Frackville

Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, 209 S. Lehigh Ave., is taking orders for pierogies from 8 a.m. to noon daily with choice of boiled with butter and onions, deep fried or frozen. To order or for more information, call 570-874-7532.

Mahanoy City

The Mahanoy City Public Library will host a make-and-take craft night at 6 p.m. Nov. 16. Participants will create a one-of-a-kind jar planter with a plant. The cost is $25 and will include all supplies, a snack and beverages. To register, call 570-773-3365 or 570-400-0273.

Pottsville

The eighth annual Holiday Market Place sponsored by the Schuylkill County Historical Society is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the society quarters, 305 N. Centre St. Local artisans will feature their crafts for sale. Refreshments will be available. Participants will be able to make a Christmas ornament with the “holiday elves,” according to a release. For more information, call Diana Prosymchak at 570-622-7540.

Pottsville

A program featuring children’s book author Kathy M. Miller is set for 9:45 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Pottsville Free Public Library. Miller will do a multi-media program for students who attend the Pottsville Area School District’s John S. Clarke Elementary Center. One classroom from kindergarten through fourth grade will be selected to attend based upon the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports initiative, which rewards students for demonstrating positive behavior, according to a library release. Miller’s visit is made possible through the Florence Silberling Memorial Fund. Silberling was a lifelong user of the Pottsville library. Miller’s 2009 picture book, “Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden,” received numerous awards. Visiting library patrons will be able to watch Miller’s presentation. For more information, call the library’s Darren DeArment at 570-622-8880 or email dbd@pottsvillelibrary.org.

Ringtown

The Ringtown Area Library, West Main Street, has numerous items on its November agenda, included: Today and Nov. 13, storytime at 11:30 a.m. for children ages 3-5; Nov. 14, 15 and 16, used book sale during regular hours; Nov. 18, $5 fill-a-bag day book sale; Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Eve closing at 5 p.m.; Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Day, closed; Nov. 27, final day to order Christmas wreaths and greens; Nov. 30, toddler time at 11:15 a.m. to children ages 18 to 36 months.

Schuylkill Haven

First United Church of Christ, 110 Route 61 South, will have a meat bingo Saturday. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and games will begin at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 each with raffles and specials extra. Food and beverages will be on sale. For more information, call 570-385-2049.

Shenandoah

The Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, 105 S. Jardin St., will have an Election Day pork-and-sauerkraut dinner beginning at noon Tuesday. Meals will also include mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce and dessert. Patrons may eat at the society quarters or take meals out. For more information or local delivery, call 570-462-4400. All are welcome.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society will feature “Jeopardy III” with Andy Ulicny during its meeting set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the history center, 201 S. Main St. Admission is free, the public is invited and refreshments will be served.

Tamaqua

The New England Fire Company, 7 Miller Lane, will have a seafood night beginning at 5 p.m. Nov. 18. Costs range from $9 to $22. Menu items include lobster, shrimp, fish, steak, chicken, and other fare. All dinners include baked potato or fries. For more information, call Charlie at 570-277-6606.

Rebecca Margerum

ELIZABETHVILLE — A Wiconisco man is headed to Dauphin County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday on charges that he did not comply with Megan’s Law registration requirements.

Raymond E. Miller III, 29, of 321 Main St., faces charges of failure to comply with registration of sexual offender requirements and failure to verify address or be photographed as required.

After the hearing, Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum ruled prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to support both charges, and ordered them held for court. She allowed Miller to remain free on $25,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

State police at Lykens charged Miller with failing to appear on Sept. 26 at their station in Washington Township to provide and verify the required information.

Miller, who is listed on the state police Megan’s Law website as a Tier 2 offender, pleaded guilty on May 10, 2010, to unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and indecent assault in one case and two counts of corruption of minors and one each of indecent assault and selling or furnishing liquor to minors in the other. On Sept. 22, 2010, Judge John F. Cherry sentenced Miller to serve seven to 23 months in prison, pay costs, $1,625 in fines and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Other defendants whose cases Margerum considered on Wednesday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

Anthony D. Beck, 33, of 143 E. Market St., Williamstown — improper furnishing of drug-free urine; defendant pleaded guilty. Margerum sentenced Beck to pay costs and a $25 fine.

Anthony J. Brasher, 28, address not known — possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and flight to avoid apprehension or trial; charge of flight to avoid apprehension or trial, defendant pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia. Margerum sentenced Brasher to pay $50 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and a $50 CJEA payment.

Thomas L. Grubb Jr., 31, of 738 N. Second St., Lykens — two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a small amount of marijuana; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that defendant did not attend. Margerum asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Grubb.

Troy L. Miller, 40, of 215A Pottsville St., Wiconisco — three counts of harassment; two counts withdrawn, with defendant pleading guilty to the third. Margerum sentenced Miller to pay costs and a $25 fine.

Brenda D. Minnich, 19, of 404 W. Market St., Williamstown — theft, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Mary B. Peiffer, 62, of 2452 Northwoods Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina — diversion of services; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Stephanie L. Peiffer, 32, of 734 Jeffrey St., Jacksonville, North Carolina — diversion of services; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Cheryl A. Reeder, 46, 980 Mountain Road, Elizabethville — driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving and seat belt violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Stephanie J. Singley, 48, of 6284 State Route 209, Lykens — simple assault and harassment; charges withdrawn.

Anthony R. Troutman, 32, of 306 S. Front St. No. 1 Rear, Wormleysburg — unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; charge held for court after preliminary hearing.

ASHLAND — The updated emergency action plan for the Ashland Area Municipal Authority reservoir in Butler Township was approved by the board during its Oct. 30 meeting.

The following is information about a plan that is required by the state:

What is an emergency action plan?

An emergency action plan is a formal document that describes procedures to minimize the risk of loss of life and property damage when potential emergency conditions threaten a Hazard Potential Category 1, 2 or 3 dam. The dam owner must prepare an EAP to conform to the law and guidelines established by state Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania’s Emergency Management Agency. The owner submits the EAP to DEP for review and approval by both agencies.

An emergency at a dam is any condition that endangers the structural integrity of the dam which might result in the dam’s failure, thus unexpectedly inundating downstream areas. Such threatening conditions demand immediate action on the part of the owner. Those actions are described beforehand in an approved EAP.

