n Eckley: An archaeological field school sponsored by the University of Maryland will conduct archeological excavations at Eckley Miners’ Village through July 8. The village is a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission historic site in Luzerne County preserving the buildings and interpreting the lives of anthracite miners and has been an active site for more than 160 years, according to an Eckley press release. Bode Morin, site administrator, said the village is pleased to welcome back the university’s archaeology field school. This is the sixth year that the archaeology team, led by Paul Shackel, a university professor, will be working in northeastern Pennsylvania. The archeology is focusing on Back Street, where the new immigrants tended to settle and live as they pursued economic stability, Morin said. Camille Westmont, a doctoral student at the University of Maryland, will use the results of the excavations for her dissertation research. Those participating in the excavations come from the region and as far as Arizona. Excavations are open to the public and also will be accessible during Patchtown Days on June 25 and 26. For more information, call the village at 570-636-2070, visit www.eckleyminersvillage.com or Facebook at Eckley Archaeology Project.
n Pine Grove: Two wildlife day camps for children are being offered this year at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. The first camp, for children ages 4 through 6, will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and the second camp, for children ages 7 to 9, will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Both are June 22 to 24. Both camps will be led by Patrick M. “Porcupine Pat” McKinney, environmental education coordinator with the Schuylkill Conservation District and are being run on a “donation only” basis, according to a press release. “We want to make the camps available to all children regardless of ability to pay,” McKinney said in the release, adding, “You can pay for one day or all three days, whatever you decide is fine.” The focus of each camp is learning about wildlife, insects and plants and will include activities designed to stimulate curiosity and natural awareness. The camps are sponsored by the Snayberger Memorial Foundation and the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. All campers must be registered in advance by calling McKinney at 570-622-4124, ext. 113 or emailing him at porcupinepat@yahoo.com.
n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Betty Burns from Dory Laudeman; for Regina Farber from the Ellen C. Schlitzer family; for Myrtle Y. Furness from Harold Furness; for Nancy Gellegher from Bette Chelak and Jacci Lord; for Keith D. Mitchell from Ellen and Jay Zane; for Ellen Schlitzer from the Donohue family, Peggy and Ralph Jaeger; for Florence Silberling from Margaret Thomas, Donald Schneider; for Susan Tonitis from Steve Lilienthal; for Regina J. Yanek from Dr. and Mrs. William R. Davidson.
n Pottsville: Laptime at the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 Market St., is set for 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The free event will include free play, readings, singing and a simple craft. It is a way to introduce young children to a group environment, according to a library press release. Siblings are welcome. The program will go from June 8 to July 27 and is recommended for children 17 months to 3 years old. People are asked to register. For more information, call 570-622-8880. Storytime, for children ages 3 to 5, will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays today through July 25 at the library. People are asked to register. The library will also sponsor “Builders’ Bonanza” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays in June and July beginning today, for children 5 to 12. It will involve creations with LEGOs and Goldieblox plus other educational toys. Donations will be accepted and people are asked to register. Family Night at the library will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays in June and July beginning July 9. There will be special programs and guests and children who participate will have the opportunity to take home prizes. Call the aforementioned number for more information.