Blair Senior Services, Inc. held its monthly in-service for Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers on July 17, 2019. The in-service was hosted at the Hollidaysburg American Legion Post 516 Social Hall, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch and light refreshments were served as volunteers listened to multiple speakers and were given program updates. Volunteers were also encouraged to bring their donations for the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library.

Melanie Ramsey, Director of Youth and Children Services at the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library, conducted a presentation on Dr. Seuss on his life, legacy and the impact he had on children’s literature. Ramsey stressed the importance of reading to children; making it fun and having the adults enjoy it as well.

“My main goal today is to show that it is easy to come to the library and use our resources,” Ramsey shared. “They can use us as a resource and enjoy it. What Dr. Seuss said is true, it is meant to be for both children and adults. If we are not enjoying it, we are not learning about it.”

Ramsey also received donations of supplies for the Hollidaysburg Library, including pens, notebooks, pencils, craft paper, markers and more. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the donations from all of the volunteers and Blair Senior Services, Inc.,” Ramsey said. “Donations of any kind are always welcome at the library. Anyone can drop them off and we will surely use any donations received in a creative way.”

Volunteers at the in-service also had the opportunity to hear Andrea Cohen, President of Lakemont Park, speak on the history of Lakemont Park and its new installments.

“We’re very excited to see people coming into the park again,” Cohen said. “Today I wanted to walk through the history and really focus on how the park was about 50 years ago. It was a great community gathering place and we’re trying to go back to what it was then. It’s a perfect place for the volunteers to take their companions or their foster grandchildren this summer.”