Every EAP is tailored to site-specific conditions, as well as the requirements of the owner, agency or organization that operates or regulates use of the dam, and to the emergency response organizations that will respond to the emergency.

What is a Hazard

Category 1, 2 or 3 Dam?

Pennsylvania’s Dam Safety and Encroachments Act defines a high hazard dam as “any dam so located as to endanger populated areas downstream by its failure.” Practically, the term “high hazard” refers to a dam whose sudden failure would put the occupants of residential, commercial or industrial structures at risk.

The extent of potential loss or damage is determined by a hydraulic engineer’s analysis of dam breach scenarios, translated into an inundation map. The inundation map is the most significant feature of an EAP.

• Category 1 Hazard potential describes a “high-hazard” dam that could cause substantial loss of life, excessive economic loss or substantial public inconvenience by its sudden failure.

•A Category 2, “high hazard” potential dam is one that, in the event of operational or structural failure, could result in the loss of a few lives.

• Failure of a Category 3, “non-high-hazard” dam, would not likely endanger human life, but could result in appreciable property damage or short duration public inconvenience. Public inconvenience could result from flooding of important roads, washout of a bridge, destruction or disruption of public utilities, etc.

Why must the dam have an EAP?

An EAP is needed for three reasons:

1. To plan the coordination of necessary actions and resources by the dam owner and the responsible local, state and federal emergency organizations.

2. To provide for timely notification or warning for evacuation in the event of an emergency situation at the dam.

3. It’s the law. Requirements for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and inspection of dams are intended to prevent dam failures. Despite these efforts, abnormal conditions sometimes develop that could threaten a dam’s safety. Therefore, Pennsylvania’s Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (Act 325 and Act 70) mandates EAPs for Hazard Potential Category 1, 2 and 3 dams.

The dam owner’s responsibilities include:

1. Operation — Quarterly inspections of the dam by the owner or operator with a written, dated log of conditions.

2. Maintenance — Cutting vegetation on embankments and within 10 feet of the downstream toe of the dam, checking the dam’s appurtenances and operating valves, and performing timely repairs when needed.

3. Annual dam inspection (of a “high-hazard” dam) — Annual inspection by an experienced registered, professional engineer, including a field review of the downstream inundation map. This Owner’s Annual Inspection Report must be submitted to DEP by Dec. 31 every year.

4. Developing an EAP, with assistance by an engineer, local emergency personnel and county emergency management office. Develop an acceptable EAP and update it every five years. When complete, the EAP will be reviewed by PEMA before being approved by DEP.

5. Review and update EAP. Every five years, a dam owner must thoroughly review and update the EAP as needed. This includes revising the inundation map, obtaining new concurrence signatures, and submitting the revised plan to DEP for review and approval.

6. Comply with the law. DEP has the authority to issue dam permits and to enforce compliance with Pennsylvania’s dam safety laws. The owner’s attention to the laws and the dam is the key element of maintaining a dam in safe condition.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Maggie Eisenhauer grinned as she poked cotton pieces throughout the scales of a large pine cone.

“We made a Christmas tree, a snowflake and now we’re making a snowy owl. The owl’s a little bit harder, but I think it’s going to be my favorite because it’s so soft,” she said midway through the class.

Maggie, 6, of Dallas, attended Sunday’s free holiday ornament party at The Arts Barn Education Center. Her grandmother, Susan Eisenhauer, Auburn, brought her and her brother, Silas, 4, to the event.

Susan Eisenhauer had taken classes for stained glass before at the center with artist Deborah Powell Kramer, but said this was her grandchildren’s first visit.

Lauren Anderson, youth education director, chose the craft projects for Sunday’s two-hour event, based on the age of the participants in the group which ranged from 4 to 10.

“That’s one of the strengths of The Arts Barn, is that we individualize everything,” Anderson said.

Pre-registration was encouraged for the free holiday ornaments class so that supplies could be obtained, but walk-ins and donations were also welcomed.

The first ornament the children made was a Christmas tree, created from a cone decorated with glue and tissue paper for a stained-glass effect. They also made snowflakes out of Popsicle sticks adorned with play gems, and pom poms; owls, crafted from pine cones, cotton and pipe cleaners, and Christmas trees made from a painted pine cone standing in a decorated, clay flower pot.

Kelli Shaner said both of her sons, William B. Shaner, 10, and Aiden Shaner, 6, enjoy art. William had attended a birthday party at the site just the day before and had made a craft to take home. She said she had met Anderson at Orwigsburg Heritage Day, where she learned about the activities offered at the center.

“She makes it easy and fun for the kids,” Shaner said.

William assisted Sunday, volunteering to pass out supplies.

“This one is my favorite,” he said, while placing cotton on his snowy owl. “I’ve put peanut butter on a pine cone before, rolled it in seeds, and put it up as a bird feeder.”

William said he likes art, especially drawing robots.

“I use colored pencils to give more detail and shading,” he said.

Anderson told the children to hold the pine cone for the Christmas tree ornament like they would hold a piece of corn on the cob to coat it with green paint.

“Hold it, roll it back and forth, so it’s not super drippy,” she directed.

Cheryl Leibold and her granddaughter, Crawford Leibold, 5, both of Orwigsburg, joined in on the fun. Crawford’s favorite ornament was the snowflake.

“I like the sparkles,” she said.

The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven, is a nonprofit education center that provides programs for children, seniors and individuals with special needs. For more information on upcoming events and classes, call 570-366-8736 or visit www.theartsbarn.org.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

MAHANOY CITY — Tuesday is the General Election, and with the pushing of buttons to select candidates for public office is the tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut dinners.

The dinners are usually available at fundraisers held by churches, fire companies and civic organizations. These public social events can go back decades and, in some cases, even more than a century, For example, Emmanuel Community Church in Meadville has held the dinner for more than 140 years.

Serving pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day is a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, but how the meal has become a fundraising tradition on primary and General Election days is lost, or at least not easily found.

The new year tradition includes pork, which represents the pig’s way of moving forward to root for food and indicating progress and good luck, and the cabbage for the sauerkraut is green like paper money. Whether there is a connection between the meal and the hope that an election will bring progress with good candidates winning can only be speculated.

