n Hazleton: The Anthracite Region Center for Independent Living, which also is active in Schuylkill County supporting causes such as accessibility for the handicapped, recently held an open house at the Markle Building Community Room, 8 W. Broad St., downtown Hazleton. ARCIL members were reminded that the Disability Action Club meeting has been cancelled for December.
n Hometown: Employees of Silberline Manufacturing Co. Inc., in Hometown and Lansford, purchased items for the Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League's Toys For Tots program, which provides new toys and gifts to local deserving children. Silberline employees Donna Brobst, Jim Boyle, Martia Rummel and Linda Daubenspeck were among those assisting the effort.
n Lansford: Students of Our Lady of the Angels Academy recently presented "Lullaby at the Stable," a unique version of the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, at St. Katharine Drexel Roman Catholic Church. Students were dressed as angels, shepherds, sheep, mice and sheep dogs. The show included narration, songs and humor. At one point, the infant Jesus tried to grab the tail of one of the sheep dogs.
n Lehighton: A Christmas bazaar was held recently at the widely known Ukrainian Homestead, 1230 Beaver Run Drive. It included ethnic food, baked goods, honey, Ukrainian crafts jewelry, ornaments, soaps and lotions.
n McAdoo: The borough hosted the annual children's Christmas party at the Strand for youngsters in kindergarten through sixth grade. Participants enjoyed a variety of goodies, games and other activities.
n Pottsville: Schuylkill County Treasurer Jackie McGovern said 2012 dog licenses are available. By law, she said, dogs three months or older must be licensed. Licenses may be obtained at the county courthouse, by mail, online at www.padoglicense.com or at a variety of licensing agents. In the Tamaqua area, agents include the AAA at 202 E. Broad St.; Tom's Auto and Marine, Greenwood Street and Mountain Avenue, and Koch's Farm Service in the Lewistown Valley. For more information, call McGovern's office at 570-628-1433.
n Summit Hill: The Panther Valley Golden Agers will not meet in January and February. The next meeting is set for March 12. Members and guests enjoyed the group's annual Christmas party held at St. Joseph Hall.
n Tamaqua: Schuylkill County and Tamaqua borough per capita and occupation tax exemption forms for 2012 are available for Tamaqua residents from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at Tamaqua Borough Hall, 320 E. Broad St. Forms also are available at tax collector Alan Keer's office, the Tamaqua Area School District Administration building, the Tamaqua ABC High Rise, Majestic House Apartment Complex, the Tamaqua Public Library and the Tamaqua Post Office. Residents must complete the form each year to qualify for the tax exemption. Exoneration forms must be submitted by Jan.
n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Area Middle School Music Department recently presented its annual holiday music program in the Tamaqua Area Auditorium. Featured performers included the Sixth Grade Band, middle school select and the general choruses. The Sixth Grade Band is directed by Marsha Rodgers. The middle school choruses are directed by John Buglio. The general chorus was featured in the finale.
n Tamaqua: The Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools announced recently that the St. Jerome Regional School has been awarded re-accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Thomas L. Seidenberger, Ph.D., chairman of the commission on elementary schools and superintendent of the East Penn School District, Emmaus, made the official announcement. St. Jerome Regional School was one of about 200 schools honored by the commissions.