Fastnacht Day was celebrated Feb. 21 at the Whitehall Active Community Center.

The senior center, 2301 Pine St., was host to a number of local residents enjoying a variety of fastnachts.

Joining the group were Whitehall Township police Lt. Greg Bealer and Sgt. Leah VanNote, who addressed the group and answered questions.

Attendees’ concerns included the alleged illegal motorcycles and ATVs that have reportedly been causing havoc on the township streets. Bealer detailed the force’s difficulty and liability in controlling these events. The force normally has five officers active at one time.

Bealer said the police monitor social media sites for ongoing and recorded illegal activities.

The senior group also expressed concerns about parking issues. Bealer said the department’s 36 patrol officers handled 22,000 calls last year.

He said they are doing their best to get out there to handle all reported incidents.

The department is short three officers and has six or seven ready to retire, Bealer said. On the upside, nearly 100 applications have been submitted for review.

The group also conveyed their concerns about scammers. VanNote advised the group on how to handle scammers using email, phone calls or computer prompts.

Scammers love to target the elderly, she said. The highly recommended advice is to “go to the source.” In other words, if you are contacted to help a loved one, immediately contact the loved one. Do not release any personal information to the scammer. Hanging up is also a good idea.

VanNote also announced the newly formed Whitehall Crime Scene Processing Unit. The unit has seven people, which allows them to expedite crime solving within the township.

Bealer spoke about the recent passing of police K-9 Max and the effort it will take to get a replacement. At this time, the department is not seeking a replacement.

Bealer also spoke of the new township police station at the municipal building and offered guided group tours.