Of local interest this month. Click on the underlined text for details. Most documents are PDF's; if you need the Adobe PDF reader click here (smartphone users should download the Adobe PDF Reader ap). Both are free.
(updated 1/15/19) Local Food Pantries - they will need your help if the government shutdown continues. Presently governmental funding for programs like SNAP (supplemental nutritional assistance) are only funded through February. Persons receiving food stamps will have them issued early (1/20), which may result in a spike in demand that could severely tax our food pantries and providers. Residents in this county may be facing hardships in other services, and others who are without paychecks will be added to the count of this needing assistance. If you contribute to an organization that regularly supplies these food pantries and suppliers, please consider increasing that support. Whatever will get the assistance most quickly is the best choice. Note that monetary donations to Pie in the Sky will be matched courtesy of a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Foundation - That grant has not been made public, but any money donated now will be matched by the foundation. More details will be published on their website.
County Parks and Recreation - offers programs to help you learn about the environment and enjoy outdoor activities in the county, including kayaking, beach walks, owl prowls, and river celebrations. See the County Naturalist page. Sign up for their monthly newsletter and never miss an opportunity.
Honoring the Waters - On Saturday January 26 at 9AM in Alpine Groves Park (by the Bennett house). Waters from three of our local rivers brought by their Riverkeepers will be honored in a First Nations/Native American ceremony of blessing at Alpine Groves Park, followed by a visit to Beluthahatchee, home of Stetson Kennedy.
Click here for a slideshow of the first blessing of the waters ceremony in 2016 (Adobe Flash Player required)