n Harrisburg: In a press release, state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, reminded district residents about his satellite office hours that are available on certain days of every month. "With winter weather sometimes affecting day-to-day travel in our region, I encourage any resident who lives near one of the satellite office locations to take advantage of this service closer to home," Tobash said. The officers and schedules are as follows: Valley View, 1012 W. Main St., from 3 to 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month; Pine Grove American Legion, 42 S. Tulpehocken St., from 3 to 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month; Tower City Municipal Building, 219 E. Colliery Ave., by appointment, call 570-385-8235. Appointments can be scheduled for any of the satellite office hours by calling Tobash's district office. Tobash also said residents who aren't able to attend his satellite office hours can sign up to receive his weekly email updates that include a short summary of legislative news from around the district and in Harrisburg. People can sign up by going online to RepTobash.com. Tobash's full-time district office is located at 988 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven. It can be reached by calling 570-385-8235.
n Jim Thorpe: The DUI Moving Memorial - a 30-foot trailer bearing the names of more than 1,000 people who have been killed in Pennsylvania by impaired drivers - recently stopped at the borough's Hazard Square. The interior of the trailer is hand-painted with a garden scene and has a 25-foot wall bearing the people's names. The trailer replicates the outdoor setting of the original, permanent DUI Victims Memorial Garden in Harrisburg. The memorials are created and maintained by the Pennsylvania DUI Association. Last year, 545 Pennsylvanians lost their lives to drunken driving, according to the association. More than 10,529 Pennsylvanians are injured each year in alcohol-related crashes.
n McAdoo: The borough is accepting letters of interest from residents to be a member of the zoning hearing board. Letters can be sent to or dropped off at the borough hall, 23 N. Hancock St. Interested parties are asked to submit their letters by Dec. 31.
n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For John F. Evans from wife Peggy Jane Evans and daughter Michelle D. Evans; for Bernice Fitzgerald from Patricia Kelly; for Ross and Charles Heffner from Gerald and Lorraine Spotts; for Beth Lehrman from Peggy and Ralph Jaeger, Barbara and Bud McGrew; for Stanley Mick from Cindy McMurtrie and family; for Michael O'Brien from Patricia Kelly.
n Shamokin: The Lower Anthracite Model Railroad Club will have an open house from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday on the second floor of the American Legion building, Independence Street. Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted. All are welcome.
n Summit Hill: American Legion Post 316 recently held its traditional children's Christmas party at the post home, Lehigh Street. Santa was on hand to greet the youngsters. Children and their families were treated to a luncheon and Santa provided a stocking for each of the youngsters.
n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Area School District's athletic department is looking to form a Tamaqua Area Athletic Alumni Association. An organizational meeting was held Dec. 17 at the high school. For more information, contact Mike Hromyak, athletic director, via email at mhromyak@tamaqua.k12.pa.us.
n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Owl Creek Reservoir Commission recently hosted "An Owl Creek Christmas With Santa" at the reservoir on Owl Creek Road. Children who attended were eligible for toy and bike giveaways. The kitchen was open and children were able to roast marshmallows, under supervision, at a fire.