This week starts May, the most "spring" of months. This month, we recognize National Older American, Motorcycle Safety and Date Your Mate Month. Days we'll celebrate are Mother's and Memorial.
May is Silver Ribbon Month, sponsored by Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance Inc. Sadly, elder abuse comes in many forms - physical, emotional, neglect, financial and sexual. Know the signs, and stop the abuse. Wear a silver lapel ribbon to signify your support of our elders and the efforts to make Schuylkill County safe for everyone. For ribbons, call 570-622-3103.
May 9 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Schuylkill County Animal Response Team is holding a clinic where you can learn how to prepare your pet to survive a disaster. The clinic will be at the Ringtown Valley Veterinary Hospital at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6.
There will be a bingo fundraiser for Hillside SPCA today by the St. Clair Lions Club on McCord Avenue across from the fish and game. Cash bingo specials, door prizes, instant lottery ticket basket raffle, food and refreshments will be available. An admission fee applies. Bingo prizes benefit the shelter's cat quarters.
The St. Clair Lions Club will also be hosting a Bling Fling Bingo to benefit SARCC of Schuylkill County Sunday, May 4, on McCord Avenue across from the fish and game. Doors open at noon, and bingo starts at 1 p.m. Bingo, door prizes, special raffle prizes and 50/50 will be featured. A discount applies to advance tickets. To order, call Phyllis at 570-366-2632.
National Stamp Out Hunger Day by the National Association of Letter Carriers will be held Saturday, May 10. Why not buy a few extra cans of food now to donate then?
There will be a spring wildflower walk from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Frog Hollow near Friedensburg. Enjoy and identify many beautiful flowers on this Schuylkill on the Move trek.
If you're not available for that walk, Prime Time Health will be hosting an easy Minersville Walking Path jaunt at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, starting at the Minersville recreation Area parking lot off Sunbury Street.
The Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven invites you to their monthly open house Saturday. Join them for fine art, refreshments, live music and children's activities. Find more at www.walkinartcenter.org.
Mark your calendars: You don't want to miss the annual Kielbasi Festival and kielbasi making competition. Food, vendors, crafts, children's games and entertainment will be featured. And did I mention food? This must-attend event has been going on for years and has become a Schuylkill County tradition. Rain or shine, the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
Use the above contact info for those specific volunteer opportunities, and check out other opportunities at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Community Volunteers in Action can be reached at 570-628-1426 or jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communityvolunteersinaction.
Fair volunteers
Times: Fair is July 28 to Aug. 2. Help also needed prior to and after. Choose availability.
Responsibility: Help with a variety of tasks to make the fair run smoothly.
Skills: Ability to perform assigned task.
Location: Fairgrounds, Summit Station.
Contact: 570-739-2627 or email kamorgan11@gmail.com.