n Pine Grove: The Pine Grove Senior Citizens group is sponsoring a trip to the Azalea Festival in Norfolk, Virginia, for four days and three nights April 21-24. The cost is $575 for double occupancy. The event will include a parade of nations, marching bands and drill teams, charter bus transportation, three breakfasts, three full-course dinners, taxes and gratuities. For more information, call 570-345-3106.
n Pottsville: The Schuylkill Area Community Foundation has announced that scholarship and grant applications are available online at www.sacfoundation.com for Schuylkill County students and nonprofit organizations that are federally recognized 501(c)3 groups serving Schuylkill County and the surrounding area. SACF awards grants annually from its discretionary grant-making resources through an open, competitive process that addresses the changing needs of the community, according to an SACF press release. All requests should be limited to $2,000 and the deadline is March 15. Call Sharon Koszyk at 570-624-7223 with questions about the grant application process. The foundation, according to the release, is “dedicated to growing the donor base, increasing the number of endowment funds, and encouraging all donors to ‘Give Locally, Help Locally.’ ” Collectively, SACF manages $17.5 million in assets representing 154 endowment funds. Donations for the funds are accepted at any time throughout the year and in any amount. Those who prefer to donate but remain anonymous will have their requests honored. Call the aforementioned number to make a contribution or for more information.
n Pottsville: The Schuylkill County Coalition of Historical Societies and Museums will host the 14th annual Schuylkill County History Faire in recognition of American History Month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 13 at Fairlane Village mall. According to a coalition press release, the faire will offer visitors “a glimpse of the rich and colorful heritage and history of Schuylkill County’s boroughs and communities” and will be represented by 15 county historical organizations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to buy historical publications and items, obtain membership information and garner genealogical research information. The coalition, according to the release, was founded 13 years ago by Orwigsburg Historical Society President Jennifer Bowen to provide an opportunity for local historical societies to network and pool their resources. The coalition and its members also provide educational services relating to local history, preservation and genealogy. For more information, call Bowen at 570-617-7809.
n Pottsville: A Friendly’s Family Fun Night will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at Friendly’s Restaurant near Fairlane Village mall to benefit the Pottsville Area High School Drama Club. A portion of the restaurant’s proceeds will benefit the club’s upcoming presentation of “Shrek the Musical.” There will also be baked goods for sale and a raffle basket. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-691-4602.
n Schuylkill Haven: The Schuylkill Haven and Vicinity Council of Churches will have an Ash Wednesday service at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 10 at Penn State Schuylkill campus, featuring Lenten scripture readings, reflections and distribution of ashes. For more information, call 570-385-1750.
n Valley View: An American Red Cross blood drive is set for 2 to 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 1382 W. Main St. 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.