Brenda Hill is rightfully proud of the bright, new hall at Penn Forest Fire Company, which will also be used as a Carbon County Emergency Center.

"Four years ago we had 40 people living here for a week," said Hill. "There are showers for handicapped in the large new restrooms."The new hall is 65-by-75 feet and replaces a smaller room with dark paneling. Now called Whispering Pines, it can seat 299 people and is air conditioned.With tables placed at both ends of the room, there is plenty of space for a deejay or a band and dancing. A mirror ball that changes color is in the center of the room.Brenda and husband Bud, a 55-year member of the fire company, have been planting flowers outside so it matches the beauty of the inside. They sold plants, did car washes and flea markets to raise money for the project.The company received a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development and has taken out a mortgage for the renovations.Furniture in the foyer was donated by Mary Enck Real Estate. There is a porte cochere which provides a dry place for entering and exiting cars when the weather is bad.Sconces around the walls provide an aesthetic addition. Lights can be dimmed.People who rent the hall do their own decorating.Rentals come with or without the kitchen. Anyone renting the kitchen can use the stove, refrigerator and microwave to reheat or cool food brought to the hall. There is a big icemaker and a small bar. The fire company will cater a meal if desired.Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts use the room for meetings.Penn Forest does not have an auxiliary. Women members are called social members.An all-you-can-eat breakfast is offered every second Sunday.For information call (570) 325-5533.