n Sugarloaf: The Nuremberg Community Players will hold open auditions at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the Black Creek United Methodist Church, 158 Golf Course Road, for their upcoming production, "Café Murder" by Nathan Hartswick. Actors are need for the following roles: Maitre'd, the host and manager of a restaurant; Rosemary, an unbearable hypochondriac celebrating and complaining through her own birthday party; Marjorie, Rosemary's sister, a conservative banker; Melanie, another sister, a peace-loving hippie; Valerie, another sister, a ditzy valley girl; Chef, a charming French chef; Waiter/Waitress, a server at Rosemary's party, and Harris, a hyper self-taught detective called in to investigate the murder. Anyone interested in auditioning for the show or anyone willing to help with the production in any way is encouraged to attend. Anyone interested in being involved but cannot make the auditions should call Wayne Seely, the director, at 570-384-4407. "Cafe Murder" will be presented April 26 and 27 at Black Creek United Methodist Church. Reservations are required due to seating. For more information or reservations, call the aforementioned number.
n Schuylkill Haven: A blood drive is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 13 in the gymnasium on Penn State Schuylkill campus. Presenting donors will get a $4 donation in their honor to the Four Diamonds Fund. To schedule an appointment, go online to www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.
n Tamaqua: The Black Diamond Writers' Network will host a workshop titled "Writing for Pleasure or Profit" at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 (snow date Feb. 26) at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St. According to network spokeswoman Kathy Ruff, there will be two half-hour segments, one for people interested in writing for pleasure and the other for those interested in writing for profit. Network members Anna Getz and Gary Blake will offer tips on getting started, generating ideas and other thoughts on how to write for pleasure. BDWN's Sara Hodon and Kathy Ruff will cover the basics of breaking into freelance writing, finding markets and building a writing career in which folks can make money from doing what they love. Both groups will join together for the final half hour of the workshop for a panel/roundtable discussion to answer specific questions about writing and publishing. The cost to participate is $5 and the registration deadline is Feb. 17. Checks should be sent payable to Black Diamond Writers' Network, 116 Second St., Coaldale, PA 18218. Registration will be open for walk-ins on a first-come basis. For more information about the workshop or BDWN, call Ruff at 570-645-3059 or email katrina@ptd.net. For directions, call the Tamaqua Community Arts Center at 570-668-1192. The network, Ruff said in a press release, invites anyone with a passion for writing to join. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focuses on offering educational programs and networking for all writers.
n Valley View: St. Andrew's Men's Bible Class' Lenten Breakfast Series is marking its 30th anniversary this year. Held at 7 p.m. Saturdays throughout Lent in the fellowship hall at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, the 2013 series will begin Feb. 16. The main menu will change every Saturday and will vary from scramble eggs, pancakes or French toast with coffee and orange juice. Cereal and fresh fruit will also be available. At 7:30 a.m. a speaker will deliver the message. This year the speaker schedule includes the Rev. Robert Straub of Calvary Independent Church, Lykens, on Feb. 16; the Rev. Allen Ward of Christ Independent Church, Lavelle, on Feb. 23; Captain Rev. Tammy Hench of the Salvation Army, Pottsville, on March 2; the Rev. James Bowers of St. Mary's Church, Branchdale, on March 9; the Rev. Bob Kensinger of the Pine Grove Community Church on March 16, and the Rev. Barry Brown of the New Hope Wesleyan Church, Frackville, on March 23. The cost of the meal is by donation only and reservations are not required. The Officers of St. Andrew's Men's Bible Class include David Williams, president; Wesley Carl, vice president, and Barry Miller, secretary/treasurer.