Have you thought about volunteering for an organization, but can’t decide which one fits? You may wonder, “How many hours do I have to give? Is there special training involved? Do I have to commit to certain hours or days?”
All these questions can be answered at the Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Volunteer Fair on March 3. The fair is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Undine Fire Company’s Lambert Hall at Hyde Park, Blanchard Street and Forge Road, in Bellefonte. There will be tables set up with representatives of various local nonprofits to explain what they do and how you can help.
I just returned from a medical mission trip and several people said, “I could never do that.” Other people have said or thought “We have plenty of needs in this country. Why would you serve elsewhere?” My answer is that I do help in other ways in this country and all of us are different. We have different interests, life experiences and skills, and so what would be rewarding for one person may be boring or uncomfortable for another. My point is that there are many ways and places to help out in our community — and the needs are huge.
Volunteers drive people to the doctor, walk dogs, man booths for events, raise money, sit at registration tables — the choices are myriad.
“If more people do not step up and help, many events that have been enjoyed for years will have to be canceled,” said Gary Hoover, of the BIACC.
Please come and bring others to see where you might lend a hand. I have heard many volunteers say that they gain much more than they give by volunteering. Please come to the fair — the Community Service Volunteer Fair.
Library concerts
The next concert at the Centre County Library’s Bellefonte area branch is at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 26. The Nittany Wind Quintet will perform with Judy Moore on flute, Barry Kroeker on oboe, Mark Weaver on clarinet, James Dunne on horn, and Trina Gallup on bassoon. The Sunday concerts are sponsored by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association. The library and historical museum is at the corner of Howard and Allegheny Streets. The concerts are in the museum building.
More at the library
An upcoming seminar at the library could help stretch your dollars.
“Financial Workshop Series, Part I: Money and Life” will take place at 6:30 p.m. March 19. Seating will be limited. Call 355-1516 to reserve a spot. The second part will be on March 26.
Connie Cousins writes a weekly column on happenings in the Bellefonte area. Send her news at ccous67@gmail.com.
