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.
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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!

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: 

• Grades 1 & 2
• Grades 3 & 4
• Grades 5 & 6
• Grades 7 & 8
• High School
• Adult

Teams can have up to a dozen players - males and female. Don't worry, even though the tournament is three days each division plays only one day. The games will be arranged for younger players are playing earlier while adults are playing later in the day -- so don't worry about your 6 year old playing dodgeball at 8 pm. This is not the free-for-all I remember from childhood. It is a kinder, gentler dodgeball with softer balls and rules (you can find the rules here). Registration fee is $12 per person, which is divided between the Newspaper in Education program and the Nativity Green and Gold Club. How it works is your Team Captain registers first and then team members register as members of that Captain's team. Each team plays at least three games. Ready to register? Here it is!

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!

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