n Frackville: The North Schuylkill High Railers large O scale train layout depicting the Mahanoy Valley when coal was king will be open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The display is located in the Black Diamond/Blum's Auction wing of the Schuylkill Mall.
n Mahanoy City: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church will hold a beef dinner fundraiser beginning at noon Sunday in the parish hall. The dinner is $9 and includes roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, glazed carrots, coleslaw, roll and dessert. Patrons may eat in the hall or take dinners out. Tickets will be available this weekend after all Masses. Everyone is welcome.
n Millersburg: The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art will stage its first 5K Trail Run for Conservation and K-9 5K on Sept. 8. According to Alexis Dow Campbell, director of creative programming, the event is a fundraiser in support of the center's education and conservation mission as well as a celebration of its 12 miles of public hiking trails. This course will take runners along the scenic Wiconisco Creek to a portion of the Lykens Valley Rail Trail and across the pedestrian bridge. In addition to the mapped 5K course, all of the center's trails will be open for visitors wishing to walk their own course based on length and level of difficulty. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the run will begin at 10 a.m. For participants who wish to bring a dog and participate in the K-9 5K, registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the run will begin at 11 a.m. There will also be a non-timed one-mile Fun Run/Walk course on the center's North Trail system, which will be open to the public. For more information and to register for the event, call the center at 717-692-3699 or visit www.nedsmithcenter.org.
n Pine Grove: A Native American Indian program is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park with stories and dances for children. The stories appeal to children of all ages. Simple dances with drum accompaniment will be taught. Indian expert Dave McSurdy will conduct the program around a campfire at the Waterfall parking lot. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go online to www.sweetarrowlakepark.com.
n Shenandoah: Food donations are still needed at the offices of parishes, which provide packages of groceries and diapers to local people in need. Donations of nonperishable food items can be deposited in any of the Catholic churches on weekends, in boxes provided in the foyers/vestibules. Examples of useful items include tuna, Spam, canned meats, powdered milk, peanut butter and jelly, cereal and similar fare. The offices of parishes are at 129 S. Jardin St. and 108 W. Cherry St. The serve Annunciation BVM, St. George, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Stanislaus, St. Stephen and St. Casimir Roman Catholic parishes.
n Shenandoah: The Shenandoah Valley High School Class of 2016 is selling cookbooks titled, "Devilishly Delicious Dishes," containing recipes and cooking tips for appetizers, beverages, vegetables, side dishes, main courses, breads and rolls, desserts, cookies and candy submitted by friends and families of Shenandoah Valley. The cost is $10 per book and proceeds will benefit the class. Books are available at the headquarters of Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St.; the Catizone Barber Shop in the Capitol Theatre Building, North Main Street; The Pizza Shop, 121 S. Main St. and Luna's DiMaggio pizzeria and Italian eatery, 28 N. Main St.
n Tamaqua: Tamaqua Area Middle School Principal Christopher Czapla said an orientation has been set for 6:30 p.m. Monday Parents of sixth-graders as well as seventh- and eighth-graders new to the district are welcome to attend, he said. Information will be presented about student schedules, activities, facilities and discipline. Attendees will meet in the school district auditorium and then have the opportunity to hear a special presentation on cyberbullying from Janene Holter of the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Tours of the building will also be offered. Homeroom assignments have been posted on the school's front/main door.