Locally, there are many pork and sauerkraut dinners Tuesday, and for those patrons who may give a sour look at sauerkraut, some locations provide an alternative with mashed potatoes replacing the sauerkraut on the platter.

First United Methodist Church, Mahanoy City, will hold its first pork and sauerkraut fundraising dinner from 3 p.m. to sellout Tuesday, with the goal to help Alexis Jones, 11, daughter of William and Janet Harper Jones, Tamaqua, who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Alexis, who is a student at Tamaqua Area Middle School, and her parents are church members. Janet Jones was raised in Mahanoy City.

The church has been running fundraisers for Alexis and decided to hold the pork and sauerkraut dinner at election time due to their popularity at this time.

“We’ve had in the past month a paint party, a bake sale, the pork and sauerkraut dinner, another paint party and an upcoming silent auction on Dec. 2,” church member Janet Scherer, Mahanoy City, said. “This is our first pork and sauerkraut. We thought we’d give it a try. People seem to like it. We’ve had roast beef dinners, spaghetti dinners and fish dinners. So we decided to raise as much money as quick as we could, so with Election Day coming up, we decided on this.”

Scherer said the church members are using their expertise at other types of dinners to put this one together.

“I’m going to make 10 pounds of potatoes and taking them down in a crock pot, and two other people are making the pork. We have a meeting about the silent auction the night before, so while we’re there we’ll set up,” Scherer said. “And we have people baking and things like that for dessert. I don’t know if it will become a yearly thing. We’ll find out. Our main goal is to raise money for Alexis. She is a beautiful little girl. She always as a smile on her face.”

Scherer said since this is the first pork and sauerkraut dinner, the church is working out how much to make. She said there were about 55 pre-orders as of Friday, and additional food will be made for walk-ins, who are welcome.

“We’re hoping. Every little bit helps,” Scherer said.

The dinner will be held at the church at Fourth and Mahanoy streets and includes dessert and beverage for $9, eat in or take out. All proceeds go the medical fund. Pre-orders continue to be accepted. Call Scherer at 570-773-2734 or Jackie Tobin at 570-205-8221 to order or more information.

St. James Episcopal Church, Schuylkill Haven, has been holding the dinners for decades, according to member Julie Evitts, Cressona. Evitts has been involved with the dinners for more than 20 years.

“It’s a great fundraiser to help keep the church going,” Evitts said.

The church held its dinner on Saturday, which it has in the past near Election Day, but not specifically because of it.

“We hold them in the neighborhood of Election Day, but it is specifically for that reason,” Evitts said. “It is just a fundraiser, but we always have pork and sauerkraut in the fall like we have spaghetti in the spring, and we’ve been doing it that way for years.”

If there is a tradition, Evitts said it may be because it fits into the autumn season. Since cabbage is a fall crop, turning it into sauerkraut to preserve it made it available for meals later in the year and at the start of the new year.

“I think that it’s traditionally a heartier fall meal,” Evitts said.

Evitts said the church usually sells about 100 pork and sauerkraut dinners every year. The dinners are eat in or take out. The dinners also include mashed potatoes, applesauce and homemade desserts.

Preparations for the dinner begins about two weeks before the event. As it gets closer, the baking of pies and cakes begin. Evitts was baking pies on the Friday before the dinner. The cooking of the pork and sauerkraut begins late Saturday morning in time for the dinner that started at 3:30 p.m.

As to the luck tradition of the meal, Evitts said, “I’m sure that many of the men and women running for offices are hoping they get lucky. It’s probably not far off the mark.”

Another Election Day site for the dinner is Mountaineer Hose Company, Minersville. Member Mary Melochick, Minersville, said the fire company has been holding the dinners for 10 to 15 years. She has been involved with the fire company for many years, as has her son, Michael Melochick, who is the fire chief.

“We have some people who order and others who just walk in to eat in or take out,” Melochick said. “And we always tell people that you won’t leave here hungry. And if you do, it’s your fault for not saying that you want more.”

When asked if she was part of the food preparation, Melochick laughed and said, “Oh, believe me, yes.”

The fire company had a breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, and today the main preparations for Tuesday’s dinner will begin in earnest.

“It’s a busy time,” Melochick said. “We start getting things together about a week before in buying the paper products and the canned goods, anything that won’t spoil. And then Monday we’ll get the potatoes and work on the pork to get everything all set up. It’s a lot of work, but you do what you have to do to keep the fire company alive.”

The amount of dinners sold each year ranges from 100 to 150, Melochick said, adding that patrons have a choice of pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and dessert, or pork, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable and dessert.

“Sometimes instead of the pork and sauerkraut, a couple of years I had turkey dinners because there are other pork and sauerkraut dinners on that day,” she said. “So for something different we did turkey, but this year we’re going back to the pork and sauerkraut.”

The fire company, located at Third and South streets, will hold the dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. or sellout. Tickets are $10 each. For reservations or more information, call 570-544-2313 or 570-544-9622.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A performance by special guest artists Dana Weiderhold and Jesus Morales along with the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble brought the audience to its feet Sunday during the ensemble’s second concert of its 28th season.

The audience offered a standing ovation following the nearly two-hour concert at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church. The performance featured “String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 10” by Claude Debussy, “Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7” by Zoltan Kodaly and “String Quintet, D. 956” by Franz Schubert.

“The Schubert takes the cake,” Weiderhold, a Minersville native violinist, said in an interview prior to the concert.

She programmed Sunday’s concert, making the song selections.

“That was the start of putting this together. It’s bittersweet for me, because I don’t want it to be over,” Weiderhold said.

She said the Schubert selection was filled with melodies and harmonies, and opened up a huge range for sounds and textures. It featured Simon Maurer on violin, Agnes Maurer on viola, Gerall Hieser on cello, along with Morales on cello and Weiderhold.

Morales, Philadelphia, has known Weiderhold for nearly six years, but Sunday was his first time performing with the ensemble in Schuylkill County. The two joined for a duet with the Kodaly piece.

“Each theme is passed along from the cello to the violin,” Morales said in describing the Kodaly movement.

Douglas K. Troutman sponsored Sunday’s concert and said he was pleased they were playing Debussy.

