It only takes a small fraction of your time and minimal effort to help carry out various projects to improve the community. The following are upcoming events in need of volunteers:
MoonShine Paul/Crew Xtra Point Pig Roast/Poker Run
A pig roast and poker run is set for Saturday. Registration for the poker run will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Rob's Goodtime Grill, Market and Spruce streets, Shamokin, with the run immediately following. The cost is $20 per rider and $5 per passenger.
The day will continue with a pig roast, including food, drinks, entertainment, a bake sale, 50/50 drawing and basket raffle, at the Fairview Gun Club in Coal Township. Cost for the roast is $15. DJ Boppin' with the Big Guys is on tap from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by a performance by the band, Dying to Live, which will continue until 11 p.m.
For more information, contact MoonShine Paul at 271-1852, Matt Renn at 975-9543, Bill Krebs at 259-3127 or Jamie Smith at 898-2594. All proceeds benefit the Shamokin youth football league.
Chinese auction/$20 night for Brian 'Pudge' Christiana
A Chinese auction and $20 night will be held Saturday at the Redman Club in Shamokin to help defray medical costs for Brian "Pudge" Christiana who recently suffered a spinal cord injury.
The Chinese auction is from 3 to 6 p.m. Prizes, including theme baskets, a recliner, pictures, a weatherization package and much more, will be drawn at 7 p.m. It is not necessary to be present to win your prize.
The $20 night will follow from 6 to 11 p.m. Food wil include barbecue, hot sausage, chicken fingers, hot dogs, ziti, haluski, pigeons and salad. Beverages and desserts will also be available and music will be provided by Tim Barret (Rock-Republik Djz). There will be raffles, 50/50 drawings and freebies.
Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: Knockers, Market Street, Shamokin; Redman Club, Market Street, Shamokin; Masser's Restaurant, Route 61, Paxinos, or by calling Rich and Sue at 259-1734, or Joan at 259-6566.
Volunteers are needed to set up tables, arrange auction items or volunteer their time during the benefit. Donations of supplies, flood and monetery gifts are also appreciated.
Cleanups scheduled at proposed AOAA land
In conjunction with the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Program, the Northumberland County Planning Department will conduct a cleanup at the proposed Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AAOA) Saturday and Sunday. Participants are to meet at 9 a.m. each day in the area of the trail head located at Route 125 outside Burnside. The cleanup will focus on the eastern portion of the property, specifically the location of the proposed non-motorized trail head. All local people, especially those interested in hiking, walking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding, are invited to help. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided. For more information, contact the Northumberland County Planning Department at 988-4220.
Other upcoming events:
Grave Robbers Run
A Halloween/Shamokin-themed version of the amazing race coined "The Grave Robbers Run" will start at noon Oct. 20. Teams of four are encouraged to pre-register by calling 205-3572. All ages are welcome. Regular registration is at 11 a.m. the day of the event at the bandstand at Third and Arch streets in Shamokin. Cost is $40 per team. Prizes include $200 for first place, $100 for second and a mystery prize for third. A Grave Robbers Ball costume party will be held following the race at 5 p.m. Independence Fire Company hall (upstairs) in Shamokin. Food and beverages (including adult beverages) are included with race fee. Those not participating in the race can pay $10 at the door. The ball will include a 50/50 drawing and basket raffle.
The event is being held by Coal City Revitaliztion Inc., and all proceeds will be donated to local community projects.
LARRC seeks volunteers
Members of Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee (LARRC) are working toward constructing a recreation area near Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, including two soccer fields, batting cages, a walking track and a playground. The group is hoping to break ground this fall. Volunteers are needed to donate time, machines, craftsmanship and any other services. For more information, contact George Zarick at 850-3087, Jerry Waugh at 394-4327 or Coal Township manager Rob Slaby at 644-0395.
Arch St. Playground Cleanup
A cleanup will be held at the Arch Street Playground in Coal Township at noon Sunday. For information, contact coalregionpride@yahoo.com.
$10 night for Ava Mae
There will be a $10 night at 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 20 at the Redman Club (upstairs) on Market Street, Shamokin. Proceeds benefit the family of Ava Mae Hauer to cover medical costs.
Ava was born with Joubert Syndrome, a rare brain malformation characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination. The most common features include abnormally rapid breathing, decreased muscle tone, jerky eye movements, intellectual and developmental disability, an inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements and various physical deformities.
Zombie Run
Coal City Revitalization Inc. will hold a 2.7 mile "Zombie Run" at 1 p.m. Oct. 27. Participants are to meet in the Shamokin Post Office parking lot for registration at 11 a.m. The cost is $20 per person and the proceeds will be donated to local projects to better the community. There will also be activities for kids in the lot.
Community cleanup slated for Nov. 4
A community cleanup organized by Shamokin Elementary fourth-grade student Rosalind Kane will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. Participants are to meet at the bandstand at Third and Arch streets. Rosalind organized a Labor Day cleanup in which 35 area residents donated an hour to spruce up various areas around town.
(The News-Item is looking to highlight some of the things to which you can contribute time in the area. We will provide that information weekly in Friday's edition. We invite you to submit ideas and existing projects to living@newsitem.com or give us a call and let us know what's going on in the move toward a better community.)