n Harrisburg: April 30 is the deadline for Pennsylvania students in first through sixth grades to enter a poster contest to raise awareness about the importance of dog licensing, Agriculture Secretary George Greig said in a press release. State law requires that all dogs 3 months and older be licensed each year. The licenses fees are $8.45 per year and $51.45 for a lifetime license; $6.45 and $31.45, respectively, if the dog is spayed or neutered. The fees support the Department of Agriculture's Dog Law Enforcement Office, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations, according to the release. Posters must reflect the theme "License your dog. It's his ticket home" and include the website www.licenseyourdogPA.com. Judging will be based on effective communication of the theme, the importance of the dog license law and creativity. The grand prize winner will receive a $20 cash prize and a visit by the secretary of agriculture and a dog warden during an official poster unveiling at the winner's school. Grand prize artwork will be used on promotional displays and websites and will be the cover page of the 2014 Dog Law Enforcement Office coloring book. Winners of each age division - first-second grades, third-fourth grades and fifth-sixth grades - will receive a $15 cash prize and their artwork will appear in the office's coloring book. For additional details, visit the aforementioned website and click "2013 Poster Contest" or call the Dog Law Enforcement Office at 717-787-3062.
n Lansford: The Panther Valley Golden Agers meet at 1 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month in the social hall of St. John's Slovak Lutheran Church. New members are welcome.
n Pottsville: During the week of April 29, dog wardens will canvass homes in the Pottsville area, visiting neighborhoods to ensure dog owners have current licenses and rabies vaccinations for their animals, according to a release from Samantha Elliott Krepps of the state Department of Agriculture press office. All dogs 3 months or older must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year, according to the release. The fee is $6.45 for each spayed or neutered dog and $8.45 for other dogs. Older adults and people with disabilities may buy a license for $4.45 for spayed or neutered dogs and $6.45 for others. All dogs and non-feral cats 3 months or older must be vaccinated against rabies. Booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity. Violators can be cited with a maximum fine of $300 per violation plus court costs. People may buy licenses through the Schuylkill County treasurer by calling 570-628-1433 or visiting www.padoglicense.com. More information also is available by going online to www.licenseyourdogPA.com or calling 717-787-3062.
n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Public Library's spring storytime, with the theme "Opposites," is under way. Sessions are held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through May 15. In addition to reading stories, participants, according to a press release, sing, make crafts and have snacks. Sessions are open to children between the ages of 2-5. Younger siblings also are welcome with parental supervision. The library is located at 30 S. Railroad St. For more information, call 570-668-4660.
n Williamstown: The Williamstown Development Organization will welcome fathers - or uncles and grandpas - and school-age or younger daughters for a special dance for Father's Day slated for 6 to 8 p.m. June 15 in the JFK Hall upstairs at the Williamstown American Legion. Disc jockey Shane Ressler will provide music for dancing. There will also be light refreshments and games. According to a press release, dads and daughters are invited to don spiffy suits and fancy dresses for the special evening together. Tickets at the door will be $10 per person. Tickets are available in advance for $8 each at the Umholtz Grocery Store, Market Street. For more information, contact Heather Maurer at williamstownrocks@hotmail.com.