“It’s a great piece and exposes people to something they may not have heard before,” Troutman, Hegins, said.

Weiderhold likened the Debussy piece to “a Monet coming to life,” she told the audience in describing how everything blended together.

Allen Artz, an organist in the audience from Pottsville, appreciated the caliber of the performance.

“It’s high-quality music, inspiring, in a wonderful location with friendly people. They know how to program things that are familiar, yet they stretch the audience,” he said.

Weiderhold is principal second violinist of Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, concertmaster of the Anthracite Philharmonic and assistant concertmaster with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. She is on the faculty at Albright College, Reading.

Morales is an active soloist, recording artist and chamber musician, serving as cello professor with ArCoNet and Temple University, Philadelphia.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — Several people in the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court received criticism Thursday from Judge James P. Goodman for what each admitted was a violation of the program’s rules.

“I don’t like your attitude,” Goodman told Randy, whom the judge perceived to be too casual about the violations of missing a drug test and leaving the county without approval. “You haven’t followed the rules. Don’t play games with me.”

Goodman sanctioned Randy by requiring him to report daily to probation officers and make weekly court appearances.

Camille admitted she had missed a group session and had a positive drug test. Goodman required her to go on electronic monitoring and daily reporting, and he also required her to write an apology letter.

Wearing handcuffs and a prison jumpsuit, Nolan acknowledged he had missed treatment sessions.

“There aren’t a lot of options left,” Goodman told him.

Nolan said he had learned from this experience.

“I’m very sorry,” he said. “I acted out. I really do want another shot at the program.”

Schuylkill County officials started the drug treatment court program this year to try to combat the widespread local drug addiction problem, using a carrot-and-stick approach to the process. Other counties in Pennsylvania also have instituted drug treatment courts.

Participants in that 14-month program must undergo substance abuse treatment, make regular court appearances, submit to random drug testing and home visits, meet with probation officers and comply with directives from the court and those officers. Participants must complete all five phases in order to graduate from the program; graduation is the carrot, resulting in dismissal of the charges against them.

However, since the defendants enter guilty pleas to the charges against them, failure to complete the program is the stick, resulting in them being sentenced, possibly to time in a state correctional institution.

There are now 35 people in the program.

Other program participants read Thursday from their weekly essays about how they have tried to help others and make a difference in their lives as the county celebrated Make A Difference Day on Saturday.

“I decided to gather clothes ... and donate them to a local church for people in need,” Michelle said.

Rachel had a sadder story to tell: She gave a eulogy for a family member who had died.

“I’m grateful” for being able to do it, she said.

Alex said he was happy to help at work.

“I made a difference in a co-worker’s life,” by giving him tips on how to do the job better, he said.

Brent talked about how much he liked making a contribution to his community.

“A couple weeks ago, I helped renovate the playground in Cumbola,” he said. “It felt good.”

Joshua said he helped people in his neighborhood.

“I believe I made a difference by helping a couple renovate their house,” he said. “I believe it was the right thing to do.”

Bruce said he met an old friend who was feeling down and tried to cheer him up, although he is not certain if he succeeded.

“He seemed to be having a hard time,” so they went fishing, which they had done before, Bruce said. “All we can do is pray for him.”

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

Deeds

East Union Township — William Leib to Kenneth W. and Mary M. Heffelfinger; 194 Main Blvd., Brandonville; $130,000.

Frackville — Mary Ann Petrilla, David Carduff and Kathleen Sachetti to James Corbacio; 111 E. High St.; $67,500.

Hegins Township — Norma J. Adams to Daniel B. McCoy and Christina M. Ritenour; 314-1 W. Walnut St., Valley View; $133,500.

Shirley C. Scheib to Gary L. Scheib and Timothy L. Scheib; property on Main Street, Valley View; $1.

Shirley C. Scheib to Gary L. Scheib and Timothy L. Scheib; two properties on Walnut Street; $1.

Kline Township — Geraldine Kaminski and Lisa Ann Kaminski to Lisa Ann Kaminski; 13 1/2 Third St., Kelayres; $1.

Mahanoy City — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Borough of Mahanoy City; 612 W. South St.; $1.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Borough of Mahanoy City; 602 W. Railroad St.; $1.

North Manheim Township — Joshua N. Konkus to Ryan Ward; 10 Gladys Lane; $120,000.

Orwigsburg — Riverview Bank to Terry L. Sr. and Susan A. Shaner; 748 E. Market St.; $257,500.

Pine Grove Township — U.S. Bank NA to Kenton L. and Kathy L. Hubble; 122 Rock Road; $82,500.

Thomas and Barbara Driscoll to Celena and Jesse Allen Balmer; 35 Hallton Hill Road; $150,000.

Jarrod and Toni Ulsh to Alyssa Neidlinger and Bryant Gilbert; 60 Nut Grove Road; $220,000.

Roger L. and Tamara R. Hummel to Thomas and Barbara Driscoll; 535 Honeysuckle Court, Swatara Village; $117,500.

Pottsville — Edward Holohan and Donald Holohan to Modesto M. Abreu; 403-405 Harrison St.; $45,000.

Lions Charities Inc. to Pottsville Area EMS Inc.; 320 N. Ninth St.; $1.

Saint Clair — Midfirst Bank to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 9 N. Third St.; $1.

Milka Delellis to Miller Partnership Limited; 236 S. Third St.; $69,000.

Shenandoah — Imobiliaria LLC to Sharon Richburg; 33 E. Coal St.; $17,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Trenton Weekes; 229 E. Centre St. and 228 E. Mount Vernon St.; $1,500.

Gwendolyn D. Rhym to Alfredo Lamberti Pool; 24 E. Coal St.; $6,000.

Andrzej Balczyk to Christopher D. Tatro; 235 N. Highland St.; $1.

Tremont — Lamar T. Gehres to Lamar T. and Sharon L. Gehres; property on Laurel Street; $1.

Upper Mahantongo Township — Trof Hunting Club LLC to Kenneth L. Stiely; 42.2-acre property; $15,000.

Wayne Township — Robert C. and Sally R. Jordan and Molly A. Gnojek to Ryan J. and Leslie A. Keefer; 31 Pine Terrace; $244,500.

