There are tons of services available in every city and town to help you with any need. Sometimes it can be confusing to know how to find what you’re looking for. Most towns have a website you can check, but if you’re looking for that personal touch, the people at the local municipal offices can help. They know about all the services your town and county offer. Are you wondering about trash pickup? Town workers can tell you the schedule. And because the whole country is focusing more on recycling, towns are making it easy for residents by supplying special recycling containers. The Public Works Department is responsible for the care of all township property. Is there a pothole in your street? Call the department! Does your road flood in a heavy rain? Call the department! Do you need someone to take away all those piles of leaves you raked up? Call the department! Are you looking for parks and recreation? Call the department!

Oh, yeah, we all can use a little recreation. Take your pick! There are local jogging trails and nature paths. There are baseball fields and tennis courts. How about a picnic in the park while the kiddies are playing in the tot lot? Some parks even have a dog park. Yes, take your pooch along so he can play with his little doggie pals! Remember to take some poop bags. Owners need to clean up after their mutts.

Are you thinking about new activities with the neighbors? How about yoga? You can find boat safety classes and golf lessons. And most towns have special activities designed just for seniors. If someone you know is looking for bus trips and special crafts activities, just call your town office! You can even call the town for help with stray animals in the neighborhood or information about immunization shots for your cat. Count us out for that one—we’re dog people! :)

We’re not kidding when we say your town and county offices can help you find anything at all you need. Even the police department offers great tips on how to keep your home safe. If you’re going away (did somebody say vacation? Yay!), you can ask the police to drive by your street and keep an eye on things while you’re gone. Local government offices also provide special programs and services for seniors and people with disabilities. And if you’re wondering about how to register the kids for school, the town can direct you to the right school district. Back to school, kids! They’re waiting for you!

RECEPTIONIST: Hi. Welcome to Slumberton Township. Can I help you?

LIA: Thanks, yeah. I think I’ve got a big problem. Now that the nice weather is here, I’m spending more time outside in the yard. The other day I noticed a cat with a litter of kittens in the corner of the yard under a tree.

RECEPTIONIST: I love kittens! They’re so cute! Did you ask your neighbors if anyone is missing a cat?

LIA: Oh, I think kittens are cute, too. But I’m not crazy about them when they grow into cats. I’m a dog person. Anyway, I checked with the neighbors, but they don’t own the cats. I don’t know what to do about them. I don’t really want a litter of kittens in my yard, but I don’t know who can help me.

RECEPTIONIST: Come on in. Mr. Farkel is our animal control officer. His office is right down the hall, on the left. His department takes care of these things. I’m sure he can help.

LIA: That’s a relief! I don’t want them to go hungry, but I don’t want the responsibility of taking care of them.

*** a short time later ***

MR. FARKEL: I understand that you have some feral cats in your yard. Be careful. These are wild cats, and they can be very aggressive around humans.

LIA: I don’t want to hurt them. Is there some way to move them from my yard?

MR. FARKEL: Actually, we have a feral cat program. There are a few specially trained cat people in the neighborhood who can trap the cats humanely. Then they’ll take them to a vet to be neutered or spayed. When the cats have recovered, they’ll be released back into the woods.

LIA: Won’t they be in danger in the woods?

MR. FARKEL: These cats can take care of themselves. They’ll be fine.

LIA: Wow, thanks so much for the help. I didn’t know there are so many ways the town can help residents!