n Frackville: The Frackville Ministerium Food Bank will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday to serve eligible families in the borough. New applicants will need proof of eligibility - a Frackville borough address. The food bank is located at Zion Lutheran Church at Oak and Nice streets. People must use the downstairs entrance by the parking lot.
n Orwigsburg: Seton Manor, 1000 Seton Drive, will host a Miller Keystone Blood Drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday. People may go to www.Giveapint.org. The online registration code is 6883. For more information, call Jackie Robinson at 570-366-0400.
n Pine Grove: Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, environmental education coordinator with the Schuylkill Conservation District, will help people appreciate aquatic critters in a study of the Upper Little Swatara Creek set for 10 to 11 a.m. July 19 at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Participants will search for mayflies, crayfish, water pennies and other life. They will meet at the Waterfall Road parking lot. The free event is recommended for people age 6 and older. All equipment will be provided. All are welcome.
n Pottsville: Hospice of Central Pennsylvania will host a butterfly release to celebrate life at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1140 Mahantongo St. The ceremony, according to a release, will include inspirational readings and musical selections, concluding with the release of painted lady butterflies. For $25, donors will receive a butterfly to personally release. All proceeds will benefit hospice patients with limited or no health care coverage and bereavement support. A donation is not required to attend. Hospice of Central Pennsylvania serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Schuylkill, York, Adams and Lebanon counties. For more information, call 717-810-6239.
n Schuylkill Haven: The Diakon Senior Community Center, rear, 121 Main St., will host a free Movie Madness from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the center. It will feature ice cream sundaes and "a movie on us," according to a Diakon release. The feature film will be Disney's "Frozen." Supervised children are welcome. For more information, call 570-385-5611.
n Tamaqua: The South Ward Playground Association is conducting a free summer lunch program for all local children up to and including the age of 18. Lunches are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays at the playground, located between Penn and Race streets. The program is an offshoot of the free school lunch program, with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The nondiscriminatory program is open to all children. In addition to a healthy lunch, participants are offered a variety of summer activities.
n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Area Lady Raiders Basketball Camp will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. July 22-24 at the Tamaqua Athletic Center, 500 Penn St. The camp is for girls entering grades three through eight. According to a press release, the main focus will be on offensive/defensive fundamentals, skill strengthening and agility. Those interested in attending are asked to email Erika Barron Davis at bballcamp3@yahoo.com. The registration deadline to receive a guaranteed T-shirt is Wednesday. Later forms will be accepted but there will be no guarantee of a T-shirt. For more information, call 570 952-4951.
n Tamaqua: Tamaqua Area High School Principal Stephen Toth announced that orientation for freshman and new students to the district will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 in the district auditorium. Parents of incoming freshman and new students to the school district are encouraged to attend. Students are also welcome. The high school will not be open for tours during the orientation; however, arrangements to schedule a tour can be made by calling the high school office between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 570-668-1901.