n Minersville: PublishAmerica, Frederick, Md., announced via press release it is presenting the latest work by local author V.J. Genovese, titled, "The Franklin Memo." PublishAmerica described itself in the release as "a traditional publishing company whose primary goal is to encourage and promote the works of new, previously undiscovered writers." "The Franklin Memo" involves Dr. Dean Genetti, the "handsome intelligent and respected dean of students at a prestigious major university in Pennsylvania." A recently widowed father of two grown children, he is "about to embark on a cross-country trip that he plans on never returning from. Genetti is harboring a dark secret that has driven him to decide to take his own life. While on this final journey, he stumbles across a plot impacting one of the largest industries in the country involving billions of dollars, putting his life in jeopardy. As the college dean flees across the country still determined to end his life but on his own terms, he is pursued by (the) company CEO's police bounty hunters and bungling security agents Oscar and Tino. Relying on his superior intellect and aided by dumb luck, the doctor flies from state to state barely one step ahead of his pursuers. Along the way he meets a beautiful woman and is forced to come to terms with both his dark secret and his dilemma as a fugitive." More information about PublishAmerica and Genovese's work can be found online at www.publishamerica.com.
n Pine Grove: Mayor Kim Brown-Zerbe said parking meters in the borough are free of charge now through Jan. 2. Decorative bows, she said in a release, have been placed over the money slots of the meters to let visitors and out-of-town shoppers know they do not have to pay. Borough police will not check the meters until after Jan. 2. "Please accept this holiday offer of generosity as best wishes from your Pine Grove borough for a happy and healthy and prosperous holiday," Brown-Zerbe said in the release.
n Pottsville: The Sovereign Majestic Theater, North Centre Street, will present "A Christmas Special" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. General admission will be $8 and for children 12 and younger, $4. It will feature the Schuylkill Theatrical Showcase with characters such as Buddy the Elf, Linus and Clark Griswold. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross and victims of superstorm Sandy. Performers will include Kelly Pleva, Steven Moyer, Anthony Kurdilla, Ryan Kovach, Jamie Wagner, Jake Beers, Ian Hower, Donald Bogdonawicz and Chelsea Lucas. The director is Chelsea Lucas, musical director is Kelly Pleva and lead musician is Steven Moyer. Everyone is welcome.
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. They serve Annunciation BVM, St. George, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Stanislaus, St. Stephen and St. Casimir Roman Catholic parishes.
n Tamaqua: Folks who have thought about publishing their own local or regional publications, newsletters or e-zines will be interested in attending the Jan. 19 gathering of the Black Diamond Writers Network set for 10 a.m. to noon in the Tamaqua Public Library, 30 S. Railroad St. In a release, network spokeswoman Kathy Ruff said the featured speaker will be Kimberly S. Noel, editor of Lifestyles Over 50. A certified senior advisor and owner of Spectrum Senior Consultants, Noel will "share her story about how she transformed her experience and talent into a regional magazine designed for older adults," Ruff said in the release. Noel's college studies in journalism and media led her to work at WMGH/WLSH radio stations, Tamaqua and Lansford, and later in marketing for malls and nursing homes. She has been involved with many organizations over the years including local chambers of commerce, RSVP, Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance Inc. and the American Cancer Society. The Jan. 19 meeting will be followed by a critique session for those interested in sharing some of their work. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more about the network, call Ruff at 570-645-3059 or visit the Tamaqua Public Library web site www.tamaquapubliclibrary.com. The network is a nonprofit organization.