Kids from the Rouse Children Center proudly pose with their bikes during the Rouse Childrens Center’s annual Trike-a-thon event.

The Rouse Children’s Center recently held its its annual Trike-a-thon event.

Prior to the culminating event, Rouse children participate in bike safety programs, learn about caring for others, and raise money for St. Jude’s Children Hospital. This year they raised $891.10. The day of the Trike-a-thon each age group had the opportunity to practice bike safety and coordination skills by navigating through fun obstacle courses in the Rouse parking lot.

BAND CAR WASH FUNDRAISER

Today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Youngsville Eagles Marching Band is having a car wash fundraiser at Midtown Motors on Market Street Extension in North Warren and NAPA Auto on Route 6 in Youngsville. The goal is to wash at least 300 cars. The cost is a donation. Those who can’t attend the car wash but still want to donate can call Laura at 814-706-3396.

FREE CHAPMAN STATE PARK

PROGRAMS AUGUST 7-9

The following programs are free and open to the public. Chapman State park is located at 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon. For more information visit Chapman State Park on Facebook or contact Jen Moore at 814-723-0259 or jennmoore@pa.gov. Participants are asked to occupy designated area to meet social distancing guidelines. Possession of face coverings will be required to attend all programs. Registration is only required for some programs.

Friday, Aug. 7: Introduction to Geocaching: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required by Friday, Aug. 7. Attendance limited to 25. Join the park naturalist to learn about this popular high tech scavenger hunt. Please bring a handheld GPS unit or have a geocaching app already downloaded onto a phone. After an introduction, participants will be given coordinates to the newest GPS scavenger hunt.

Saturday, Aug. 8: Nature Scavenger Hunt offers two time slots: 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. Attendance is limited to 25 for each time slot. Registration is not required but is on a first-come, first-served basis. See how many natural items can be found. Lists are provided at the park office starting point. Once the list is complete go to the camp host site to collect a prize. Parking is available in Parking Lot 4.

Sunday, Aug. 9: A non-denominational chapel service begins at 10 a.m. at the amphitheater or Pavilion 4 in case of rain. No registration required.

LEGION EXTENDING HOURS

Starting Sunday, Aug. 2, the Youngsville American Legion will be extending its hours and going back to its regular menu with daily specials. No smoking until after 1 p.m. every day. Per COVID regulations a mask must be worn, there will be no seating at the bar but seating at designated tables, and those who have an alcoholic drink must order food. Hours will be Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Monday is wing night and Friday is fish fry night. Call 563-4412 for more details.

YOUNGSVILLE LIBRARY UPDATES

Youngsville Public Library boosts its Free Wi-Fi services: The Youngsville Public Library has always offered free Wi-Fi access to patrons but now that free Wi-Fi signal has been boosted and extends farther than before.

“Now more than ever it is important to offer strong, free, and reliable Wi-Fi services to community members — especially for students who will need access to Wi-Fi to complete assignments in the upcoming school year,” said Kristy Wallace, library director. “There are many areas throughout Warren County that are classified as Wi-Fi deserts because Wi-Fi signals are either non-existent or spotty at best. That is why YPL took advantage of an Information Technology Disaster Resource Center grant opportunity; so that we could enhance our Wi-Fi services and now offer even better, free Wi-Fi access to the public 24-7. The main focus for this grant is to provide free, strong, reliable, and consistent Wi-Fi for all community members in high need areas so that they can have access to internet resources as well as distance learning curricula and employment resources. We’re really proud to now be classified as a Wi-Fi anchor institution for Warren County. Our library recognizes that it is important to help our community members gain access to virtual resources during the COVID pandemic and this is just another way we are here for our community.”

There is no cost for community members to access the boosted Wi-Fi connection. The signal extends from the Youngsville Public Library parking lot towards Water Street and is available 24-7. The signal can be picked up on the portions of Second Street and West Main Street that are nearest to the library. Cindy McKinney of McKinney Funeral Home has agreed to allow area residents to park in their main parking lot to safely access the Wi-Fi signal provided no funeral services are taking place. Due to limited Youngsville Public Library parking spaces, library officials ask that those using Wi-Fi park in the McKinney Funeral Home parking lot just during YPL business hours so that patrons have parking available for in-library services. Youngsville Library business hours are Monday and Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. Friday. Use Wi-Fi hotspot “Homework Hub” — no password is required. Call during business hours with questions, 563-7670.

Mail-in and absentee ballots: It is not too early to apply for a mail-in ballot for the upcoming election. Any registered voter may apply for a mail-in ballot and voters do not need to specify the reason for the mail-in ballot request. Make sure that an application for a mail-in ballot is completed and received in plenty of time prior to the November election.

On the homepage of the YoungsvilleLibrary.org web site there is a quick link. Voters can also learn about mail ballot deadlines and procedures, how to apply for a mail-in ballot (with a quick link to an online registration form) and more. Already applied for a mail-in ballot? Voters can also track their application process through the quick-link provided on the library website’s homepage or can call 1-877-VotesPA to get a mail-in ballot application sent in the mail.

Walk-ins are welcome: Patrons do not have to schedule appointments for in-library visits at the Youngsville Public Library, walk-ins are welcome. Since libraries are still not able to offer on-site/in-person programs and classes due to social distancing restrictions, the new building occupancy number restrictions have not been an issue. “Most patrons just stop by for 10-15 minutes maximum,” Wallace said. “The only time we recommend an appointment is for computer users so that they can get receive their full 45 minutes. For now, patrons who are casually borrowing or browsing don’t have to worry about an appointment.” Visit YoungsvilleLibrary.org for details regarding the COVID-influenced library policies.