David F. Stephen and Lisa C. Stephen, trustees of the David F. Stephen and Lisa C. Stephen Revocable Trust, to Jason and Barbara Martin; 4.13-acre property on Route 183; $200,000.

Larry L. and Sally A. Reber to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Schuylkill County; agricultural conservation easement on 98 Reber’s Road; $187,040.

West Mahanoy Township — Colin J. Walsh, administrator of the Estate of Cynthia M. Walsh, to Mayra Lora and Robinson DeLora; two properties in Shenandoah Heights; $87,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association to Cody Dane Rosselli; 101 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $13,049.

West Penn Township — Blackstone Funding LLC, JMAC Realty LLC and Natural Realty LLC to 74 Retreat Road LLC; 26.35-acre property on Route 895; $250,000.

Karen Moyer, executrix of the Estate of Florence E. Arner, to Karen E. Moyer and Gary Leon Kunkel, successor trustees under the Last Will & Testament of Florence E. Arner; 175 Pine Hill Road, Andreas; $1.

Linda White, individually and as guardian of Harold White, to Jason M. and Kelly A. Poust; 522 Cold Spring Road, Andreas; $230,000.

Percent of cases wrong

Since 2012, Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman, who is seeking re-election in Tuesday’s General Election, said her office has had a total of 12,848 cases as of August. Charges were dropped in only 829 cases, or 6 percent.

The percentage was incorrect in Sunday’s edition.

Incident at school

nets charges

TOWER CITY — A 14-year-old male from Williamstown was charged with strangulation, simple assault and harassment, after an incident Thursday afternoon with a 13-year-old boy at Williams Valley High School, police said.

State police at Lykens said the 14-year-old applied a rear choke hold to the victim, which impeded the victim’s ability to breathe, at 1:50 p.m. The victim was also from Williamstown, police said.

Elizabethville library

cited for 4th alarm

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens have filed a summary citation following an incident with an alarm at the Elizabethville Area Library in Washington Township, Dauphin County.

An alarm occurred at the library at 7:09 p.m. Wednesday, which was determined to be the fourth at-fault alarm within a 12-month period, police said.

A summary citation for control of alarm devices and automatic dialing devices was filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, police said.

MAR LIN — A corporal from the state police at Schuylkill Haven answered questions from Norwegian Township residents Monday.

Cpl. Jeff Dunkel talked about the nature of calls to which the state police respond. They included 51 crashes; 181 incidents that did not require reporting, which could be a downed tree or a deer on the road; and 185 were of general offense, which could include theft, since Jan. 1. The township relies on state police for police coverage as it does not have its own police department.

Dunkel said state police frequently go to Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, Schuylkill Technology Center, Kings Village Plaza and Fairlane Village mall.

“Any issues or concerns can be addressed through your township supervisors or you can contact PSP directly,” he said.

Residents asked questions about speeding and potential drug activity. Dunkel said residents should not hesitate if they think something is out of the ordinary.

“If you see something, say it,” he said.

Last month, residents questioned if there should be more of a police presence in the township. At least 30 residents attended the meeting Monday.

Supervisor Stanley Petchulis said the police provide good coverage to the township.

“We are well-covered by the state police in the township. They (residents) are not being neglected,” Petchulis said.

In other matters, the township held a public hearing for the transfer of an intermunicipal liquor license transfer. The Seltzer Gun Club wants a catering club license from the Home Association of Minersville, which is the social aspect of the Minersville American Legion, William Reiley, attorney for the gun club, said. There was no opposition from the public regarding the transfer. Petchulis and supervisor Tom Dallago voted for the resolution approving the transfer of the liquor license. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has final say on any approvals.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

ORWIGSBURG — The former Blum’s Auction has a new name and home in Schuylkill County.

Formerly at the Schuylkill Mall, the business is now known as Auction Time Bid Board at 1506 Centre Turnpike Suite 6 in West Brunswick Township. It left the mall on Sept. 25 after the new owner told all tenants they had to leave due to demolition plans.

Carolyn Fry, owner of Auction Time Bid Board, said she thought it was time for a new name and logo. The old logo had a clock in it, so she thought it was appropriate to put one in the new logo.

“We are never moving again,” she said.

The business had been at the Schuylkill Mall since April 2005. The last auction at Blum’s was Sept. 2, with its last day of operations on Sept. 9.

“The last year we’ve been holding our breath not knowing what the mall was doing,” she said.

Moving to the new location provides peace of mind, Fry said, adding that being along Route 61 was a prime selling point.

Fry said she bought the 153,000-square-foot building for $2.15 million in September. There are five tenants in the building.

Most of the employees who worked at the mall still have their jobs. Twenty-five people work at the new site.

The first auction at the West Brunswick location was held Saturday. Fry said more than 800 people attended.

“It’s always the first Saturday of the month,” Fry said.

The next auction is Dec. 2. Doors open at 9 a.m., with the auction to start at 10 a.m.

Claude Morin, 66, of Schuylkill Haven, made the winning bid on five item lots Saturday. They included two necklaces with the likeness of Marilyn Monroe, Longaberger pewter Christmas ornaments, ceiling lights, a Jeff Gordon license plate and old vintage Christmas light bulbs.

Morin started going to Blum’s about a year ago. He said Fry and the workers are nice and respectful.

Bonnie Melenchick, 71, of Llewellyn, agreed. She has been a frequent visitor and customer for years.

“You get really good bargains at really good prices,” she said.

The new location is welcomed, Melenchick said.

“It’s nicer here. It really is,” she said.

She also attended Saturday’s auction and spent $81 on jewelry and figurines.

Hours at the new store are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. After auction pickup hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

FRACKVILLE — Charges against a man who allegedly shot his daughter’s boyfriend in the groin last month were dismissed Monday after the victim failed to appear for the preliminary hearing.

Donald Jenkins Jr., 40, of 30 N. White St., Shenandoah, was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale for his hearing on felony charges of criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide, burglary and aggravated assault as well as misdemeanor crimes of possessing instruments of crime, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Chief public defender Michael Stine made a motion to have the charges dismissed after the victim in the case, Emmanuel Cancel, 29, was a no-show.

