n Ashland: The Ashland Area Rotary Club recently hosted Amber Shamonsky of Schuylkill Women In Crisis. She informed the Rotarians about the work the agency does, including providing services to survivors of domestic violence and their families, developing and conducting public information and educational activities and fostering social and systems change in order to eliminate personal and institutional violence against women. Shamonsky said that one in three women will be subjected to some form of abusive in a relationship. She also said SWIC was founded in 1983 by county residents who were concerned about the lack of services available to assist victims of domestic violence. It has a 24-hour hotline and offers information, referral, emergency shelter, counseling and civil legal representation.
n Mahanoy City: Zion Baptist Church, 400 E. Market St., will sponsor a “Canvas Café” from 7 to 9 p.m. May 21. The cost is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. “… enjoy an evening with our very talented Kellie Laine,” organizers said in a release. For more information or to make a reservation, call 570-933-1953. The church will also have a halupki and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21. The cost for halupkis is $2 each. Proceeds will benefit the vacation bible school at the church.
n Pine Grove: Local naturalist Denise “Nightowl” Donmoyer will lead a bird walk from 9 to 11 a.m. May 14 at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park to locate and identify from sight and song, resident and migratory species that inhabit the park. Participants will meet at the Waterfall parking lot for the program that is free and open to beginning and experienced birdwatchers. The walk will be canceled in the event of rain. For more information, call 570-345-8952.
n Pine Grove: An alumni banquet by the Pine Grove Area High School Alumni Association will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. May 28 at the district middle school, School Street. The cost is $22 and advance tickets are required. Tickets are available at Berger’s Market or Werner’s Lumber Co., Pine Grove, until May 21. Social hour for the event will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. For more information or tickets, call 570-345-3293.
n Pine Grove: A performance has been scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. May 13 in the clubhouse at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For tickets or more information, call Susan at 570-624-3018.
n Pottsville: An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Fairlane Village mall, Route 61. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. For more information or to make an appointment, call 800-733-2767.
n Shenandoah: A bracelet bingo to benefit the Shenandoah Valley Lady Devils Basketball Team will be held from 2 to 5:30 p.m. May 15 at the Columbia Hose Company, 742 Centre St. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-462-2242.
n Shenandoah Heights: West Mahanoy Township officials last year warned people they are cracking down on illegal dumping throughout the township. Officials warned that illegal dumping is not allowed and anyone caught will be prosecuted. Supervisors Chairman Paul “Pepper” Martin said at the time police will enforce all laws involving illegal dumping.
n Summit Station: The 15th annual Bear Creek Festival, sponsored by the Schuylkill Conservation District, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. May 15 at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds. The festival is a family-oriented event that is free and open to the public and focuses on all things environmental, outdoors, natural and agricultural in Schuylkill County. There will be workshops and activities for all ages. For more information, call 570-622-3742.