 We've been marking November 11 as a commemoration of military service in various forms since 1919 when President Wilson declared it as Armistice Day, a day to remember the end of World War I and all those who served during that war. It transformed to its present form in 1954 when Armistice Day was transformed to Veterans' Day - a day to commemorate the service of all military veterans. Veterans are all around us and, for the most part, their service goes unnoticed by those of us who work with them, are friends with them or rely on them as they work at their after-military careers. But now is the time to notice. There are many organizations showing their appreciation for veterans this month. If you know a veteran, tell them about these opportunities to enjoy a meal or event and spend some time with fellow veterans November 8 from 4 pm to 7 pm Veterans Appreciation Dinner at Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle. This free meal is sponsored by Bixler Pyrotechnics. Call Mike for more info at 570-527-6008. November 9 from 7 am to 10 am Veterans Breakfast at St. Luke's Miners Campus, 360 West Ruddle Street, Coaldale. This meal is free for veterans and $4 for their guests. Please register by November 6 by calling 1-866-STLUKES, option 4 or at sluhn.org November 9 from 7:30 am to 9:30 am Veterans Breakfast at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, Wall Auditorium, Third Floor, 700 E. Norwegian Street, Pottsville. For veterans and current members of the military. To register call 888-402-LVHN or at LVHN.org/vetbreakfast November 11 from 8:30 am to 10 am Veterans Breakfast at Minersville Area High School cafeteria for Minersville Area veterans. Register by November 4 by calling 570-544-1400, Ext. 1009. November 11 from 6 pm to 8 pm Veterans Day Dinner at Elks Lodge 695, 135 E. Centre Street, Mahanoy City. This meal is free for veterans and $10 for non-veterans. Advance registration is required. Call 570-205-1450. There will also be a guest speaker, Brenda Zechman of the Schuylkill County VA. While I like to hope that most military personnel transition easily to civilian life, for some the change is more difficult and they need a little help. Operation Sweaters for Veterans is helping those in need by offering gently used sweaters, gloves and clothing to veterans in need. You can donate your gently used clothes (and remember women are veterans also) by donating them at James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, 1112 West Market Street, Pottsville from November 1 through November 30. There is also a Veterans workshop today at the Orwigsburg Memorial Building from 10 am to 4 pm to help veterans make disability claims or arrange for counseling. You can make appointments by calling 717-884-4305. ATTN: Most town Trick or Treats, Trunk and Treats and other Halloween events previously scheduled for Thursday have been moved to today because of the rain predicted for Halloween might. Please keep your eyes open on the way home from work when the littlest ghosts and goblins will be haunting your neighborhood. Excited ghosts and goblins often forget to look both ways while out searching for treats. Keep everyone safe! 
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 Normally, by now I would be encouraging only the bravest of hikers to attempt a November hike but this year's weather has remained welcoming even for the your more "delicate" hikers like me! Come out and enjoy this incredible autumn for as long as you can. And visit this post periodically for updates as more hikes and events are scheduled.
