I love April.

It is that wonderful turning point where you kiss the worst part of winter goodbye and spring has become the official season.

I keep pretty busy with what I have going on in my life. Sure, there is an ebb and flow.

There are also certain times of the year that I purposely scale back on what I do for the service of others and take a little more time here and there for myself.

Springtime is apparently not one of those times that I like to cut back too much.

I am simply way too excited to get outside to start working on my yard and enjoying the warm sun-filled days.

Looking at my April calendar this week, I was amazed that most of my weekends and many a weeknight were already filled up.

Coming up on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 is the Annual Washington State Science and Engineering Fair held at Bremerton High School.

I have written about this event before as my own child is participating again this year. Even if you do not have a student who is participating, you should come check it out.

Lots of activities are happening on site to keep everyone entertained even during the few times the doors to the exhibits are closed for judging.

If our family was not already committed to the science fair, there is the Fourth Annual Heart for the Homeless 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, April 5.  Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and check-in is at Evergreen Park, 1500 Park Ave. The run starts at 9 a.m. Pre-register at www.kitsaprescue.org.

Coming up on April 26 is round two of the Gateway Clean Up.

While the numbers of volunteers were considerable in round one this past October, and their efforts were more than impressive, as a group we did not quite reach all of the areas that were begging to be conquered.

Check in for this round will be in the same location across from Kitsap Transit and Volunteer Bremerton is looking for willing community members to assist in the weeding and clean-up efforts between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

More information can be found on the Volunteer Bremerton Facebook page.

Now for the flower portion of April.

I was excited to learn this past week that one of my favorite businesses is moving back to the downtown area. Paul’s Flowers will be moving into space at 1210 Pacific Ave. down near Evergreen Park.

I encourage everyone to patronize the businesses surrounding Evergreen Park in the coming weeks and months.

These businesses have persevered through what is a naturally slow time of the year. That was made even worse this year by extensive construction projects in the area which still have several more months to go before all the work is completed.

Whatever you choose, there’s lots to do outside and lots of ways to support your community.

Colleen Smidt is a longtime resident of Bremerton and can be reached at smidtracing@hotmail.com.