, Sweet Arrow Sue, and all their friends for a morning of fun and entertainment. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. on a first-come basis.
After the prediction at 9 a.m., members of the Pine Grove Grundsau Lodge No. 5 will regale attendees with Pennsylvania Dutch stories and songs. The Groundhog Band will provide music. There will also be a Chinese "Groundhog" auction and a Pennsylvania Dutch video presentation.
The event takes place rain or shine except the breakfast, which would be cancelled in a blizzard. The program is free (excluding a small breakfast fee) and is open to all ages. Bundle up, we've had some unusually cold weather. Call 570-345-8952 for details.
Just a reminder: The Fire and Ice Winter Fest will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. today at Sweet Arrow Lake. Activities include hot dogs over an open fire, a homemade ice cream demo, entertaining songs and stories about bugs and a chili contest. All ages are welcome and a small fee applies for some activities.
There's an important point in time count taking place Wednesday. Representatives and volunteers of various local agencies and organizations will be combing Schuylkill County to locate our homeless. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's annual Homeless Census will be used to determine how funding to help the homeless will be distributed. If you know where any homeless stay, please contact Schuylkill Community Action at 570-622-1995 so, not only will they be counted, but they can also be helped to obtain services.
The Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA will be holding Pins for Paws at Strike Zone Alley, Pottsville, Saturday, Feb. 8. Two 2-hour events will be held: from 6 to 8 p.m. and from 8 to 10 p.m. Participation fee includes two hours of glow bowling and shoe rental. There will also be a raffle and 50/50. Proceeds will benefit the shelter. Call Diane at 570-640-9982 or Amy at 570-292-0242 to register.
Don't forget that Downtown Shenandoah Inc. has monthly soup sales on the second Thursday of the month. Great for those days you don't want to cook. Choose from hearty, delicious, homemade soups. Call 570-462-2060 to place your order.
For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 570-628-1426 email jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or go to www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communityvolunteersinaction.
Reception, gift shop helper
Times: Flexible, choose own hours
Responsibility: Help staff with greeting visitors and with gift shop purchases.
Skills: Friendly, reliable.
Location: Schuylkill County Historical Society, Pottsville.
Contact: Dave at 570-622-7540
Homework helper/tutor
Times: Flexible.
Responsibility: One on one or small group tutoring of students in grades 5 through 8.
Skills: Age 55 and above, check agency for requirements.
Location: Minersville, North Schuylkill, Pottsville, and Williams Valley School Districts.
Contact: Carol Bowen of RSVP at 570-622-3103.