Friday, November 1 Long Loop Hike at 10:30 am Meet at Crow Trail parking lot, Tuscarora State Park off Tuscarora Mountain Road for this 7 mile hike rated moderate. Naturalist Robin Tracey will lead a hike that includes the best of three of the park's trails. Leashed dogs are welcome if they are friendly with people AND dogs. Bring a lunch! Saturday, November 2 Wee Ones Walk from 10 am to 11 am Meet at Waterfall Road parking lot, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park for this 1 mile hike rated easy. Porcupine Pat McKinney will lead a walk that uses the senses to appreciate the early days of fall. If you enjoyed October's hike this one will take a different route. Sunday, November 3 Bear Valley Hike from 9 am to 3 pm Meet at the entrance to Bear Valley Road and Rausch Creek ATV Park near Valley View at Gap Street for this 10 mile hike rated moderate. Led by Sojourner Steve, this hike will include the Bear Valley Swamp, old mines, Adams Rock and the entrance to Willimastown Tunnel. Sunday, November 10 Journey to Boxcar Rocks from 1 pm to 3 pm Meet at the state game lands parking lot off Gold Mine Road south of Tower City for this 3 mile hike rated moderate. Led by Mike Centeleghe, this hike will head toward the massive Boxcar Rocks. Sunday, November 17 Buck Ridge Hike from 9 am to 1 pm Meet at Mt. Pleasant Hose Company, Buck Run for this 5 mile hike rated easy. Led by Hiker Jim, this hike will include West Creek, views of Lake Buck Run, old Airport Run and more. And More.... Saturday, November 9 Prune Shade Trees with a Purpose from 10 am to 3 pm Arborist Frank Snyder and other trained pruners will conduct a "hands-on" workshop on how to prune a tree in a healthy way. Meet at the Large Pavilion of Sweet Arrow Lake County Park and dress for the weather and be prepared for some light physical activity.  Not only the little girls like to dress up like princesses. Teen girls are looking past Halloween to dressing up for the Christmas formals and dances. But what to do if a formal gown isn't in your budget? Call on your Fairy Godmother, otherwise known as the men and women of the Frackville Rotary Club who will be playing Fairy Godmother when they open up their Cinderella's Closet on Saturday, November 3 at the Cressona Mall. Open from noon to 4 pm, Cinderella's Closet will be offering gently used formal dresses and gowns, shoes, accessories, purses and more. Dresses are $10, everything else is $1.
A few tips for the gals coming looking for the perfect dress. Wear clothes that are easy to slip out of so you can try on dresses in the convenient dressing rooms. Come early to get the most choices. Bring a friend who can help you grab some great dresses to try on and give you an honest opinion. Even if you think you know your size don't forget that sizes vary depending on the designer (in more expensive dresses you will probably go down a size!) Happy hunting! There's still time to donate a dress or an accessory for the closet. Stop by the Holiday Inn Express near Frackville with your donation. Want some Halloween fun? Check out updates to the Halloween events post here  Want to get in on the latest craze? Sign up for the local Dodgeball Tournament. Dodgeball has left school PE classes and is becoming a fun pastime for all ages. The Republican Herald is organizing the first Dodgeball on the Hill Tournament this November 8, 9 and 10 at the Nativity BVM High school gym (Friday starts at 5 pm, Saturday starts at 9 am and Sunday starts at 1 pm). There are six different divisions:
If you have ever heard the words "There's nothing to do in Schuylkill County" come from your mouth or the mouth of one of your friends, this is the event for you. It's ideal whether you are an athlete or a couch potato. It's great for all ages. You can make up a team of friends, family, co-workers, teammates from another sport. Nobody has to learn complicated rules or even be in great shape. It's just a crazy fun event (games are only 7 minutes long). So give it a try!  We're on the Halloween countdown Don't miss out on the fun! Haunted History Trolley Tours October 19 at 7 pm Includes a trip to Charles Baber Cemetery Both tours start at the Schuylkill Historical Society, Pottsville Tickets: $20, $15 for Schuylkill Historical Society members Make reservations by calling 570-622-7540 Haunted History Walking Tours October 19, 26 Choose from The Ghosts of Guinea and Bunker Hill or The Gallows Tour Both tours start at the Schuylkill Historical Society, Pottsville Tickets: $10, $7 for children Make reservations and learn tour times by calling 570-622-7540 St. Clair Halloween Parade October 23 Haunted High Escape Room October 24 from 6 pm to 7 pm At the Pottsville Library Tickets: $5 Adults Only Space is limited. Register by calling 570-622-8880 Ext. 12 or email potchild@pottsvillelibrary.org Halloween Bash at the Hosie October 25 from 9 pm to 1 am At Shenandoah Heights Fire