Northampton Press

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs reminds veterans and their dependents they should never pay for assistance to apply for veterans’ benefits.

Accredited veteran service officers are allowed by federal and state laws to help to identify, determine eligibility and apply for a wide range of benefits on the local, state and federal levels.

Penn State Extension

Individuals who are interested in learning more about how healthy living habits can benefit your brain and body are encouraged to participate in a workshop offered by Penn State Extension 10-11:30 a.m. April 7 at Catasauqua Municipal Building, 90 Bridge St.

The Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research program is designed for individuals of any age who are interested in healthy living and aging well.

Master Gardeners

Penn State Master Gardeners will hold a workshop on the African violet 10 a.m.-noon March 14 at Blocker’s Coffeehouse, 309 Front St., Catasauqua.

African violets are readily available with a variety of leaf and flower colors and patterns. Workshop participants will learn about soil, light and fertilizer requirements, common issues and propagation techniques.

With registration, participants will be given a pot, soil and an African violet to take home.

The deadline to register is March 6. There is a cost.

Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club Inc.

Amateur radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world or even into space, all without the Internet, land-line phones or cellphones. It’s fun, social and educational and can be a lifeline during times of need.

Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club offers free classes to prepare interested persons for the short entry-level FCC amateur radio license test and the start of enjoyment in amateur radio communications.

Emmaus Chorale

The Emmaus Chorale is seeking additional voices for its spring concert, “It’s a Grand Night for Singing.” Weekly rehearsals begin 7 p.m. March 3 at Faith Presbyterian Church, 3002 N. Second St., Emmaus, and will culminate in a public concert at the church, set for 3 p.m. June 7.

All voice parts, particularly low voice, are welcome.

This 45-member community choir, which is based in Emmaus, is open to participants throughout the Lehigh Valley. Auditions are not required. Membership is $25 per rehearsal set.

Zion United Church of Christ

There will be a special presentation of “I Am Paul,” where the apostle speaks from prison, 10:45 a.m. Feb. 23 at Zion United Church of Christ, 620 W. Hamilton St., Allentown.

It is open to the public.

The production will be in honor of the many years of service by the church’s senior pastor, the Rev. Bob Stevens, who is retiring May 31.

The role of Paul will be enacted by Sunny Sweigart, of Act 1 Productions LLC. Local singer and actor Dan Rambo will voice the role of Jesus.

Fair Districts PA

Fair Districts PA will host an information session 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at Northampton Area Public Library, 1615 Laubach Ave., on gerrymandering and how to end the system that allows the drawing of districts to benefit one political party.

The session is free and open to the public.

Fair Districts PA, a project of the League of Women Voters, is a nonprofit statewide organization that supports an impartial, transparent and accountable system for drawing boundaries for congressional and state legislative seats.

MASTER GARDENERS

Penn State Master Gardeners will hold a workshop on the African violet plant 10 a.m.-noon March 14 at Blocker’s Coffeehouse, 309 Front St., Catasauqua.

African violet plants are readily available with a variety of leaf and flower colors and patterns. Workshop participants will learn about soil, light and fertilizer requirements, common issues and propagation techniques.

With registration, participant will be given a pot, soil and an African violet to take home.

The deadline to register is March 6. There is a cost.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

The Office of the State Fire Commissioner has approved approximately $800,000 in grants in support of emergency services in Northampton and Monroe counties.

Book fair

Lehigh Valley Press, Times News and Vigilant Fire Company, of Slatington, are hosting a used book sale to benefit the Newspapers in Education program, which supplies newspapers to classrooms throughout the region, April 30 through May 3.

We are accepting books, paperbacks, books on tape, CDs, Blu-ray and DVDs in good condition at our offices through April 9.

Please, no dictionaries, encyclopedias or magazines.