n Frackville: In a release forwarded by Elaine M. Mykolayko, director of the Frackville Free Public Library, the facility's staff and board thanked all who contributed to the recent library fund drive. "In spite of the financial challenges being faced by many in our area, the citizens of Frackville have continued to show their support for the library," Mykolayko said, adding that the library's goals for 2012 are "very close to being met." Those who still wish to contribute can send donations to the library at 56 N Lehigh Ave., Frackville, PA 17931.
n Gordon: Members of the Gordon Area Senior Citizens organization enjoyed their Halloween party held in the municipal building. For those who wore costumes, prizes were awarded, according to a seniors press release. Participants had a luncheon, enjoyed cake and ice cream and played bingo and cards. October birthday celebrants were acknowledged. Ray Umlauf, president, said the group meets at 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the municipal building and new members are welcome. Members play cards and bingo weekly.
n Pottsville: Bryn Dragna of the Rotary Little League recently addressed members of the Pottsville Rotary Club. A Pottsville native, Dragna, according to the Rotary bulletin, grew up with Rotary Little League as an important part of his life. He talked about the volunteers who work to raise money and keep the field safe and beneficial to the kids community. Their goal is to have two fields available so every team and every child has an opportunity to not only play the games, but also to practice and learn about teamwork, share experiences with peers and generally be outside and active, Dragna said. The Mahantongo Street field is one of the finest in Schuylkill County, he continued, adding that the Gordon Nagle Trail field is the one Rotarians recently helped clean and the one a $2,000 district matching grant - $1,000 from the club and $1,000 from the district - will go toward the field, providing fencing and other amenities that will make the field safer for players. Rotarians enjoyed a slide show featuring before and after pictures of the Gordon Nagle field cleanup. Dragna thanked the Rotarians for their dedication to and partnership with Rotary Little League.
n Pottsville: State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, recently spoke to members of the Pottsville Kiwanis Club about his bill to eliminate school district real estate taxes. According to the Kiwanis bulletin, Argall said he proposes to replace school district real estate taxes with an increased income tax and sales tax.
n Ringtown: American Legion Post 239 and its auxiliary will conduct the annual Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Veterans Memorial, Main Street. This year's event, according to a Legion press release, will include prayers, patriotic readings, honor guard and rifle squad salute to honor living and deceased veterans from all wars. Because this year's observance is on a Sunday, the legionnaires, in the release, asked people to rearrange, where possible, church service time that may conflict with the Veterans Day observance.
n Schuylkill Haven: The Schuylkill Haven American Legion Auxiliary will host a free Veterans Day dinner from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Robert E. Baker American Legion Post 38, 229 Parkway (rear). All veterans invited. They may bring a guest. Last year the auxiliary served more than 120 guests. According to an auxiliary release, "It truly was a night filled with friendship and camaraderie for the veterans as well as the auxiliary members."
n Shenandoah: The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. will sponsor a soup sale beginning at 10 a.m. today at the downtown center, 116 N. Main St. The cost is $2.50 per pint and $5 per court. Sausage hoagies will also be available for $3.50 each. All proceeds will benefit DSI's ongoing revitalization effort. For more information, call 570-462-2060. DSI sponsors the soup sales monthly on the second Thursday. To order in advance, call the aforementioned phone number. Everyone is welcome.
n Tamaqua: The Relay For Life of Tamaqua and Surrounding Communities will hold its annual kickoff party in room 104/105 at the Lehigh Carbon Community College Morgan Center at 7 p.m. Monday. Committee members are asked to arrive at 6:30 p.m. The party is open to all relay participants and anyone wishing to get involved. Attendees can pick up registration and fundraising material, find out about plans and goals for the year, and enjoy a potluck gathering. Everyone who attends is asked to bring a covered dish to share.