Applications for the Military Family Relief Assistance Program to help Pennsylvania soldiers and their families in need are available on the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Web site.

The Legislature started the program last year to ensure that families of military men and women are able to meet basic needs such as food, shelter and utilities, announced state Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th.Program assistance is given to members of the armed forces living in Pennsylvania if they serve on 30 or more consecutive days of active duty with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard; or the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps Reserves.The program applies to certain family members of eligible service members as long as the relatives are residents of Pennsylvania.Ellis noted that through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities and from individuals who have made donations in memory of Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers killed in action in Iraq, the relief program is growing steadily.Donations can be made via a direct contribution or through a checkoff on the state personal income tax form. All gifts will be paid into a special fund to help military families; no donated monies will be used for administering the program.Direct contributions can be made by sending a check to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program; c/o Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Fort Indiantown Gap; Annville, PA 17003-5002. Donations are tax- deductible.For information, contact Ellis' district office at 724-283-5852, or visit the DMVA Web site at www.dmva.state.pa.us.———District Judge

Sue Haggerty of Saxonburg was recently recertified as a member of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System following completion of her 2006 continuing legal education work.The weeklong instruction program in Chambersburg is required for all district judges.