Volunteers needed for recycling classes and events Make popsicles at home

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – Are you interested in helping the environment? Do you like to compost or recycle? Become an outreach volunteer with the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources and help the earth by helping others become better recyclers and composters.

Orientation and training is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources, 14310 Frederick Street, in Moreno Valley.

Outreach volunteers assist with classes or events by interacting with the public, answering questions on outreach programs and distributing materials. The ideal volunteer enjoys meeting people, likes to learn new things and is passionate about the environment. The total volunteer commitment is attendance at the orientation and training meeting and ten hours of volunteer time donated each year while participating in the program.

Opportunities to volunteer at classes and events exist across the entire county. Plus, the volunteers select the events, dates and times that work best for them. Bilingual volunteers are needed.

Outreach volunteers can also choose to attend extra training and volunteer more hours to become certified as a master composter. Once a volunteer reaches master composter status, the volunteer is allowed to teach classes on their own or work with schools and community gardens as a composting mentor. Outreach volunteers are integral to the success of recycling and composting programs and are recognized by the county annually for their dedication and hours worked. in several flavors, from left, limeade with simple syrup, half orange and half grapefruit, thirds of lemon, orange and grapefruit, and pure orange juice. Valley News/Katelynn Abrams photo

For more information or to register, potential outreach volunteers can visit http://www. rcwaste.org/volunteer or call 951486-3200.

Submitted by Riverside County.

Popsicles can be made at home with just a few tools and ingredients. They are great for experimenting, whether made in popsicle molds or paper cups with spoons, with bottled or fresh juice.

Experimenting could also mean trying different flavors and combinations, such as adding berries or mint, or trying different methods, such as layering juices by giving each flavor some time in the freezer before adding the next layer. (And don’t fill cups or molds to the top as the juice will expand as it freezes.)

When it comes to molds, there are numerous options available to buy, such as a variety of shapes and sizes made from silicone or stainless steel. Without molds, there are still many options. For individual popsicles, plastic or paper cups, ice trays, small baking tins or a muffin pan can be used by adding the sticks or spoons halfway through the freezing process.

Any bottled or fresh-squeezed (or pressed) juice could be used to make popsicles, as well as a number of optional additions, such as fresh fruit or simple syrup. Made with a combination of citruses, water and simple syrup, freshsqueezed California lemonade is easy to make and great for popsicles. Or, for a sunset-theme, keep the different juices separated to make layered popsicles. Depending on personal taste, there are endless possibilities for making your own popsicles.