n Harrisburg: According to the State Game Commission Wildlife Management Agency, the most inexpensive and effective way to get rid of a mouse problem is to set traps. Available at most hardware stores and feed mills, mouse traps should be baited with cheese or peanut butter and placed at locations where mouse droppings or damage have been found. Set more than one trap and move them around until you start catching mice. Don't stop until sightings and damage stop.
n Mahanoy City: Weather permitting, the Active Christian Teens In Our Neighborhood Youth Group will go Christmas caroling beginning 6 p.m. Sunday. Any borough residents who would enjoy having carolers coming to their home should call Debbie at 570-773-0813 by Friday.
n McAdoo: The McAdoo Borough Sewer Authority said in a release new monthly statements have been mailed. In order to avoid a late charge, balances are due by Saturday. Those wishing to change their billing cycle should notify the office at 570-929-1004 by Saturday.
n Pottsville: The Anthracite Philharmonic, under the direction of Mark P. Thomas, will present "Christmas Pops" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Third and Market streets. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens and students. Everyone is welcome. The rehearsal for the concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. today in the Pottsville Area School District's D.H.H. Lengle Middle School Auditorium.
n Pottsville: Trinity United Church of Christ, 316 W. Market St., will host "Sounds of the Season" at 5 p.m. Sunday featuring the musicans and choirs of Trinity UCC as well as First United Church of Christ, Schuylkill Haven; Evangelical United Methodist Church, Pottsville; Faith United Church of Christ, Landingville; Trinity Lutheran, Pottsville; and Zion Lutheran, Minersville. Ronald Fox Jr. is director of music and Christopher Evans is choral conductor. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served following the concert. Freewill offerings will be gratefully accepted.
n Shenandoah: Four Shenandoah Valley High School students were on hand for the November meeting of the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce, held in Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, 200 Pennsylvania Ave. They included Clarence Grutza, Angelo Maskornick, Nicholas Russin and Nicholas Gwski. It was noted that a renovation program has begun at Ridgeview. Chamber President Marie Poppoff has organized a holiday party for chamber directors at their Dec. 18 meeting at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community, East Washington Street. A Victorian Christmas with music by Leilani Chesonis will follow the monthly breakfast gathering.
n Shenandoah: Albert Victor, Shenandoah, is continuing to aid the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce with its candy bar sales. In the chamber's November meeting minutes, Secretary Betty Ann Bugden said Victor has sold about 150 boxes. Another candy shipment has arrived and any chamber director interested in selling them can pick them up at National Penn Bank, Main and Centre streets. People wanting to buy candy but need to have it delivered should call Beth at the bank or email Bugden at hairlady@shenhgts.net. The candy sale is the only ongoing fundraiser the chamber has.
n Sheppton: The Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company recently mailed its 2013 fund drive material to all residents and businesses in the company's service area. The fund drive, organizers said, represents the largest annual fundraiser for the company. Anyone who did not receive a fund drive letter should call 570-384-4746. Company officials thank everyone for their support.
n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship is offering luminaria for use during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Kits containing five luminaria are available from TAFFN members, local church offices and the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce office, 114 W. Broad St. Each kit contains assembly instructions and a history of luminaria. For more information, call 570-668-2775.
n Tamaqua: Weekly street sweeping operations in the borough have been discontinued for the winter months. The schedule will resume in the spring. Streets will be posted. For more information, call the borough hall at 570-668-3444. The office is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.