Sounds of the Season

This weekend marked the annual holiday production of the Pleasant Valley Choral Society in the Pleasant Valley High School auditorium.The group of over 30 voices, under the direction of Dorothy Mohr, remembered deceased member George W. Prosser Jr. of Appenzell as they dedicated the program to him. They were accompanied by Tom Salmon and junior accompanist, Amanda Breidenbach.From traditional religious songs to innovative new songs, the group sang an overview of the upcoming holidays and winter weather as well as having the audience join in several numbers.The group will begin practices for its Spring Pops concert, set for April 16-17 on Friday, Jan. 7 at Zion Lutheran Church in Brodheadsville.New members are invited to try out at an informal audition at 6:30 p.m., both Friday, Jan. 7, and Friday, Jan. 14.Anyone with question may call (570) 402-2026.Joy, Joy, JoyAnother opportunity to listen to special holiday music is the annual Christmas cantata being offered by the 70-voice choir under the direction of Dan Smale, which includes folks from three churches and the community.It will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17, at St. Matthew's UCC, Kunkletown; Saturday, Dec. 18, at Effort UMC; and at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19, at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Brodheadsville.Cantata presentedThe Christmas Cantata at Zion Lutheran Church in Brodheadsville will be presented during the 10:30 a.m. worship service, Sunday, Dec. 19.Changed meetingThe Western Pocono Lions Club will not meet Wednesday, Dec. 15, but will instead meet for a holiday party on Saturday, Dec. 18.Free Christmas musicalPleasant Valley Assembly of God of Brodheadsville is holding its free Christmas musical "Glory in the Highest" on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m.Call (570) 992-6799 for more information.Installation heldCommunion stewards, serving the congregation of Effort United Methodist, were installed this past Sunday.They are now able to visit shut-ins and serve those shut-ins Communion.Children's Christmas PartyThe American Legion Post 927, Route 209, Gilbert, will host a Children's Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m.The event is limited to 100 children with two adults per family.There will be refreshments, caroling, prizes and a special treat for any child up to 10.Santa will be there so bring your camera.Deadline is Dec. 15 to sign up. For information call (610) 681-5838.Book discussion groupWestern Pocono Community Library's monthly book discussion group, The Bookworms, will meet Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. They will be discussing individual choices of books with a Christmas theme.For more information, call (570) 992-7934.The Friends of the Library group is looking for volunteers to help with fundraising and to run the Back Door Books shop. If interested, call Caroline at (570) 992-0160.Women of the ELCAZion's Women of the ELCA will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Zion Lutheran Church.Lioness meetWestern Pocono Lioness will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the American Legion on Route 209 in Gilbert.There will be a $10 secret gift exchange for anyone who wants to participate. Refreshments will be served.To join the club or for more information, call Arlene at (570) 992-5022.Choral concertPleasant Valley High School choral concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21.Prayer Shawl ministryThe next meeting of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Effort UMC will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21. For questions or to make donations contact the church office at (570) 629-1890 or call Mert Wolfe at (610) 681-6419.Chemo hatsMembers of the GFWC Western Pocono Women's Club are involved in a project to knit or crochet chemo hats for cancer patients, which are distributed through the American Cancer Society.Those hats represent small symbols of hope and love. They are made of any soft yarn such as baby yarn.Anyone wishing to donate such yarn or to help with the project by making hats can call Carol Esdale at (570) 722-3582.