When Hale asked Assistant District Attorney David Rice if he was ready to proceed with the case, he said was not since the prosecution had neither a victim nor witness.

Hale then granted the motion to dismiss and canceled Jenkins’ $250,000 straight cash bail.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine A. Holman said the decision to not fight the dismissal request was based on information that Cancel had moved out of the area and would not testify as a victim.

“Mr. Cancel gave all indications that he would no longer be in the area and that he is not going to proceed,” Holman said.

Despite the charges being dismissed, Holman said the commonwealth can bring the case against Jenkins back to court if Cancel has a change of heart.

“The state can re-file the charges for up to five years if he (Cancel) changes his mind for whatever reason and decides to proceed,” she said.

State police Trooper Joseph Hall of the Frackville station charged Jenkins with shooting Cancel in Room 49 at the Motel 6, 701 Altamont Blvd., West Mahanoy Township, about 1:50 p.m. Oct. 15.

Hall said police were called to the motel for a report of a man shot in the groin and Cancel was in Room 49 with his girlfriend — Jasmine Marie Jenkins, 20 — who rented the room the day before.

Hall said Cancel was sitting on the far bed when Donald Jenkins entered the room and an argument ensued, Hall said.

During the course of the argument, Donald Jenkins pulled out a handgun and shot Cancel in the upper left leg and groin area, and then fled the area in his vehicle with his daughter. He surrendered to Pottsville police three days later, on Oct. 18, after a warrant had been obtained for his arrest.

Cancel told investigators that he put his hands up to defend himself when Jenkins brought forth the weapon. He heard a loud bang and realized he had been shot, Hall said.

When she was interviewed, Hall said, Jasmine Jenkins said she believed her father was upset because she was dating Cancel.

Cancel was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, by ambulance for treatment of his injuries, Hall said.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A borough man was flown to a trauma center after he was struck by a vehicle about 5:15 p.m. Monday on Route 61.

Schuylkill Haven Police Chief Jeffrey Walcott said David McDonald, 22, of Center Avenue, was crossing Route 61 from the Shell gas station toward the Auto Zone store when he was apparently dragged into traffic by his dog.

Walcott said McDonald was struck by a vehicle and suffered leg injuries that required him to be flown to a trauma center in the MedEvac helicopter that landed at The Island.

Walcott said that McDonald is listed in stable condition and that the investigation into the crash is continuing.

The Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office is asking for help in finding the next of kin of a woman who died Saturday.

Jessica A. Blasé, 49, who has a last known address of Ogden Street, Girardville, was pronounced dead about 10 a.m. at her home.

Family members of Blasé, or anyone with information on her next of kin, is asked to call the county coroner’s office at 570-277-0200.

MAR LIN — The Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School board on Monday hired a construction manager to replace the roofs at the Schuylkill Technology Centers in Mar Lin and Frackville.

In a unanimous vote at the meeting at the Maple Avenue Campus, the STC board hired Performance Construction Services Inc., Pottsville, an affiliate of Quandel, Minersville, for the job.

The total project cost should come to $1,710,000, about $800,000 less than anticipated, according to Brian A. Manning, business manager for STC and Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29.

A few months ago, the board was planning to hire The Garland Co., a roofing manufacturer it had worked with numerous times, to do the project for $2.519 million, Manning said.

But in September, the board decided to consider other options.

“You may recall that I asked the board to create a roof committee to investigate alternatives to the no-bid Garland deal. Well, my gut was right and the savings are estimated at $800,000,” a member of the board, David Frew of Pine Grove Area, said in an email to the newspaper Nov. 2.

In September, Frew suggested the STC board form a committee to research options. It included Frew and STC board members Jay Hanley of Mahanoy Area, Michael Holobetz of Saint Clair Area and Larry A. Wittig of Tamaqua Area.

Frew said a few firms were considered for the job.

At the meeting, the board entered into an agreement with Performance Construction Services Inc. for the design-phase, the pre-construction phase and the construction phase of the roof replacement projects.

In its report to the board on “preliminary budget data,” Performance Construction estimated the replacement of the 65,000-square-foot roof at the North building in Frackville would cost $975,000, and the replacement of the 25,000-square-foot roof at the South building in Mar Lin would cost $375,000.

The soft costs should come to $360,000, according to the report.

They include: the architect, engineer, roofing consultant observation fees, $100,000; the construction management supervision fees, $150,000; the legal and print advertising and the bid document reproduction, $20,000; the building permits, $30,000; and a 4.5 percent construction contingency allowance, $60,000.

“The savings to the member school districts is expected to be almost $800,000. The Garland project was going to be done through a U.S. Communities deal and it wouldn’t have had to be bid in the literal sense of having to go out on the open market. So their contract number was a not-to-exceed number,” Frew said at Monday’s meeting.

That was $2.519 million, Manning said.

“So they were both the manufacturer and the installer and the designer, and it was specified just for their product, they have a much better control on what the cost’s going to be. So it was expected that they would come in a few percentage points lower than that,” Frew said.

“The deal with Quandel, or Performance Construction Services, is different. We hired them to represent us as our design professional. They put a budget number together and said, ‘this is what we reasonably expect the cost of the project to be’ based on all the parameters they’ve established,” Frew said.

“It is our understanding that the owner has obtained budget pricing for the roof replacement project under a state contract Master Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement arrangement that exceeds $2.5 million. The state contract procurement, while convenient, may not offer the most competitive approach to this type of work. Our experience with other school districts is that better pricing can be obtained from the marketplace via competitive bids vs. the state contract. We have seen this with roof replacement projects, athletic field projects, fixture/furniture packages,” Performance Construction said in its proposal to the board.

Performance Construction suggested the STC roofs be replaced with an EPDM synthetic rubber roofing membrane, “a rubber roof,” Frew said.

“Our objective is to provide a watertight roof on the buildings that has a 30-year warranty with a no-dollar limit. So if it fails in year 29, there’s no cost to the member districts,” Frew said.

The board anticipates the roof project will be complete sometime in summer 2018, he said.

“They agreed to have the roof substantially complete one week before the start of school,” Frew said.

Also present at Monday’s meeting were: Scott Jacoby of Schuylkill Haven Area, Hanley, Gretchen Ulmer of Minersville Area, Mary Jo Moss of Blue Mountain, Charles “Chaz” Hepler of North Schuylkill, Helene Creasy of Shenandoah Valley and John Mika of Williams Valley.

