This week starts July, a very patriotic month. We'll celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month and recognize Independence and Culinarian days.
There will be many patriotic events to celebrate our nation's birthday in the upcoming week. Enjoy the festivities safely and give a thought to our proud history.
Have you ever noticed how many different ethnic foods we get to enjoy right here in Schuylkill County? Our communities relish a rich heritage of immigrant cultures. German, Polish, Spanish, Irish, PA Dutch and Italian are some of the vast culinary delights we can enjoy every day.
There will be fairs, festivals and block parties all summer long where you can experience delicious cuisines. Try something new, or better yet, pass your culinary history on to the next generation.
Remember those wonderful dishes Grandma used to make that you enjoyed so much as a child? You can experience the same delight with your child. Take an afternoon to teach them not only the process of making that regional fare, but share the stories of how your ancestors started there and ended here.
America enjoys the diversity of those who brought their culture to our shores. Thankfully, instead of becoming a melting pot society in which everyone blended together and lost their identities, we've managed to form a mixed salad and maintain our histories and gastronomic gifts.
As you're celebrating America's birthday, take the time to share your unique history to continue your family's folklore with the younger generations. Happy birthday, America, and to all who make us the greatest nation on the planet.
Sweet Arrow Lake invites you to spend July 4 with them. In addition to a fish-for-free day where you can fish without a license, you can take a walk on the boardwalk and trails, enjoy the falls, or spend some time boating. Then, set up your lawn chair and enjoy a concert at 6 p.m.
July starts our 20th year as Schuylkill County's volunteer center. Since 1995, we've been the connection between the volunteer need and individuals, groups and businesses wishing to give back to the community.
We help agencies and organizations with PR in a variety of multi-medias and help individuals to find that perfect volunteer position based on their interests, skills and availability.
This edition is our 1,972nd volunteer column. Our thrice award winning Make A Difference Day campaign has registered many tens of thousands of county residents since 1996. Our other award winning program, the Community Contacts, has been helping people since 1997 by directing residents to the agency that can best help them in times of need. We also have an online presence with a website database of volunteer needs, local events and news items, and you can find us on Facebook. In addition, we have a quarterly newsletter.
We feel that we have the kindest, most dedicated volunteers anywhere and we look forward to continuing to work with you for the next 20 years.
Use the above contact info for those specific volunteer opportunities and find 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.
Historical society
Times: Flexible.
Responsibility: Assist with ethnic exhibits, genealogy research, special events, gift shop and more.
Skills: Friendly with a desire to help promote the history of Schuylkill County and its cultures.
Location: Schuylkill County Historical Society.
Contact: Dave, 570-622-7540.