Harrisburg: The Washington Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association, Schuylkill County, is in compliance "with tested laws and regulations," according to a press release from Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner. The audit report covered the period Jan. 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2009. "We commend the relief association management ... for complying with all applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures," Wagner said in the release. Volunteer firefighters relief associations are "nonprofit organizations established to afford financial protection to volunteer firefighters who suffer misfortune as a result of their participation in the fire service," according to the release. They receive state aid from a two-percent state tax on fire insurance purchased by Pennsylvania residents from insurance companies incorporated outside the commonwealth. The money is used to pay for insurance to protect volunteer firefighters, to purchase fire equipment and to cover volunteer training expenses. VFRAs "are distinct separate legal entities from fire companies," according to the release.
Kulpmont: The St. Mother Pauline Healing Heart of Jesus Auxiliary meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the St. Pauline Center.
Nuremberg: The Nuremberg Food Pantry, run by the Twin County Lions Club in conjunction with Schuylkill Community Action, makes distributions from the North Union Township building. The pantry serves eligible residents of Union, East Union and North Union townships and Ringtown borough. Eligibility is based on the following monthly household income: one person in household, $1,361 and below; two people, $1,839 and below; three people, $2,316 and below; four people, $2,794 and below; five people, $3,271 and below; six people, $3,749 and below; seven people, $4,226 and below and eight people, $4,704 and below. The State Food Purchase Program is operated in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture policy and the TEFAP Program is operated in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, handicap, religion or national origin. For more information, call Sue Driscoll at 570-579-8124.
Pine Grove: A "Break the Ice" dance is set for 7 to 10 p.m. March 2 in the clubhouse at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. The Sensations orchestra will provide music with the event signifying that spring is just around the corner. Tickets are $10 each and include refreshments. Those planning to attend are advised to purchase tickets in advance. For tickets or more information, call Susan at 570-624-3018.
Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For John W. Rich Sr., from Ione Geier; for M. Jean Towle from Ione Geier and from David and Denise Miller.
Pottsville: The Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center, 17 Westwood Center, Pottsville, and 615 Cumberland St., Lebanon, is gearing up for its next "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" fundraiser and needs at least 40 men willing to don high heels on Thursday and participate in a YouTube video, according to a release from Jenny Murphy-Shifflet, the center's president and chief executive officer. The taping will be at the YMCA, North Centre Street, Pottsville, on Thursday. SARCC serves Lebanon and Schuylkill counties. For more information, call the Pottsville center at 570-628-2965 or the Lebanon site at 717-270-6972, ext. 361. The center's website is at www.sarcclebanon.org.
Quakake: The Quakake Volunteer Fire Company stages bingo games on the third Wednesday of the month in the firehouse. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the company. Everyone is welcome.
Shenandoah: Shenandoah Community Watch meets at 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month in borough hall, Washington and Main streets. Meetings are open to the public and new members are always welcome. Gordon Slater, SCW president, has said he hopes people attend an become involved in the community betterment effort.