Absent were: Scott Thomas of Pottsville Area, Holobetz, Roger Heidlebaugh of Tri-Valley and Larry A. Wittig of Tamaqua Area.

In other matters, the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Board of Directors also held its November meeting at the Maple Avenue Campus on Monday.

The IU board hired a new business manager, Brittany K. Kellman, Pottsville.

There were two action items related to her employment.

First, the board hired Kellman as an “administrator,” effective Nov. 2 at a per diem rate of $345.83 per day including benefits for a total of seven days to Nov. 12.

Then the board hired Kellman as the business manager and health and welfare trust manager effective Nov. 12 at a salary of $83,000 including benefits.

Kellman graduated from Minersville Area High School in 2003, and was the class salutatorian.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in psychology from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, in May 2007, according to her resume.

She has been a certified public accountant since 2009.

Since November 2009, she worked as an account manager for an accounting firm, Heckman & Laudeman LLC, Orwigsburg.

Manning said there were six applicants for the job and four were interviewed.

In October, the board accepted Manning’s resignation, effective Nov. 12.

On Sept. 13, the Pottsville Area school board hired Manning as its business manager.

Manning started working at Schuylkill IU 29 in 2011 as a senior staff accountant. He was promoted to assistant business manager in 2014. Around that time, he was also appointed health and welfare trust manager. Manning’s salary for the 2016-17 school year was $78,872.

In June, the IU board promoted Manning to business manager. He replaced Edwin Musser, who retired. Manning’s salary for the 2017-18 school year was $85,000.

Contact the writer: spytak@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

ASHLAND — A water main break a few weeks ago soaked a room in the Ashland Public Library, which now has unexpected expenses and the need for additional donations.

It was on Oct. 12 that a 4-inch water line under Chestnut Street in the 1200 block gave way, sending a large amount of water down the street. The break was just west of the library’s parking lot to the rear of the building, which was downstream of the water flow. Some of the water flowed into the lot and eventually made it into the library.

Library personnel found the carpeting in the back room that contains the children’s books and computers soaked and the bottoms of book shelving units, mainly made of particle board, damaged from absorbing the water.

Library director Ann Helwig called SERVPRO — a company that provides cleanup and restoration services at properties affected by water, fire and/or smoke — the day after, which was Friday.

This is the second time within about a year that the library has dealt with water issues. In 2016, it was discovered that deterioration caused by water infiltration had occurred at the rear wall. The damaged area was the rear wall of the building that is part of the extension added 16 years ago. In addition to being a room for children’s books and activities and public computers, the room also provides handicapped access from the parking lot.

Those repairs included installation of new drains and replacing a portion of the rear wall using concrete block, according to library board Vice President Gary Glessner, who pointed out the path of the water stream.

“You can see the path of the water. This (drains) would take care of normal rain or snow, but when it’s a river, it had nowhere else to go but under the door,” Glessner said. “That’s what happened. It was a 4-inch main full-blast. It was a river.”

Glessner said SERVPRO arrived quickly after being called and immediately put in dehumidifiers and fans and left them go all weekend.

“They came back Monday and surprisingly everything was pretty well dried up,” Glessner said. “We still have insurances to deal with. We don’t know if we’re going to have the carpeting cleaned or if we’ll replace it. It all depends on the insurance companies, and I guess we’ll put in a claim with the borough.”

The water system is owned by the Ashland Area Municipal Authority and the borough handles the day-to-day operations.

Glessner said the library remained opened, with the back area closed and the computers were disconnected.

“There was no standing water, but you can see how far the carpet was soaked,” Glessner said.

Since the room is slightly lower than most of the first floor, the water was limited in how far it spread.

“They (SERVPRO) did check for mold and mildew, and everything is fine,” he said.

“All the shelving has to be replaced. We’re in the process of ordering new metal shelves,” Glessner added.

Helwig said 17 wooden shelving units need to be replaced — 10 large and seven shorter. Glessner said the cost of replacing the shelving is about $3,000, and the drying, cleaning and restoration work is about $3,000. If the carpeting is replaced, the overall expense could be up to $10,000, Glessner said.

“We still haven’t contacted the borough yet because we want to see what the board, who meets tonight, wants to do,” Helwig said.

A very colorful “A-B-C” carpet for the children that was saturated was cleaned so well that it looks brand new.

“SERVPRO was here in less than three hours. They were fantastic,” Helwig said. “Thank goodness that the computers and TV were not damaged. We lost a few books. Nothing to talk about. They were old ones.”

Even with insurance, there is a need for additional funds, which Glessner and Helwig hope will come in as donations.

“We have some generous people who will give us a couple of bucks,” Glessner said.

“Insurance will cover it up to a certain point, but you also have to consider depreciation,” Helwig said.

SERVPRO restoration technician Michael Zangari was with the team that arrived at the library about an hour and a half after being called.

“The water damage happened Thursday, and they called us in the next morning,” Zangari said. “It was quite saturated in that new addition. It was quite a large area that was affected. When you actually walked on the carpet, you were ‘sloshing’ because there was so much water.”

Zangari said an “extractor” was used to vacuum out the surface water, and then “air movers” were placed to keep circulating the air and forcing it into dehumidifiers to pull the moisture out.

“We removed contents in the room that would be in our way and could be salvageable,” he said. “If it’s real wood, we can dry that, but the shelving with the particle board will soak up that moisture and crack and split. It’s shot and there’s nothing you can do.”

Work was also done to dehumidify the basement.

“Our target to dry is three days,” Zangari said. “It takes three days for mold to appear, and that is what we do not want. That’s why we get in there as quick as possible. From Friday to Monday that building went from being completely saturated in the back to completely dry. They (library) were very happy.”

Donations can be dropped off at the library or sent to Ashland Public Library, 1229 Centre St., Ashland, PA 17921-1207.

For more information, call 570-875-3175 or email amh41@ashlandlibrary.net.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

Today is General Election Day and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In Schuylkill County, the only county row offices up for re-election are district attorney and sheriff.

