n Ashland: The Ashland Downtown Design Challenge Grant Program allows homeowners to participate in a reimbursement matching grant program through the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The program encourages restoration/historical preservation projects for building facades through paint and other preservation techniques to enhance the building's overall exterior appearance, thus improving the central business district. Eligible properties are on Centre Street from First to 13th Street and Third Street/Hoffman Boulevard and Chestnut to Walnut Street. For more information, call the Ashland Downtown office at 570-875-3571.
n Ashland: The planned flushing of hydrants in the borough today through April 10 has been postponed, according to borough Manager Thomas Joyce. The new dates for flushing, he said, will be announced when scheduled.
n Mahanoy City: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Parish is sponsoring a trip to Mt. Airy Casino set for April 19. Departure will be at 9 a.m. from the Service Electric lot. The cost is $21 with a rebate of $25 slot play and $10 food. For more information or reservations, call Sylvia Burke at 570-773-3628. Everyone is welcome. Payment must be made by April 11.
n Pottsville: The Historical Society of Schuylkill County, North Centre Street, will be closed today and Saturday.
n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Paul Dimmerling from Pam and Joe Purcell; for Andrew Dudish from Pam and Joe Purcell; for Jeffrey Reber from Mr. and Mrs. Dale Fernsler; for Robert K. Stoner from Annie and Tom Hull, Clayton and Naomi Ost, The Philanthropic Club and John and Agnes Reiley.
n Pottsville: The Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, 216 S. Centre St., is accepting applications for various scholarship funds. Applications, descriptions, guidelines and deadline dates are available on the foundation website at www.sacfoundation.com or by contacting Sharon Koszyk at the foundation office at 570-624-7223, according to Eileen Kuperavage, executive director. The funds include the following: Dolores D. Adams Memorial Scholarship Fund, Blaze Belfiore Memorial Scholarship Fund, James D. Collins Memorial Scholarship Fund, John Rich Curran Memorial Scholarship Fund, Elizabeth K. Frank Memorial Music Fund, Martha M. and Michael Herbert M.D. Charitable Trust, Huntzinger-Schadel Family Scholarship Fund, Alice E. Kear Music Scholarship Fund, Ralph W. Morgan Scholarship Fund, Dorothy Wewer Narcovich Scholarship Fund, Pfluger-Przybylik Family Scholarship Fund, Pottsville Lions Charities Inc. Scholarship Fund, Hunter William Renninger Memorial Scholarship Fund, The James J. and Mary Edith Rhoades Scholarship Fund, Schuylkill Haven Lions Community Charities Healthcare Scholarship Fund, Chester P. Steininger Memorial Fund (Accounting), Warren W. Stutzman Memorial Scholarship Fund.
n Shenandoah: The nightclub Thunder Road, 121 N. Main St., will feature a host of regional musical acts beginning at 6 p.m. today to benefit the families devastated by the March 29 deadly fire on East Coal Street. Performers will include Shaina Graff, Red Halo, Rock 'n Horse, Broken Fayth, Thirteenth Coil and a compilation of Toolshed Jack and Tazin Bender. There will be a $10 cover charge, donated to the fire victims. It will include entertainment, food and a chance for a door prize. There will also be raffles and 50/50 drawings throughout the night. Everyone is welcome.
n Shenandoah: Trinity Academy at the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center will sponsor a theme basket auction April 21 in the field house on the former Cardinal Brennan High School campus, Fountain Springs. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the auction will begin at 7 p.m. There will be a shop-and-drop from 5 to 8 p.m. April 20 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21. The event will feature more than 100 themed baskets plus a large-prize table including an iPad2, Kindle Fire, 2 Keurigs, three Phillies tickets and many other items. All proceeds will benefit Trinity Academy, a regional parochial pre-K through eighth-grade school that serves Ashland, Gordon, Girardville, Frackville, Mahanoy City, Gilberton, Shenandoah, Ringtown and surrounding townships.