Veterans Day is celebrated Nov. 11. We celebrate this holiday by remembering the sacrifices the men and women in the military made on behalf of our citizens and people around the world.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and sought to honor the veterans of the World War - the only world war to have occurred at that time. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday in 1938 to acknowledge world peace and then was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate the contributions of veterans of all wars.

Thank you for your service to all the veterans.

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Catty Seniors Plus will be meeting one week early this month due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The meeting will take place 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at Slovak Center Social Club, 1223 Fifth St. Doors open noon.

Voting for new officers will take place this month instead of in December, so the Christmas party can be a festive celebration with music, a great dinner and more. If you wish to attend the Christmas party, sign-ups will take place this month.

After the meeting, coffee and dessert will be served, followed by bingo.

If you have questions, call Dorothy Vassa at 610-264-2853.

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The next council meeting will be 7 p.m. Nov. 20 in the basement- level meeting room at borough hall, 1066 Fourth St.

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Mrs. Nothstein’s Helping Hands Fund will not be holding its homemade holiday craft and food sale this year. The group asks residents to support Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association’s holiday shop this November and December as many crafters who have participated in the homemade holiday craft sale event will have their items available for sale.

Mrs. Nothstein’s Helping Hands Fund hopes to be able to host its sale in future years and thanks everyone for their continued support.

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State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, is making residents aware that veterans assistance is available Dec. 7, and openings are available for this session at the Northampton district office, 2030 Center St.

On the first Thursday of each month, one of Mako’s district offices hosts the veterans outreach program.

Call the district office at 610-502-2701 to schedule an appointment.

During the special hours, a service officer from the American Legion is available to meet with local veterans and assist them with issues they may be having accessing benefits and services from the U.S. Veterans Administration.

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National Fire Prevention Month ended in October, but as a reminder, don’t forget to maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by testing them regularly, changing the batteries every six months and replacing alarms at least every 10 years. Also, be prepared with fire extinguishers. Ensure you know how to operate a fire extinguisher before needing to use it.

A big thank you to all of the firefighters who help to protect us every day.

The North Catasauqua and Catasauqua fire departments are always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in joining or would like membership information, email fireinfo@catasauqua.org or call 610-264-2121, ext. 318, or North Catasauqua Borough Hall at 610-264-1504.

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North Catasauqua Police Department is informing residents that, since 1947, the Marine Corps and Toys for Tots has been making a difference in the lives of American families.

Members of North Catasauqua Police Association will once again team up with the Marine Corps Reserve to collect and distribute as many toys as possible for children who are less fortunate. The Toys for Tots donation box has been placed in the lobby of borough hall.

The donation box is easily accessible during normal business hours. After hours, you may contact a member of the police department by calling the Lehigh County Communications Center nonemergency phone number at 610-437-5252 and you will be met by a police officer who will assist you.

Consider donating a new, unopened and unwrapped toy to support this significant and heartfelt cause. The donated toys will be picked up from borough hall Dec. 17 by the members of the Marine Corps Reserve.

If you have questions, call Officer Hazim at 610-437-5252.

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Catasauqua Community Food Bank, 527 Front St., is always looking for donations, especially with the holidays approaching. Items that are especially in need include jelly/jam, shelf-stable milk, canned soup, rice/noodle side dishes and canned fruits and vegetables.

If you have questions, call 610-264-8366.

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If you would like something to be included in the North Catasauqua column, please submit it to me at least two weeks in advance, especially if a certain date is involved with your submission. I can be reached by email at ncatacentennial@aol.com.

Happy Veterans Day! Have a great week ahead.