n Fountain Springs: Shenandoah Knights of Columbus will sponsor a free throw championship starting at 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at Cardinal Brennan High School. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The free event is open to all boys and girls ages 10-14. For more information, call Mike at 570-527-3862 or council home at 570-462-1430.
n Frackville: Cynthia Tilinski, president of Frackville American Legion Post 398, announced that the third annual Chili Cook Off will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 28 at the post home. There is a $10 donation to be a judge.
n Frackville: The Frackville Area Free Public Library, 56 N. Lehigh Ave., will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the library. Elaine M. Mykolayko, library director, said in a press release the session will include a recap of 2011 plus plans for 2012. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call 570-874-3382.
n Harrisburg: State Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-125, announced via press release that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will accept grant applications for its Community Conservation Partnerships Program until 4 p.m. April 4. The program awards grants to municipalities and authorized nonprofit organizations to plan, acquire and develop recreation, park and trail facilities and conserve open space. "I encourage any municipality or nonprofit considering one of these projects to look into this program," Goodman said. Applications and instructions are available on DCNR's website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us. Goodman said DCNR has scheduled a free workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 8 at Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke, to help applicants prepare grant applications. Registration for the workshop must be done online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar/list.asp. The following kinds of projects will be given priority, according to DCNR: Rehabilitation of existing park and recreation facilities; closing of gaps in major statewide greenways and regionally significant trails; implementing the Rivers Conservation Plans, including enhancing water trails and public river access; helping park and recreation areas become greener; conserving land for critical habitat; establishing new community parks; projects identified by regional partnerships.
n Pine Grove: Plans are in place for the celebration of Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse with Grover the groundhog and his new bride, Sweet Arrow Sue. After Grover's weather prediction at 9 a.m., members of Pine Grove Grundsau Lodge 5 will entertain with Pennsylvania Dutch stories and songs. The Groundhog Band will perform, there will be a Chinese "Groundhog" auction and a Pennsylvania Dutch video presentation. The festivities are free and open to the public. A breakfast buffet will be available beginning at 7 a.m. at a charge of $5 for adults and $3.50 for children, payable at the door. For more information, call 570-345-8952 or email revanchalk@co.schuylkill.pa.us.
n Shenandoah: The Shenandoah Rotary Club has corn brooms for sale at the local branch of First National Bank, Main and Lloyd streets, according to Rotarian Mary Ann Link. Cost is $13. Anyone interested in buying one is welcome to stop at the bank during regular hours. Proceeds will benefit Rotary community service projects.
n Shenandoah: Services are held at noon Sundays in the new Immanuel Korean- American Presbyterian Church, formerly First Baptist Church, Oak and West streets. Friday worship is held at 6 p.m. It is the only Asian Christian church in Schuylkill County. Everyone is welcome to attend the services. For more information, call the church's Forty Fort office at 570-283-1267.
n Summit Hill: The Summit Hill Food Pantry, located in the Heritage Center, Hazard and Chestnut streets, will hold its regular pantry distribution from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday. Those attending are asked to bring tote bags for "extras."