n Ashland: The revitalization group Ashland Downtown Inc. has released its second limited edition Christmas ornament, which features the community's Old-Fashioned Christmas with artwork showing Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn wagon with bags of presents and a bag filled with coal, signifying Ashland's coal mining heritage. Each ornament is trimmed in 22K gold and is individually numbered on the back. Each ornament, in a gift box, is $15, with an optional display stand available for $2. To order or for more information, call the ADI office at 570-875-3571.
n Port Carbon: The borough Christmas tree, a 25-foot fir, was put up at the Goodwill Fire Company No. 1 at 88 Washington St. The tree was donated by Joseph and Mary Lescavage, Port Carbon, according to council President Harold "Bucky" Herndon. The borough is planning to hold its annual community Christmas program at 6 p.m. Friday at the Port Carbon Janet Eich Public Libray, 111 Pike St., and the Veterans Memorial Park Gazebo next door, Herndon said. There will be cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa, according to Sandra Palokas, borough secretary/treasurer. The event is sponsored by Mayor Thomas Pavlick, the borough council and the Port Carbon Citizens Committee. Donations are encouraged to support the event, Herndon said. Councilman Mike Quercia said the Gear Grinders Hot Rod Association has donated $200 to the Goodwill Fire Company and $200 for the community Christmas program.
n Shenandoah: Shenandoah Valley Blue Devil "Kielbasa T-shirts" are being sold to benefit the Shenandoah Valley High School Class of 2016. The shirts are available in lime green, navy, light blue, pink and organge in adult sizes from small to XXLG. The cost is $13 per shirt. People may sign up to buy shirts at the following Shenandoah sites: The Capital Food Market, East Washington Street; Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop, South Main Street; Lucky's Deli, West Centre Street; Catizone's Barbershop, North Main Street; The Pizza Shop, South Main Street; the Downtown Shenandoah Inc. office, North Main Street, and C&R Emporium, East Centre Street. People may also email John Brennan at brenj@svbluedevils.org.
n Shenandoah: Trinity Academy at the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center will present "A Night in Bethlehem," its 2012 Christmas program, at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the field house at the former Cardinal Brennan High School, Fountain Springs. The public is invited to enjoy "an inspiring faith-filled performance by pre-kindergarten to eighth-grade students," according to a press release. Admission is free. Freewill offerings will be gratefully accepted. The concession stand will be open at 5 p.m. selling food and refreshments prior to the Christmas presentation.
n Shenandoah: For Catholics who want to know more about their faith and for those wanting to know more about the Catholic faith, St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church will present "Catholicism," the acclaimed New Evangelization program, beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday and continuing for 10 weeks in the church hall, 300 W. Oak St. There will be discussion afterward on "Amazed and Afraid: The Revelation of God Become Man," "Happy Are We: The Teachings of Jesus," "The Ineffable Mystery of God: That Which Nothing Greater can be Thought," "Our Tainted Nature's Solitary Boast: Mary, the Mother of God," "The Indispensable Men: Peter, Paul and the Missionary Adventure," "A Body Both Suffering and Glorious: The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church," "Word Made Flesh, True Bread of Heaven: The Mystery of the Liturgy and Eucharist," "A Vast Company of Witnesses: The Communion of Saints," "The Fire of His Love: Prayer and the Life of the Spirit" and "World Without End: The Last Things."