Company, Swatara Road Tickets: $3 Includes music by Ghost Country, costume contest Haunted Barn October 25, 26, 27 from 6:30 pm to 9 pm At Union Township Building, Ringtown Tickets: Adults $5, Children under 10 $4. $1 Off if you bring a nonperishable food item Halloween in the Midway October 26 at 5 pm At 1 Midway Road, Tower City Kids games in the bingo hall, family hayride, family photos, haunted hayride at 8 pm, food and games Parade October 26 Shenandoah Parade October 26 at 6 pm Minersville Halloween Hustle 5K (Zombies included!) October 26 at 9:30 am At Faith Reformed UCC Pavilion, Landingville Early registration ends October 24. Day of the race registration begins at 8:30 am. FALL FEST on October 26 (organized by Good Will Fire Co. #1, Port Carbon) Spooks & Ladders 5K 9 am -- Register at pretzelcitysports.com Halloween Parade Noon Public Safety and Truck or Treat 1 pm Ducks on Fire Race 2 pm Ghost Tours October 26 from 6 pm to 9 pm (tours every 20 minutes) At the Old Jail Museum, Jim Thorpe Tickets: Adults $15, Students aged 12 to 18 $10, no one under 12 ***Benefits the Jim Thorpe Fire Department Spooky Strings - featuring Anthracite Philharmonic October 26 at 7 pm At Majestic Theater Tickets: $15 Costume Party October 26 from 8 pm to 1 am At Frackville Elks Lodge 1533, 307 S. Third Street Tickets: $10 Includes music by Broken Spell, Costume Contest. Also cash bar and light refreshments. Must be 21. Witches' Tea October 27 from 11 am to 1 pm Maids Quarters, 402 S. Centre Street, Pottsville Tickets: $25 Fundraiser for Majestic Theater Parade October 27 at 2 pm Girardville Parade October 27 McAdoo Parade October 27 at 3pm Ashland Parade October 27 at 2 pm Mahanoy City Halloween Party and Haunted Dungeon October 31 from 4 pm to 6 pm For children ages 3 to 12 and their parents/caregivers Games, crafts and treats Parade October 29 at 7 pm Pottsville  Food insecurity is living a life without reliable access to affordable and nutritious food. In the United States, 1 in 6 people live in a household dealing with food insecurity. One way to help some families deal with this challenge is food pantries. If you know someone who needs help providing a nutritious diet for their family, tell them about the food pantry in their community.
Living Waters Church of God, Frackville Sunday from 12:30 to 2:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to noon Community Mission Christian Center, 336 N. Front Street, Minersville Every other Tuesday from 3 pm to 5 pm (Call 570-617-4620 for a emergency appointment) Use side door on left side of the building Billie Payne Community Center, 7th Street & Laurel Boulevard, Pottsville Last and next to last Tuesday of the month from 10 am to 1 pm Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. 9th Street, Ashland Fourth Thursday of the month from noon to 2 pm Faith Assembly of God Church, 18 S. 2nd Street, Cressona Fourth Friday of the month from 11 am to 1 pm Knights of Columbus council home, 201 W. Cherry Street, Shenandoah Friday from 10 am to noon (Call 570-622-1995 for more information) Good Intent Fire Company, 15 McComb Street, New Philadelphia Third Wednesday of odd months from 10:30 am to 11:30 am (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, Nov) Van Hoekelen Greenhouses Inc., 220 S. Hancock Street, McAdoo Third Saturday of odd month from 9 am to 11 am (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, Nov) PGACC Church School, 200 School Street, Pine Grove Third Saturday of the month from 9 am to noon Tremont Borough Municipal Building, 139 Clay Street, Tremont Third Saturday of the month from 9 am to 10:30 am Williams Valley Food Pantry, 800 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City Third Saturday of the month from 10 am to 11:30 am  October has arrived -- are you in a spooky mood yet? If you're ready for some autumn and Halloween fun there are plenty of things happening all month. So grab your family and head out for some fun.
Family Fall Fest Thursday, October 3 Barefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, 823 Terry Reiley Way, Pottsville from 5:30 pm to 8 pm Tickets: $5 individuals, $10 per family (proceeds benefit Hillside SPCA) The Nightmare Before Christmas Friday, October 4 Majestic Theater, Pottsville at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm) Tickets: free admission including popcorn Haunted History Walking Tours October 4, 12, 19, 26 Choose from The Ghosts of Guinea and Bunker Hill or The Gallows Tour Both tours start at the Schuylkill Historical Society, Pottsville Tickets: $10, $7 for children Make reservations and learn tour times by calling 570-622-7540 Nightmare in Wonderland Thursday, October 10 Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven from 7 pm to 10 pm Haunted hallway tours and dance party Tickets: $15 including snacks (BYOB) ***Must be 21, bring ID |
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