Barnesville: On the advice of township engineer William N. McMullin of Arro Engineering, the Ryan Township supervisors will continue to request bids for equipment and labor for road program projects, but will purchase all material, such as asphalt and aggregate, from a company working with the state's COSTARS program. The supervisors voted to use the COSTARS program at their February meeting. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. Its approach to cooperative purchasing uses the purchasing power of local entities to obtain more competitive pricing and choice than individual purchasers might be able to obtain on their own. The program allows municipalities, school districts and other government entities to purchase material from COSTARS companies without the need to bid at a competitive cost without incurring the costs involved in bidding. The supervisors also approved advertising for bids for this year's road program.
Fountain Springs: A free diabetes education program will be hosted by Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Susan G. Amedow Boardroom. The program is open to anyone with diabetes or those who care for someone with diabetes. Information will be presented by Starr Seip, a state nutritionist certified in weightloss management and a certified diabetic educator. She has a master's of science degree in nutrition from Marywood University and is a member of the American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association and American Association of Diabetic Educators. Topics to be covered during the program include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, sick days with diabetes, the importance of blood sugar monitoring, meal planning, traveling with insulin, the importance of exercise and myths about insulin. The program is free, but seating is limited so reservations are required. For reservations, call 570-875-6950.
Frackville: Holy Ascension Orthodox Church is taking advance orders for a pierogie sale, with pickups set for 8 a.m. to noon Friday at the church, 209 S. Lehigh Ave. Choices are boiled with butter, fried or frozen. To order, call 570-874-7532.
Lansford: The Lansford Historical Society will host a public meeting to explain the proposed Lansford National Historic District, its benefits to the community and answer any questions the public may have about the designation. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Historical Society Museum on the second floor of the Panther Valley Library building, 117 E. Bertsch St. According to organizers, it will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and offer comments. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Dale Freudenberger at 610-597-6722.
Pine Grove: People will be able to "shake off the winter blahs" via a crisp walk outdoors with Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, environmental education coordinator with the Schuylkill Conservation District. McKinney will head the "Cabin Fever Hike" from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Hikers will check for winter weeds, winter birds and enjoy winter scenery, according to a press release. Participants should meet at the Waterfall Road parking lot. The hike is free and open to the public.
Pottsville: Kindergarten registration for the 2012-13 school year for the Pottsville Area School District's John S. Clarke Elementary Center will be held in the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center, 1501 W. Laurel Blvd., from 9 a.m. to noon March 5, 6, 7 and 8, according to a district press release. One evening registration, for working parents, is set for 6 to 8 p.m. March 8. It is not necessary for children to accompany parents/guardians at registration. Kindergarten registration packets can be picked up at the academic center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. For kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1. For registration, parents/guardians will need the child's birth certificate, immunization record and two proofs of PASD residency. Kindergarten screening for each incoming pupil will be held at the elementary center April 16 to 19 and will include vision, speech, hearing and readiness. During registration, appointments will be made for children to attend the screenings. For more information, call 570-621-2915 or 570-621-2914.