The Mercer County Branch of the NAACP wants the public to know it is still in operation.

The local chapter was inactive for about a year due to new regulations in the national organization that forced it to remain temporarily inactive, until certain national mandates could be met.

The national NAACP mandated that all elected and appointed officers and executive committee members undergo certification training in order to stay at their posts. Members who didn't complete training sessions by the June 30, 2001, deadline were removed from their positions. Training sessions were offered in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Allentown, Pa.

According to a notice from the national board of directors, the training was intended to provide members with basic tools and knowledge needed to perform duties and responsibilities in the association and the community. After many members, including several local ones, were removed from office for not completing the training, the national board decided to offer more training for officers to become eligible again. That formal training concluded March 31.

The branch paid for 24 members to attend training in Washington, Pa., and the local organization was reorganized and made functional during its Feb. 24 meeting. Rastapari Hailstock of Farrell was named the new president for a two-year term and said he is "excited about it."

"So many people think we are just out of business," he said. "I'm excited about it. The only thing is, I realize it's a pretty hard job. It's not an easy job, but I am optimistic that we will have the cooperation of the mass community."

The local branch, which holds a banquet every year, plans to continue being active in the community, Hailstock said. Members plan to place a stronger focus on education, political affairs and community relations, he added.

"We hope to follow relations with all the officials in the county and hopefully iron out some of the rough spots," he added.

In keeping with its focus, the branch has organized a candidates night set for 6 p.m. May 17 at the Mercer County Housing Authority Community Center, 211 Federal St., Farrell. All county, city and township candidates are invited, Hailstock said. Each candidate will be given ample time to speak.

The public also is invited to attend the upcoming NAACP meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in Valley Baptist Church, 500 Sharon-New Castle Road, Farrell.