A wealth of services are at the disposal of community members in the Palmerton Area School District.

Exactly what those forms of assistance are, and how they work, were shared as part of the district's first annual Resource Fair.Between 25-30 community members (adults and children) attended the event, held recently in the high school gymnasium.The event featured 27 stations comprised of community groups/organizations who gathered together to share information with the public.Nate Starrett, a seventh-grade student at the junior high school, appeared at the Civil Air Patrol vendor, for which he represents the Hazleton Division Unit 203.Nate, 12, said "I want to try to get some other kids involved."His parents, John and Jill Starrett of Palmerton, said they believe the district's choice to hose the event was a wise decision."This is the first time they've done it," John Starrett said. "We love Palmerton; it's a great school system, and has great people."Jill Starrett added "it's a neat idea."Also among those to set up shop was the Towamensing Elementary School Environmental Club.Eileen Haydt, club advisor, said the group does its part to help out wherever it can."We want to let the community know what our club is doing for the community," Haydt said. "We recycle for them, and are about helping the environment."Other vendors on hand were: the Palmerton Police Department; Pennsylvania State Police; Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company; Towamensing Volunteer Fire Company; Boy Scouts of America; Girl Scouts of America; Palmerton Area Library; Palmerton Youth Wrestling Club; Palmerton Swimming;Towamensing Historical Commission; Lehigh Gap Nature Center; Parkside and S.S. Palmer Elementary School PTO; Towamensing Elementary School PTO; Palmerton High School Environmental Club; Avenger High School Yearbook; Freshman class; High School Student Council; High School National Honor Society; Scholastic Scrimmage; Junior High School Student Council; Nutrition; and the district Technology, Human Resources, and Facilities departments.Christine Steigerwalt, principal of Towamensing Elementary, said she was extremely pleased with the outcome of the first-time endeavor."Those who attended felt that they received information that was beneficial, and enjoyed speaking with the representatives from the organizations," Steigerwalt said. "For those who attended, they were able to see and receive information from school and community organizations which benefit Palmerton Area School District students."Steigerwalt said she spoke with several of the vendors, who relayed to her that several girls signed up for Brownies or Girl Scouts; a representative from the Civil Air Patrol spoke with about 30 people, who are now aware of the organization and what it does; and the Palmerton Area Library received donations."The Resource Fair was an opportunity for students and families of Palmerton Area School District to be aware of the community organizations and school district organizations available to students," she said. "School and Community were brought together."The event went so well, that Steigerwalt said the district's administrative team has conversed about ideas to attract more people to next year's event."The administrative team thanks the school organizations and the community organizations who participated," she said. "We look forward to their participation next year."