Incumbent District Attorney Christine A. Holman, a Republican, faces a challenge from Democrat Michael A. O’Pake. Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph Groody runs unopposed on both party tickets.

Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas President Judge William E. Baldwin and Judge Jacqueline L. Russell are up for a retention vote, in which the registered voters may only decide whether to keep the judge.

On the state Supreme Court, Thomas G. Saylor and Debra Todd are up for retention. State Superior Court Judge Jacqueline O. Shogan is also up for retention

Meanwhile, due to several vacancies, Republican and Democratic candidates are seeking election to one seat on the Supreme Court, four on the Superior Court and two on the Commonwealth Court, which hears appeals involving government agencies, election cases and other matters.

Across Schuylkill County, four magisterial district judges, Christina E. Hale, James R. Ferrier, Stephen J. Bayer and James K. Reiley, are running unopposed for re-election. There are no retention votes for district judges who can face opposition at the end of their six-year terms. All four district judges up for re-election this year are on both Democratic and Republican ballots.

Across Schuylkill County, there are races for mayors, council seats, election officials, auditors, tax collectors and school board seats.

Voters will also decide if they want to change the state constitution. If approved, the amendment will grant the state General Assembly the power to make laws allowing local taxing bodies to increase the homestead exclusion to 100 percent of a homestead property’s assessed value. It does not immediately enact such an increase, which needs the General Assembly action, nor does it allow local taxing authority to raise its real estate taxes on all properties to compensate.

No one injured in car vs. deer crash

DEER LAKE — Two people escaped injury when the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse they were in struck a deer about 7:10 a.m. Friday on Route 61, Centre Turnpike.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Jennifer A. Lutz, 26, of Schuylkill Haven, was driving north when she was unable to avoid and struck a deer that ran onto the highway.

The deer was struck by the right front of the Lutz SUV that subsequently had to be towed from the scene.

Police said neither Lutz nor her passenger, a 10-year-old Schuylkill Haven girl, were injured.

Driver crashes avoiding collision

MOUNT PLEASANT — A Lykens woman escaped injury when the 2011 Honda Civic she was driving was forced off the road by another vehicle about 4:20 p.m. Friday in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81, at the Route 901 on-ramp in Foster Township.

State police at Frackville said Ana M. Schmidt, 23, was driving south in the left lane when a light blue Dodge Caravan entered the interstate from Route 901, crossed the right and began to enter the left lane, forcing her off the road.

Schmidt swerved onto the shoulder to avoid a collision and struck gravel causing it to begin to fishtail. The car then re-entered the left lane and exited the road, again hitting a ditch and a small tree on an embankment.

The driver of the van continued south without stopping, police said.

Anyone with information on the identity of the driver of the van is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

2 steal belongings from home in Delano

DELANO — Two people were arrested by state police at Frackville in connection with a burglary that occurred between midnight and 7 a.m. Sept. 19 at a home on Walnut Street in this Delano Township village.

Police said they received a report of a burglary and learned that while the owner was in a nursing home, someone entered and stole an Invicta watch collection, collectible knives and cash.

The investigation revealed that Michael Pupko, 28, of Delano, left the door to the home unlocked and that James Steward-Moyer, 35, also of Delano, entered and removed the items. Police said that Pupko then drove Steward-Moyer to Hazleton where he pawned several watches and the knives.

As a result, police said, they charged Steward-Moyer with burglary, theft, conspiracy to commit theft and receiving stolen property. Pupko was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit theft.

Police said both men were arraigned and are free on bail awaiting a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Elizabethville

The 2067 Elizabethville time capsule burial is set for 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at the borough park star. The burial ceremonial will be followed by family photo opportunities plus shoveling and covering the 2067 time capsule. Following the burial, there will be a party at 5:30 p.m. at the Broad Mountain Winery Tasting Room, 34C S. Market St.

Frackville

Orders are being accepted for the annual Christmas kielbasa sale by the South End Field & Stream Club, Whippoorwill Dam, Morea Road. People may order regular, smoked or cheesy hot by the Dec. 15 deadline. Pickups will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22. To order or for more information, call 570-874-1108.

Frackville

The Frackville Free Public Library, 56 N. Lehigh Ave., is having a fresh holiday greens sale through Nov. 21. Items include wreaths, garland, cemetery crosses and other fare. Delivery of fresh greens will be Dec. 5. For more information, call 570-294-3985.

Orwigsburg

Faith Church, 1168 Centre Turnpike (Route 61), has free grief share sessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays. The sessions offer people help and encouragement after the death of loved one. For more information, call 301-538-2253.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill County Historical Society, North Centre Street, will have a free program on the Civil War letters of Curtis Clay Polack from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 25. Author John Hoptak will do signings of his new book, “Dear Ma: The Civil War Letters of Curtis Clay Pollack.” Pollack was a First Defender and first lieutenant with the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry and his letters home “enable us to gain a glimpse of the Civil War from the inside,” organizers said in a release. Pollack ultimately gave his life in defense of his country. For more information, call Diana Prosymchak at 570-622-7540.

Saint Clair

Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, 307 E. Hancock St., will have a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 23 with delivery beginning at 11 a.m., takeouts at noon and eat-in meals at 1 p.m. People must RSVP by Nov. 16 by calling 570-429-2272 or 570-429-7170.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Area High School Band is having a holiday wreath fundraiser and craft show from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the high school cafeteria, 501 E. Main St. There will also be a Chinese auction, craft and other vendors, 50/50 raffle plus food and beverages on sale. Vendors are needed. For more information, call Berty at 570-691-7205.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Senior Citizens will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the Schuylkill Haven Senior/Neighborhood Center, 340 Haven St. After the business meeting, members will enjoy music by Dave Derbes as well as refreshments and fellowship. Members and guests are welcome. The group meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month. For more information, call 570-385-5323. The seniors always accept donations for the foot pantry.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Class of 1960 will meet for lunch at noon Nov. 16 at The Country Squire restaurant, Route 61. Members, guests and friends are welcome. For more information, call 570-385-5323.

Weishample

The Barry Township tree lighting event is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 26 at Weishample Grange, 868 Deep Creek Road. It will be a community lighting for township children and include food, door prizes and a visit with Santa. Children must be accompanied by adults. For more information, call 570-817-6107.