Some folks (me!) have settled in for a long winter's rest - indoors, our only involvement with the outdoors being our houseplants and the occasional seed catalog as we wait for Spring. If you're made of hardier stock, Schuylkill on the Move has several hikes scheduled this month. Please dress appropriately!

November 4
Meet at 806 Valley Road, Pine Knot for a 7 mile hike rated moderate. Hiker Jim will lead this hike from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm to exlore the gorge Trail and Stephen's Road.

November 4
Meet at the Auburn Trailhead on Route 895 just before the river for a 4 mile hike rated easy. This hike from 1:00 am to 3:00 pm will feature both nature and history.

If you're more like me, why not join one of the indoor walking clubs springing up around the county?
Schuylkill Haven Walking Club
Meets Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays at Schuylkill Haven Center 340 Haven Street
8:30 am to 9:30 am

Tremont Walking Club
Meets Monday through Friday at Tremont Center
9 am to 10:30 am

Frackville Walking Club
Meets Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays at Frackville Borough Building Gymnasium, 42 Center Street
9 am to 10 am

If none of these spots or times work for you maybe you have an idea for a walking club for your town. Contact Jenny Wagner at 570-624-3017 or wagnerj@diakon.org to find out how she helped organize these three clubs.

Sometimes life seems to sweep us away as we rush from one thing to the next. We hardly have time to think about today's To-Do list, let alone things that seem like they can wait for another day -- thing like our health. The problem is, health doesn't wait around for us to have time. Take time this week to think about improving your health. Eat more fruits and veggies. Get more sleep. Replace some screen time with exercise time. Need more ideas? There are several upcoming events to help you learn more about aspects of health:

Mobile Mammography Screening
Tuesday, October 30 from 9 am to 4 pm at Wal Mart Distribution Center, Highridge Industrial Park
Thursday, November 1 from 8:30 am to 3 pm at LVPG Internal Medicine, 205 E.Laurel Blvd., Pottsville
Schedule at 888-402-LVHN

Stress Management Class
Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Pottsville
Register by Tuesday, October 30 by calling 570-624-3018
Cost: $20

Brest Cancer Awareness
Wednesday, October 31 at noon
Providence Place Senior Living, 2200 1st Avenue, Pottsville
Reserve your seat by calling 570-628-6950
Cost: Free, includes complimentary lunch

This afternoon my son is heading up to Tuscarora State Park with all our local high schools for cross country league meets. We were just there two weeks ago for another meet and it is a beautiful place for a run in the autumn (it was a bit drippy from a rain the night before but...). All of Schuylkill county seems to offer beautiful places to run during the cooler months. Of course some of the places are less beautiful and more...terrifying!

If you've never participated in a Zombie Run you have to give it a try! Schuylkill VISION is having their annual Zombie Run at Faith Reformed UCC in Landingville on October 27. Registration starts at 8:30 am and the race at 9:30 am. You can register online at www.pretzelcitysports.com up until October 24.  Registration is $25 or $75 for a team of up to five runners. Runners have a "flag" they wear (think flag football) and if it is grabbed by the zombies your brain is eaten (figuratively of course!). If you prefer to run for time, you can opt out of the flag and run zombie-free.

There will be prizes for the best times as well as the best costumes. There will also be music, face painting and other fun for runners and spectators alike.

Not a runner? Why not be a zombie? If you've always wonder what it's like to be a zombie, striking fear into the heart of every person you see, sign up to be a zombie for the run. For more information contact Jeanne at 570-622-6097 or jelberfeld@schuylkillvision.com.

October hiking begins today! And what a great month for a tramp in the woods. The Weather is STILL warm but we're starting to see the trees in their Autumn beauty.

Wednesday, October 3
Meet at the visitors parking lot in Locust Lake State park at 10:30 am for a 7.5 mile hike rated difficult. Led by Robin Tracey, this hike will explore pine stands, Silver Creek Fire Tower and Reservoir. Bring a lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome if they are friendly to people AND other dogs.
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Saturday, October 6
Meet at the concrete pad at the State Game Lands off Gold Mine Road for a 7 mile hike rated moderate. Robin Tracey will lead this hike from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm to see a reservoir, railbed and Swatara Furnace. Bring a lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome if they are friendly to people AND other dogs.

Sunday, October 7
Meet at the office  of Tuscarora State Park for a 2 mile hike rated moderate from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. this is a part of the statewide "A Walk in Penn's Wood" day.

Wednesday, October 10
Meet in the Waterfall parking lot at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park at 10 am for a Wee Ones Walk for kids ages 3 to 6. Have fun exploring colors, textures, shapes, sounds and smells in Nature.

Sunday, October 14
Meet behind Mt. Pleasant Hose company, Buck Run on Route 901 for an 8.4 mile hike rated easy. this hike from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm will include the "88" and a canal.

Sunday, October 21
Meet at the parking lot for the Coal Miner's Memorial on the north side of Shenandoah for a 5 mile hike rated moderate. Hike along a 1700 turnpike to the site of a murder from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Our family has been suffering with an annoying cold that has run through the family. A timely reminder that we should all get our flu shot soon. If you've been thinking about staying healthy -- both physically and mentally -- as winter approaches there are several events throughout the county this month to help you out. BTW, if you're also looking for a flu shot head to your local pharmacy or family doctor to see what they have to offer. The weather may still be warm but flu shot season has definitely arrived!

Are you dealing with the effects or helping a loved one work through the aftermath? Come to Schuylkill County's first trauma conference. Hope through Healing: Rising from Adversity will be held at the Fairlane Village Mall on October 3 from 11 am to 6 pm. Learn about trauma from expert speakers, panel discussions, vendors and local agencies. There will be drumming, yoga, children's activities, free refreshments and a basket raffle. If you want to receive professional continuing education credits contact Jeanne Elberfeld at 570-622-6097 or Tracy Frederick at 570-728-3476 for more information.

The same day there will also be a Health Fair at Penn State Schuylkill which is free and open to the pubic. Learn more about staying healthy from 10 am to 2 pm.

Are you living with diabetes? You can lead a healthier life with the help of a free six week program held at the Frackville Senior Citizens Center. The first session will be on Tuesday, October 16 at 9 am. each session will be from 9 am to 11:30 am. Please register by October 10 at 570-624-3017.

that same day there will also be a Senior Expo at the Fairlane Village Mall from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be plenty of health advice and testing along with a variety of other vendors and events for the senior crowd. Come see what our community has to offer.