2013 Schuylkill County Ag Day  Thurs, Feb 7 8:15- 3:15 pm at the First United Church of Christ (Beside Penn State Schuylkill Campus): This year we have topics for animal producers, horse owners, field crop and vegetable growers and woodlot owners.  The keynote speaker is John Berry, with Penn State Extension. Cost is $15/person due by Jan. 31, contact Schuylkill Conservation District at 570-622-3742 x5 to register.

Fly Tying Classes at Sweet Arrow Lake Feb 12, 19, and 28 from 6-9 pm.  Join veteran fishermen and fly tier Bruce Schneck and other members of Trout Unlimited for an instructive evening aimed at a great outdoor sport.  Whether you are experienced or just a beginner you will be sure to pick up some tips and swap some fish stories.  Admission is free, but please call (717) 647-4362 to register so we can have adequate supplies on hand.

38th Annual Seedling Sale Through Apr 4 These quality seedlings increase property value, enhance wildlife habitat, beautify the landscape, improve the environment, and can provide a source of income. Proceeds directly support the programs and projects of Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. The Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association (SALCA) and the Schuylkill Conservation District work together on this sale:

Seedling Sale order form

“Angling for Miracles”  Family Fun Fishing Day hosted by Children’s Miracle Network at Geisenger
on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Gove.  The event will be from 10:00 AM – 4:00PM, and will include fishing lessons from the PA State Fish Commission, nature walks, a scavenger hunt, face painting, fish-themed games and other activities; food will also be available for purchase. Volunteers are needed:

fishing event volunteer letter

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born 84 years ago today, marking the beginning of an extraordinary life dedicated to giving back. In honor of his legacy, President Obama will join Americans across the country in taking part in the National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19th.

Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President’s national call to service initiative.  It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.

To find volunteer opportunities in your area, visit http://www.2013pic.org/service/host   and enter your zip code.

The Philadelphia Water Department is hosting a competition to dress up blue rain barrels to grace lawns and stoops around the city. The barrels hold 50-55 barrels of water from rooftops and downspouts.  To see student art designs and vote for your favorite barrel visit: http://www.phillywatersheds.org/rainbarrelart

FREE Income Tax Preparation is available to Schuylkill County residents that are eligible to claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):

Volunteer Income tax preparation sites open January 22, 2013 until April 2013 and are located at the Terry Reiley Center and McCann School of Business in Pottsville, Frackville Free Public Library, and Lehigh Carbon Community College.  This service is being offered by Schuylkill Community Action. If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call Schuylkill Community Action at 570-622-1995.

For more information about the program visit-

http://www.schuylkillcommunityaction.com/services/vita.html

The Schuylkill River is a finalist in the 2013 PA River of the Year Contest.  It is currently in 3^rdplace behind the Lackawanna and Monongahela rivers.